Ovarian diseases can appear at any age. The most common are inflammation, polycystic ovary syndrome, and benign cysts. They must not be underestimated as they pose a threat to women's he alth. Below are the most important information about ovarian diseases.
Ovarian cyst
The cyst resembles a fluid-filled balloon. Usually the size of a walnut, but it can also be larger than an orange. It occurs singly or there may be several cysts, they are located in one ovary or in both. The cause ofcystsis usually caused by hormonal imbalances. Most of them are benign changes, but some can be malicious.
Disturbing symptoms:Usually they do not cause discomfort. Only when they are large, abdominal pain, flatulence, pain during intercourse, and more frequent urination may appear.
Necessary tests:A transvaginal ultrasound is performed. If a suspicious lesion is found, the gynecologist orders hormonal tests, sometimes also tumor markers (CA 125 and CA 199).
Effective therapy:Usually it is enough to observe the cysts, because they are often absorbed during the following menstrual cycles. However, sometimes they require treatment with hormonal drugs, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory agents. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the cyst (through traditional surgery or laparoscopy).
Good to know:Even after healing, new cysts may form, so remember to have regular check-ups.
Ovarian tumors
Ovarian cancerranks second (after cervical cancer) in terms of the incidence among cancers of the reproductive organ. In Poland, it is often diagnosed too late, when the chances of a cure are significantly reduced. The risk of developing the disease increases after the menopause, when a sister or mother has had ovarian cancer, and when a family history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or colorectal cancer has been reported. Obese and childless women are also at greater risk.
ImportantWhy are the ovaries so important?
The ovaries are the site of the maturation of the eggs and the production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prepare the lining of the womb to receive a fertilized egg. In working orderthe ovaries are therefore a necessary condition for a woman's fertility. Estrogens also have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, bones, heart and blood vessels, and on well-being.
Disturbing symptoms:Initially, ovarian cancer does not cause any discomfort. In the later stage of the tumor, there is enlargement of the abdomen, indigestion, a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, pain or pressure in the abdomen. When the disease is advanced, constipation or urination disorders may be troublesome.
Necessary examinations:the gynecologist performs a gynecological examination and a transvaginal ultrasound. He also orders a blood test for the presence of CA 125 protein.
Effective therapy:After the diagnosis of cancer, the operation is performed - its scope depends on the nature of the lesion and the patient's age. The next stage of treatment is chemotherapy.
Good to know:The risk of developing the disease decreases with the number of children born and in women using birth control pills (the protective effect is associated with the inhibition of ovulation).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is also known as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or polycystic ovary syndrome, as many small follicles (cysts) form in the ovaries of women suffering from this disease. The situation is aggravated by the fact that polycystic ovaries produce too much of the male hormone - testosterone (in small amounts it is necessary for women, but in excess it interferes with ovulation). The causes of PCOS are not fully understood. It is known, however, thatpolycystic ovary syndromemay have a genetic background. It is associated with cellular insulin resistance and excess insulin in the blood (too much insulin in the body causes increased production of male hormones in the ovaries), as well as obesity.
Disturbing symptoms:The most common are menstrual disorders - bleeding is rare and sparse, it can also disappear completely. There are also problems with the skin (persistent acne), the hair becomes greasy quickly. There may be hirsutism, i.e. excessive male hair growth (e.g. on the chin, abdomen, breasts, back).
Necessary tests:Transvaginal ultrasound is performed (12 or more bubbles with a diameter of 2-9 mm indicate PCOS), hormonal tests, determination of sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels.
Effective therapy:Treatment is aimed at eliminating hormonal disorders, improving the cyclicality of menstruation, restoring ovulation and dealing with acne and hirsutism. The treatment is determined individually. Usually, birth control pills or anti-androgen medications are used. When many months of therapy do not workeffects, surgery may be necessary (most often performed laparoscopically).
Good to know:PCOS as much as 70 percent. cases is the cause of infertility.
Adnexitis
Appendices is a collective term for the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Because they are close together, inflammation in one of these organs usually spreads to the other. Adnexitis is most common in young, sexually active women (the risk of infection increases if a woman has intercourse with several partners). Women using contraceptive pills are less exposed (thickened cervical mucus is a barrier to bacteria). The main cause of the disease is bacteria (including staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and sexually transmittedchlamydia ). In most cases, they enter the ovaries and fallopian tubes from the outside (through the vagina and uterus), which is favored by e.g. menstruation, childbirth and puerperium, miscarriage, curettage of the uterine cavity, intrauterine device, improper intimate hygiene, swimming in a swimming pool, using public toilets without adequate protection, intercourse with a partner who has an intimate infection. Sometimes it also happens that bacteria are transferred to the appendages through blood from other inflammatory foci (tonsils, sinuses, teeth, appendix) or as a result of infectious diseases (e.g. angina, tuberculosis).
Disturbing symptoms:As inflammation develops, sudden, severe abdominal pain occurs. This may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and a raised temperature. Symptoms usually worsen during and immediately after your period. Occasionally there is vaginal discharge. Difficulties in urinating as well as diarrhea, constipation, and intestinal colic may also appear.
Necessary tests:The gynecologist will perform a gynecological examination and a transvaginal ultrasound (it allows you to check if there are, for example, cysts in the ovaries and fallopian tubes). He will also take a cervical swab. He can also order a blood test.
Effective therapy:Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are used to fightinfection , prevent or open the fallopian tubes from sticking together, and relieve ailments . The treatment must not be interrupted. You have to stay in bed for a few days. When the disease is acute, hospital treatment may be necessary.
Good to know:Untreated or untreated adnexitis turns into chronic inflammation, which usually recurs (just a small stimulus, e.g. lying in a wet suit) after shorter or longer periods without symptoms . Discontinuation of treatment results in intraurethral adhesions that may lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
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