Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Ovarian Cyst And Pregnancy : A Functional Relationship

By Amanda Clark

Having an ovarian cyst and pregnancy is quite common nowadays. This is rather strange, since cysts are technically abnormal but surprisingly true. Ovarian cysts are formed when a sac filled with blood, tissue, or fluid develops. In a pregnancy, these cysts typically have fluid in them.

There are different types of ovarian cysts. Most cysts during a pregnancy are functional. This means that they occur because of normal functions in the ovaries. Luteum and follicular cysts are the two types of functional cysts. Some women choose to use birth control to prevent this normal function.

The corpus lutuem is a main function for pregnancy. It is released from the ovaries after the egg and distributes progesterone. The corpus luteum ranges from 2cm to 6cm and dissolves naturally. It can develop into a cyst, especially when it is larger. Any symptoms it causes normally diminish by the second trimester.

The follicle holding the egg released from the ovaries can also develop into a cyst. This type of cyst is called a follicular cyst. In a pregnancy this type of cyst occurs when multiple eggs are released. The unfertilized egg may become a follicular cyst. When there are symptoms they may persist into the second trimester.

Just because they are functional doesn't mean there isn't pain. Functional cyst can grow quite large and cause problems. A ruptured cyst can mean several hours of abdominal pain. If a cyst attaches to the body it may began to twist. Twisting can also cause lots of pain and even nausea from blocked blood supply.

Some cysts develop into a serious disease called ovarian cancer. As ovarian cancer mostly affects women in menopause, it is rare in pregnancy. It should not be a worry, but many doctors will check for cancerous cysts.

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