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Ovarian Cysts in Pregnancy

Ovarian cysts are diagnosed in approximately 1 in 1,000 pregnancies , with the majority discovered  during  first-trimester ultrasound examinations. While most are benign functional cysts that resolve spontaneously, approximately 2-5% will require intervention due to complications such as torsion, rupture, or malignant transformation. The physiologic changes of pregnancy—including increased vascularity, uterine enlargement, and ligamentous laxity—create unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Classification and Clinical Significance Functional Cysts 1. Follicular Cysts Develop when a dominant follicle fails to ovulate or regress Typically 2-5 cm, unilocular, and anechoic on ultrasound Most resolve by 1 6 weeks gestation  as hCG levels decline 2. Corpus Luteum Cysts Present in 100% of early pregnancies (physiologic) Average size 3 cm (range 1-11 cm) Critical for progesterone production until 10-12 weeks May hemorrhage but rarely rupture (<1% of cases) Pathologi...
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Ovarian Cysts: Clinical Presentation and Pharmacologic Management

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Ovarian cysts are a common gynaecological condition and may cause significant morbidity, including pain, infertility, or life-threatening complications such as rupture or torsion. Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate intervention are critical to preventing adverse outcomes. In many African healthcare settings, barriers such as limited access to specialized gynecological care, cultural stigma surrounding reproductive health, and low health literacy contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians play a pivotal role in patient education, ensuring women understand the implications of ovarian cysts—including their potential impact on fertility and indications for surgical intervention. This article delineates the clinical manifestations of ovarian cysts, explores pharmacologic strategies for symptom control and cyst resolution, and outlines circumstances in which surgical management becomes warranted. 1: Clinical Manifestations of Ovarian Cysts Ovarian cysts may be incid...
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From Myths to Evidence: A Clinical Review of Ovarian Cysts

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Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or around the ovaries . The female body has two ovaries responsible for the production of eggs and hormones for reproductive activity. Ovarian cysts are mostly linked to the reproductive cycle. However, they also affect post-menopausal women. Causes of ovarian cysts may be functional or pathological. Functional Cyst: These develop as a part of the normal process of fertilization. They are more common than pathological cysts and are often benign. These cysts usually resolve on their own within months. Follicular Cyst: The ovaries contain many follicles, about 300,000, that house the eggs. During puberty, these follicles mature and release the eggs. Follicular cysts happen when these follicles do not release the egg but rather get swollen and filled with fluid. Corpus Luteum Cyst: These happen when the progesterone-producing corpus luteum, after ovulation, does not dissolve but instead produces a cyst. Pathological Cyst: These are caused by abnor...
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