Different kinds of developments can form around your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. But not all of these growths are the same thing; in fact, there are three main types. Polyps, fibroids, and cysts. Each of these three types of developments has different characteristics and symptoms, and is usually associated with some diseases, like endometriosis!
Fibroids
Fibroids are typically benign (non-cancerous) growths of muscular tumors, and are often also called leiomyomas. Cancerous fibroids are extremely uncommon. Fibroids grow in the muscular wall of the uterus and are made of muscular cells and fibrous connective tissue. We don’t know the exact cause of uterine fibroids, but their cause is thought to be related to hormone fluctuation.
Fibroids only develop in the uterus, but can impact other organs, causing symptoms in other parts of the body. Some symptoms of fibroids can include: heavy/long periods, bleeding between periods, lower back pain, frequent urination, difficulty conceiving (getting pregnant), and pelvic pain or pressure. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be a good idea to see a doctor.
Cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can be found anywhere in the body, including in or around female reproductive organs. Two common types of these are follicular cysts and endometrioma. Endometrioma, endometrial cysts, and chocolate cysts are all the same thing; they are sacs filled with old blood growing outside the uterus. This cyst is usually associated with stage 3 or 4 endometriosis.
Functional cysts are cysts formed by your body during your reproductive cycle. Functional cysts are follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. These are usually harmless. A follicular cyst can form when the follicle fails to release an egg and fills with liquid. Similar to this, a corpus luteum cyst forms after the egg is released, and the corpus luteum fills with too much fluid.
Symptoms of functional cysts usually occur when they rupture or twist, and can include: pelvic pain, sharp or dull pain, fullness, pressure, or bloating. Symptoms for endometrioma can include: painful intercourse, infertility, and severe menstrual cramps.
Uterine Polyps
Polyps are small and soft, common cell clusters that grow on the lining of organs like the uterus, colon, or rectum. Most polyps are non-cancerous, but some can develop into cancer. Uterine polyps grow on the endometrium, or the inner wall of the uterus, and they are an overgrowth of cells. Uterine polyps are most common in people who are going through or have finished menopause. It’s also important to note that some people who have polyps can experience nothing at all, while others might feel the following symptoms: bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, unpredictable periods, heavy periods, and infertility.
These different, common types of growths can affect how you live as a woman. If you think you have these symptoms, do not be afraid to reach out to your healthcare provider! Also, check out how to advocate for yourself in healthcare here.
Difficult Words:
Cells: Pronounced: “sells.” Definition: The smallest unit of life. Cells can live on their own, or they can make up bigger living organisms with other cells.
Corpus luteum: Pronounced: “KOR-puhs LOO-tee-umm.” Definition: The temporary organ that forms from a ruptured follicle after ovulation and produces hormones. It supports early pregnancy and degenerates if pregnancy does not occur.
Cyst: Pronounced: “sist.” Fluid-filled sacs that can be found anywhere in the body, like follicular cysts and endometriomas.
Endometriosis: Pronounced: “En-do-ME-TREE-o-sis.” Definition: A disease commonly found in women and girls of reproductive age. Read more.
Endometrium: Pronounced: “en-dow-MEE-tree-umm.” The inner lining of the uterus that is regrown and then shed during the menstrual cycle to prepare for possible pregnancy.
Fallopian Tube: Pronounced: “fuh-LOW-pee-uhn TOOB.” Definition: The hollow tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, where the egg travels to the uterus, and where fertilization typically takes place.
Fibroids: Pronounced: “FAI-broydz” Definition: Non-cancerous growth of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue in the uterine wall.
Follicles: Pronounced: “FAA-luh-klz.” Definition: Tiny fluid-filled sacs that protect and nurture eggs to maturity in the ovaries until ovulation. These become the corpus luteum after ovulation, and the egg has been released.
Hormone(s): Pronounced: “HOR-mown.” Definition: the chemical messengers that regulate biological processes like reproduction, growth, and metabolism.
Infertility: Pronounced: "in-fir-TI-luh-tee." Definition: The inability of someone to have a baby.
Leiomyomas: Pronounced: “lai-ow-mai-OW-muh.” Definition: Non-cancerous tumors from the smooth muscle cells in the uterus. Also known as uterine fibroids or myomas.
Menopause: Pronounced: “Me-NO-pause.” Definition: The time during a woman’s life when menstruation stops permanently, and you can no longer get pregnant. This normally happens around 50.
Ovaries: Pronounced: “OW-vr-eez.” Definition: The pair of small organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs and hormones.
Tissue: Pronounced: “TI-shoo.” Definition: A group of cells that work together to do a specific job in the body.
Tumors: Pronounced: “TOO-murz.” Definition: Groups of cells that are not normal, which grow in lumps or growths.
Uterine Polyps: Pronounced: “YOO-tt-uhn PAA-luhps.” Small and soft common cell clusters that grow on the lining of organs like the uterus, colon, or rectum. Most polyps are non-cancerous; some can develop into cancer.
Uterus: Pronounced: “YOU-ter-us.” Definition: The pear-shaped hollow organ inside a woman’s pelvis. This is where the baby grows, also called the womb.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20378709