Ovarian Cysts and PCOD

What are ovarian cysts?
A cyst is a fluid filled sac that can form anywhere in the body. Ovarian cysts are these fluid filled sacs that grow on or within the ovaries. There are two classifications of ovarian cysts: (1) functional cysts and (2) non-functional cysts. Functional cysts usually form during the menstrual cycle while non-functional cysts can form at anytime.

How do ovarian cysts affect fertility?
The ovaries are the glands that are responsible for storing and releasing mature eggs for possible fertilization. Ovarian cysts prevent the process of ovulation by blocking the release of the eggs. If ovulation is not allowed to occur then there is no chance of becoming pregnant, hence the fertility problem.

What causes ovarian cysts?
An ovarian cyst is caused when the follicle does not properly mature and release an egg. Ovarian cysts are caused as a result of a failed body process, not some outside factor.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Many times women will experience no signs of ovarian cysts but for those that do, the most common ones include:
~ Abnormal bleeding
~ Pelvic pain
~ Breast tenderness
~ Pain during sexual intercourse
~ Weight gain
~ Problems passing urine
~ Painful periods
~ Nausea and/or vomiting
~ Pressure and/or swelling in the abdomen
~ Fever
~ A dull ache in the thighs or lower back

Is there anything that can be done to prevent ovarian cysts?
Unfortunately there is no way to prevent ovarian cysts. But the good news is that a majority of ovarian cysts are never detected because they cause no pain, are not cancerous, and will just go away on their own.

What is PCOD?
PCOD or PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Disease / Syndrome. PCOD is very similar to ovarian cysts in that it is a condition in which the ovaries do not properly release mature eggs. The main difference between ovarian cysts and PCOD is that in the latter, the ovaries produce too much androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) and there are multiple cysts at one time.

How does PCOD affect fertility?
A woman who has PCOD will have her ovaries and fertility affected in one of three ways:
1. An egg is developed from a follicle within the ovary. With PCOD, at least 12 follicles will develop each month which is above the normal amount in a properly functioning ovary. It is these follicles that are the cysts and many times they are non-cancerous.
2. Despite the large amount of follicles produced each month, they don’t fully mature and therefore, no egg is released, ovulation does not occur and menstrual cycles will be non-existent or disrupted.
3. The ovaries begin to produce high levels of testosterone.

What causes PCOD?
There is no known cause of PCOD however, researchers believe is could be genetic or caused as a result of insulin.

What are the symptoms of PCOD?
Similar to ovarian cysts, some women may never experience any symptoms at all but for those that do, the most common symptoms include:
~ Increased growth of hair on the face, back, toes, chest and stomach
~ Acne with oily skin
~ High cholesterol
~ High blood pressure
~ Weight gain concentrated in the waist
~ Pelvic pain
~ Ovarian cysts

Is there anything that can be done to prevent PCOD?
Although there is no way to prevent getting PCOD, there are ways to treat the symptoms associated with this disease.

The Numbers Don’t Lie:

• PCOD affects between 5 – 10 percent of childbearing women.
• According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2003 there were approximately 500,000 women of childbearing age suffering from PCOD.
• Almost 80% of women will develop an ovarian cyst at some point in their life.