Can ovarian cysts be caused by endometriosis?
BY DR. BROOKE WINNERYes, ovarian cysts can be caused by endometriosis, a condition where cells similar to those in the uterus grow outside of it.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
Endometriosis can result in inflammation, pain, and complications like fibrosis (thickening of tissue) and adhesions (organs sticking together).
An endometrioma is a specific type of ovarian cyst that forms when endometriosis cells create a cyst on the ovary, filling it with old blood over time.
While larger endometriomas can be detected through ultrasounds and other imaging tests, smaller endometriosis spots may not be visible.
If someone has an endometrioma, it likely indicates a more advanced stage of endometriosis (stage three or four).
To confirm if a cyst is truly an endometrioma, surgery is often necessary to examine the cells under a microscope. However, imaging suggesting an endometrioma is a strong indicator of this condition.
Understanding these connections can help you navigate the implications of endometriosis and its impact on ovarian health.
Do you prefer to watch it?
Watch Dr. Brooke Winner briefly explain how endometriosis creates endometriomas and what that means for diagnosis and treatment in this quick video.
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