Ovarian Cyst during Endometriosis
Ovarian Cyst during Endometriosis
Sometimes, a woman will also develop an ovarian cyst while suffering from the condition of endometriosis. This condition happens when the endometrial tissue lining the uterus begins to grow on the outside of the uterus. This produces a lot of different symptoms one of which is the development of cysts on the ovary. Endometriosis, in itself, is a very common occurrence amongst women who are of childbearing age. But when an ovarian cyst develops during endometriosis occurs, it can become a real problem.
This type of cyst can sometimes become malignant and has to be monitored closely. However, not all women who develop endometriosis will develop cysts. There are other concerns with this condition, though. This is because the tissue growing on the outer walls of the uterus can spread to other locations in the abdomen.
The ovaries are reproductive organs which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle. The misplaced tissue swell when these hormones are active and when the hormone levels fall to normal levels, the tissues bleed. When this extra tissue is where is should be, inside of the uterus, this blood is just passed off as part of the menstrual blood. It is this extra tissue being on the outside of the uterus which develops into an ovarian cyst during endometriosis.
Endometriosis can be a very erratic condition and differs from one case to another. Sometimes the extra tissue remains stable in one spot without invading other areas. However, in some cases, it will grow into the pelvic area. The offending tissue then begins to encase other organs. This can often lead to painful cramps, infertility and painful intercourse.
The cramps experienced with endometriosis are sometimes the same as having an ovarian cyst. This is because the cells contained in endometriosis produce prostaglandins. The prostaglandins can stimulate uterine contractions which are very painful. As the condition continues to develop, these contractions become more painful. This is only in some cases, and there are some women who have this condition for a long time and never know it.
Pain during sex is not uncommon when a woman has an ovarian cyst. But endometriosis, even when there is no cyst, can cause painful intercourse. This may possibly due to the scar tissue which is irritated from the friction motions of sex.
As mentioned earlier, some women with endometriosis do develop ovarian cysts. These are known as “chocolate cysts”. This is due to the buildup of blood inside of the cyst which darkens to a brown color over time. These cysts can sometimes grow to be 3 or 4 inches in diameter or they can be very small.
Sometimes these types of cysts can rupture. This can be excruciatingly painful when they rupture and can cause the endometriosis to spread rapidly. If caught in time, these cysts are removed by a simple surgery called a laparoscopy.
If you should have endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis with an ovarian cyst, don’t ignore this as it is a very serious condition. Seek medical help immediately.
