Ovarian Cyst And Pregnancy : A Functional Relationship

By Amanda Clark

Did you that it is common for an ovarian cyst and pregnancy to coexist? Cysts, although technically abnormal, are relatively normal during pregnancy. An ovarian cyst is a closed sac that develops in the ovary. These sacs can be filled with fluid, blood or tissue. During pregnancy, they are normally filled with fluid.

Ovarian cysts are classified into different types. For childbearing women, most cysts are what's called functional. A functional cyst is the result of the natural functions of the ovary. Women who use birth control disrupt the natural function and do not have as many cysts. There are two types of functional ovarian cysts.

The corpus luteum is responsible for making progesterone and helps begin pregnancy. It is a small sac that ranges in size from 2 cm to 6cm. It leaves the ovaries following the egg and remains in the body for early pregnancy. When it remains longer than it should it can form a luteum cyst. Most of the time there are no symptoms, but if there are they typically go away by the second trimester.

The follicle holding the unfertilized egg can also develop into a cyst. This type of functional cyst is called follicular. During a pregnancy, the follicle dissolves and the egg is released and fertilized. When there are more than one egg, the extra eggs are not always released. This follicle may not dissolve and rather form into a cyst and grow. Most follicular cysts also go away by the second trimester.

Even though these functional cysts are rather normal, they can case pain. Cysts that grow to large are able to rupture. Ruptured cysts can cause several hours of pain. Cysts can also attach to other surfaces and twist. Twisting cuts of blood supply causing nausea and pain.

If a functional cyst attaches to the body and becomes twisted that is also painful. The twisting can reduce blood supply and cause nausea.

Ovarian cysts and pregnancy are related because they are a function of the childbearing woman. Most ovarian cyst are harmless and go away naturally. If they do become a serious concern, a doctor can diagnose and remove them. - 30540

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