Symptoms and Causes of Inflamed Ovaries

6. Cause: Cysts

Cysts are the most common cause of inflamed ovaries, affecting around 18 percent of women. The two main types are functional cysts and pathological cysts. Most functional cysts disappear without treatment, especially in women who are still menstruating. The doctor may monitor post-menopausal women closely, as their cysts are more likely to be pathological and could be pre-cancerous. The most common reaction to these cysts is to monitor them and see if they disappear on their own, but particularly large or potentially cancerous cysts may require surgical removal. Women with multiple cysts on each ovary may have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Lifestyle changes and hormonal medical treat this condition.

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