What you need to know about Chocolate Cyst or Ovarian Endometrioma

Are your menstrual periods incredibly painful? Do you sometimes experience severe pain in your lower abdomen even on days when you don't have your period? If so, the cause of this pain could be a tumor that has formed on your ovary, a "chocolate cyst" as many people call it. Don't be scared when you hear this name. Today, we'll talk about everything in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Endometrioma?

To understand this, we first need to know a little about a condition called endometriosis . Simply put, endometriosis is a condition where tissue very similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, in other parts of the body. It often develops in places like the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

So, when this endometriosis tissue grows on one of your ovaries, it forms a lump because of the old blood that has been accumulating inside it for a long time. That lump is what we call an endometrioma . Although it is actually a lump, it is actually a fluid-filled sac (cyst).

Why is this called a 'Chocolate Cyst'?

It has such a strange name for a very simple reason. Inside this cyst is old blood that has accumulated and thickened over months. The color of this blood is a dark brown color, like melted chocolate syrup. That is why it is known as a 'chocolate cyst' among doctors and the general public.

Do you suspect you have this condition? Check out these symptoms

The main and most common symptom of endometrioma is pelvic pain . This pain can occur at any time, not just during menstruation. However, there may be several other symptoms.

The size of these cysts also varies. Some are very small, while others can grow very large. They can also develop in one or both ovaries.

What is the real reason for this?

Doctors are still not 100% sure what exactly causes endometrioma. However, there is one main theory that is thought to play a role. It is called retrograde menstruation .

In simple terms, it's like this. When you have your period, the lining of the uterus sheds and comes out through the vagina along with blood. But sometimes, instead of being shed through the vagina, a small amount of this blood and lining moves back up the fallopian tubes and up to the ovaries. The lining gets deposited there, and every month, under the influence of your hormones, it thickens and starts bleeding, just like the lining of the uterus. This buildup of blood is what causes a tumor called an endometrioma.

Who is at higher risk of developing this condition?

• If someone in your family has endometriosis: If your mother or sister had this condition, you are at risk of developing it too.
• If you started menstruating early: Generally, those who started menstruating before the age of 11 are at slightly higher risk.
• If the menstrual cycle is short: If the menstrual cycle lasts less than 27 days.
• If the menstrual period lasts for a number of days: If the bleeding lasts for more than 7 days.
• If there are any abnormalities in the uterus or fallopian tubes.

What complications can this cause?

In addition to severe pain in the lower abdomen, endometrioma can cause several other complications. It is very important to be aware of this.

• Infertility: This is the main fear of many people. Cysts can cause inflammation and scar tissue around the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can prevent the release of eggs and their passage through the fallopian tubes. However, with good treatment, this condition can be avoided and the chances of having children can be increased.
• Bowel and bladder problems: The cyst can grow and stick to surrounding organs such as the bowel and bladder, causing constipation and difficulty urinating.
• Endometrioma rupture: This is a rare condition. However, if it does occur, the fluid inside the cyst can leak into the abdominal cavity, causing sudden, severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. This is a medical emergency.
• Ovarian cancer risk: Don't be alarmed by this. The chance of an endometrioma turning into cancer is very small . But because there is a very small risk, your doctor will monitor the cyst.

How do you find this, Doctor?

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, you should definitely see a doctor. He or she will likely run these tests.

1. Pelvic Exam: If the cyst is large, it can be felt through a pelvic exam.

2. Scans: A transvaginal ultrasound scan is the most common. This can give a good idea of ​​the size and nature of the cyst. Sometimes an MRI scan may also be done.

3. Laparoscopy: This is the best way to confirm this condition 100% of the time. This involves making a few very small holes in the abdomen and inserting a thin tube with a camera inside to look directly at the ovaries. At that time, a small piece of the cyst can be taken for examination (biopsy) or the cyst can be completely removed.

Are you testing anything else?

Yes. Your doctor may order some more tests to see if there is another cause for your symptoms.

• Complete blood count (CBC): Check for anemia or infection. Endometriosis can cause anemia due to heavy bleeding.
• Urinalysis: To confirm whether the pain is due to a urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs): These tests are done to rule out some STIs, as their symptoms can be similar to these.

What are you doing as treatment?

Treatment for endometrioma depends on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and whether you want to have children. There are three main treatment options.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently?

For common symptoms, it is enough for you to go to the clinic and see a doctor. However, if a cyst bursts, it is an emergency. In such a case, you should immediately go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

Watch out for these symptoms:

• Sudden, unbearable, severe abdominal pain.
• Fever.
• Vomiting.
• If you feel lifeless or faint.

Endometrioma is a painful condition that can have a huge impact on your life. But the best thing is, there are good treatments for it. Don't ignore your symptoms, talk to your doctor, and start a treatment plan that's right for you. It can help you live a pain-free, quality life.