Knowing the difference between cyst and fibroid can be tricky. Both are annoying, both cause pain, and both can be hard to treat and remove if they are not detected early and treated early. Both of these conditions affect women, are gynecological complications, and can both cause infertility issues. These are rather common conditions that women of child bearing age can experience.
What Are Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are small to large fluid filled sacs within the ovaries. They often develop as a piece of the folic of the developing egg. Once you ovulate, the follicle begins to produce progesterone. If too much is produced, it can cause a cyst. Most of these cysts are non-cancerous, however should be monitored. The primary symptoms of an ovarian cyst include pelvic pain on one side (or both if you have cysts on both sides), pelvic pressure, enlargement of your abdomen or unexplained weight gain, and bowel and bladder complications such as pain or difficulty when using the bathroom or the frequency in which you go may rise (bladder).
Can These Be Treated?
Treatment options for ovarian cysts vary, but most are able to clear up cysts easily. If your doctor thinks that it is small enough, they may suggest a wait and see approach as the body will see the cysts as a foreign object and try to dispel it on its own. Birth control medication may reduce and eliminate ovarian cysts (dosages are often higher than if you were taking just for pregnancy control). If they are larger, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopic surgery.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that affect the smooth muscle of the uterus. They are the most common pelvic tumor in women and about of women will have them at some point. Around of women in the child bearing years who have fibroids will have symptoms, mostly affecting women 30 to 40. These fibroids are often smaller once menopause has happened. Women of color are more likely to experience fibroids than Caucasian women.
Types of Fibroids
There are different classes of fibroids. The Subserosal class is located in the outer layer of the uterus. Intramural are found inside of the wall of the uterus. Submucous class is found within the uterine cavity. Most fibroids are Subserosal and intramural. Symptoms and signs of a uterine fibroid include heavy bleeding (during your cycle), pelvic pressure, urination problems such as going too often, painful intercourse and pregnancy problems. Bleeding outside the cycle time should be evaluated by your doctor.
The most common removal method is through surgery, however, birth control pills in higher doses are also used in addition to shrinkage with Uterine fibroid embolization (a form of radiation).
While both can cause fertility problems, if they are caught early and treated vigorously, infertility problems can be reversed. Women who have had either of these complications in the past are not exempt from recurrence and may find that reoccurrences are worse. Women who have had miscarriages and premature births are also more susceptible to these complications.