What’s the Difference Between Ovarian Cysts and Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop on the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. Though they’re similar to ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled ovarian cavities that sometimes develop as part of the monthly developing egg’s follicle, fibroids are really quite different for a number of reasons.

The Causes.

Many times, ovarian cysts develop as the result of a menstrual cycle’s normal functions. These cysts are known as functional cysts. Dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas are other types of cysts, and are caused by the cells that produce human eggs, ovarian tissues, and endometriosis, respectively.

It is unknown, however, what causes fibroids.

The Symptoms.

The symptoms of ovarian cysts, if present, could include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, pain during bowel movements, pain during intercourse, pelvic pain shortly before the menstrual cycle, and lower backaches. Medical attention is recommended if ovarian cysts begin causing sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, or if pain is accompanied by fever or vomiting. Though infrequent, the more common signs and symptoms of fibroids, though, include back or leg pain, constipation, frequent urination, pelvic pressure, and prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding.

The Treatments.

Ovarian cysts are less of a problem than uterine fibroids, and doctors may recommend either waiting things out until the cysts go away on their own, taking birth control, or surgery if the cyst is large or growing. As for uterine fibroids, there are a few different fibroid tumor treatments. There are medicinal fibroid tumor treatments, which can help keep the symptoms in line and could shrink them; there are minimally invasive fibroid tumor treatments, which can properly eliminate them; and then there are surgical fibroid tumor treatments. Doctors typically recommend minimally invasive fibroid tumor treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, because these outpatient procedures are not only effective, but incredibly safe.

With so many different ovarian cyst and uterine fibroid treatments out there, there’s no need for you to suffer from either ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids. Talk to your doctor about your ovarian cyst or uterine fibroids treatment options. If you have any questions about cyst or fibroid tumor treatments, feel free to ask in the comments.