Ovarian Cysts: Dr. Daiter, Eric, MD

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacks on or within the ovaries. Many women, especially of reproductive age, have ovarian cysts at one time or another. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and painless and they require no treatment. Functional non-threatening cysts such as these dissipate on their own in a matter of months. Though many ovarian cysts cause no pain or symptoms, there are several symptoms to watch out for that can indicate ovarian cysts of a more serious nature. Ruptured ovarian cysts can lead to palpable and sometimes serious symptoms. There is a range of possible ovarian cyst symptoms and many of them are similar to those symptoms of other conditions such as, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. One common symptom of ovarian cysts is a dull aching in the abdominal area. Other symptoms include abdominal pain or pressure caused by a ruptured cyst, pain during sexual intercourse, painful or delayed periods, tender breasts, nausea, or pain during bowel movements. There are a few different types of ovarian cysts. A functional cyst is formed during ovulation as a result of egg production. This is the type of cyst typically goes away on its own. A dermoid cyst is filled with tissues that include skin or hair. An endometrioma cyst forms when tissue similar to the uteral lining attaches to the ovaries. Cystadenoma cysts occur on the cells on the outside of the ovaries. Polycystic ovarian disease can occur when several cysts cause the ovaries to swell and produce a substantial outer covering on the ovaries that can cause infertility issues as it can prevent ovulation altogether. Women who are on oral contraceptives rarely have functional cysts due to the fact that this method of contraception stops ovulation. For this reason, doctors sometimes prescribe oral contraceptives to shrink functional ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts that do not respond to hormonal treatment may require surgery. Early detection of ovarian cysts can be key in resolving the issue with less extensive and invasive treatments. Women that have had ovarian cysts before are more likely to develop cysts again. Ovarian cysts coupled with endometriosis can sometimes lead to the necessary removal of the ovaries. Ovarian cysts in post menopausal women are more likely to have malignancies. Regular pelvic exams will help with the early detection of ovarian cysts. If you experience sudden intense pelvic or abdominal pain especially if it is accompanied by fever and vomiting, please seek immediate medical attention.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter (Daiter, Eric), the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Daiter, Eric please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women. Women can develop PCOS if there are too many male hormones in their bodies and not enough female hormones. This affects ovulation rates and can make ovulation irregular or non-existent in some women. PCOS causes the ovarian follicles to stop growing. If the follicles do not grow, then they can not release an egg. The follicles don’t reach maturity and they just continue to build up as small to midsized cysts on the ovaries.
The cysts that form on the ovaries release estrogen. The estrogen produced by the ovarian follicles use androgenic or male hormones during this production process. If ovulation doesn’t occur, then the male hormone levels stay high. The result can affect the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This can severely impact your ability to ovulate.
There are a few symptoms of PCOS that your doctor will look for when diagnosing PCOS as your cause of infertility. Your symptoms may include obesity and insulin resistance, as well as an excess amount of body hair. These symptoms affect about half of the women experiencing PCOS. Your doctor will also look for irregularities in your menstrual periods. This could be very heavy or very light bleeding, fluctuating cycle lengths or the cessation of periods all together. Acne is a common PCOS symptom, as well as skin discolorations around the genitals, chest and arm pits. Conceiving can be difficult and is often the trigger that gets women to the doctor for their diagnosis.
Diagnosing PCOS can be difficult and often includes ruling out many other possibilities. Your doctor will go over your symptoms and family history. A family history of obesity and/or diabetes can be a factor. Since PCOS can cause insulin resistance, weight loss can be difficult, blood sugar levels can be high, high blood pressure is a risk, and all of these things can lead to diabetes or heart disease. Your doctor may do an ultrasound to look for cysts, but some women with the hormone imbalances of PCOS don’t have cysts, and some women with cysts don’t have PCOS. This makes the diagnosis a little more difficult and many other things may need to be ruled out before a PCOS diagnosis will be given.
A heart healthy diet and regular exercise are essential when you’re trying to control the effects of PCOS. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help balance your hormones. There isn’t an actual cure for PCOS, but controlling the symptoms can greatly reduce your risks of the serious side effects of PCOS. Losing even a small amount of weight can help bring your hormones back into balance and restore your fertility. Your doctor may also want to lower your insulin levels with medicine to increase your chances of conceiving. If you’re not planning on conceiving, then birth control pills can help regulate your periods. With PCOS, the lining of your uterus can build and build. This can lead to uterine cancer if not treated. Birth control pills can significantly reduce this risk by ensuring that you menstruate monthly.
There are many other therapy options that you can discuss with your doctor. Keep in mind that hormone therapies do not help decrease your heart disease and diabetes risk. Therefore, you should take the healthy diet and exercise advice very seriously.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.