Follicular cyst is the most frequent type of benign cyst of the ovary, which is usually filled with fluid or blood, which affects women of childbearing age, especially between 15 and 35 years of age.
Having a follicular cyst is not serious, nor does it require medical treatment, because it usually resolves on its own within 4 to 8 weeks, but if the cyst ruptures, emergency medical intervention is necessary.
This cyst forms when an ovarian follicle does not ovulate, which is why it is classified as a functional cyst. Their size varies from 2.5 to 10 cm and are always found on only one side of the body.
What are the symptoms
The follicular cyst has no symptoms, but when it loses its ability to produce estrogen it can cause menstrual delay. This cyst is usually discovered on a routine exam, such as ultrasound or pelvic exam. However, if this cyst ruptures or sprains, the following symptoms may appear:
- Severe pain in the ovary, in the lateral part of the pelvic region; Nausea and vomiting; Fever; Breast tenderness.
If the woman has these symptoms she should seek medical help as soon as possible to start treatment.
The follicular cyst is not cancer and cannot become a cancer, but to be sure that it is a follicular cyst, the doctor may order tests such as CA 125 that identifies the cancer and another ultrasound to follow up.
How to treat follicular cyst
Treatment is only recommended if the cyst ruptures, because when it is intact there is no need for treatments because it decreases in 2 or 3 menstrual cycles. Laparoscopic surgery to remove the cyst is only recommended if the cyst ruptures, being called a hemorrhagic follicular cyst.
If the cyst is large and there is pain or some discomfort it may be necessary to use analgesics and anti-inflammatories for 5 to 7 days, and when menstruation is irregular, you can take the birth control pill to regulate the cycle.
If the woman is already in menopause the chances of her developing a follicular cyst are minimal because at this stage the woman no longer ovulates, nor has menstruation. Thus, if the woman after menopause has a cyst, further tests should be done to investigate what may be.
Who has follicular cyst can get pregnant?
The follicular cyst appears when the woman was unable to ovulate normally, which is why those who have a cyst like this have more difficulty getting pregnant. However, it does not prevent pregnancy and if a woman has a cyst on her left ovary, when her right ovary ovulates, she may become pregnant if there is fertilization.
