Endometrial cysts: diagnosis and treatment of the endometrium "Chocolate" Cysts

Endometrial cysts are also called endometriomas or “chocolate cysts” because they are filled with dark blood that resembles chocolate syrup. They are the result of a condition known as endometriosis.

Endometriosis occurs when pieces of tissue break off the uterine lining and attach to organs outside the uterus. In about 50 percent of cases, these patches of tissue collect on one or both ovaries.

After successive menstrual cycles, these misplaced sections of endometrial tissue bleed and gradually form endometrial cysts. Over time, as the cysts grow, they can become as large as a grapefruit.

Because they often cover large parts of an ovary, these large cysts can prevent ovulation and cause infertility.

Some women have no symptoms when such a cyst is present, while others experience severe menstrual pain and cramps during intercourse or when having a bowel movement.

Diagnosis of endometrial cysts

A complete medical history and a complete pelvic exam are very helpful in diagnosing endometriosis and its resulting complications, such as ovarian cysts.

During the physical exam, your doctor may find signs of the disease, including nodules formed due to endometriosis in the back of the vagina, in the rectum, and in the ligaments that support the uterus. Other signs include tender and enlarged ovaries, lumps in the abdomen, or a retracted uterus attached to the rectum.

o Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to locate endometriotic formations in soft tissues.

o Ultrasound is used to examine masses of tissue attached to the uterus and ovaries.

o Many doctors consider a technique called laparoscopy to be the only safe and reliable way to distinguish between endometriosis, pelvic growths, and other conditions that produce symptoms similar to endometriosis.

By inserting a small lighted lens from a laparoscope through the belly button, the doctor can see inside the abdomen and examine the surrounding organs. Endometrial tissue formations outside the uterus can be distinguished from cysts, tumors, fibroids, or adhesions. Fallopian tube obstructions and pelvic inflammatory diseases can also be identified.

Although complications are rare, when a large endometrial cyst ruptures and spills into the pelvic cavity, it can cause internal bleeding. The contents of the cyst can also spill onto other organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines. This can lead to the formation of scar tissue; resulting in pain and potential fertility problems.

Endometrial cysts are usually treated with surgery or medicine.

Surgical techniques

Surgery is often used to remove an endometrial cyst to preserve fertility. The most common technique is laparoscopic surgery in which the surgeon inserts a telescopic device into the patient’s abdomen through a small incision below the navel.

The doctor’s goals during this procedure are to remove the ovarian cyst or cysts, provide quick pain relief, and reverse infertility.

Laser surgery is sometimes used to cauterize ovarian cysts.

Medical treatments

Doctors will generally prescribe drug therapy to treat endometrial cysts only when the patient is not trying to conceive. Medications for such applications are usually hormones that prevent ovulation. This reduces the production of uterine cells and makes recurrence of these cysts less likely.

Natural treatments relieve pain and allow you to avoid surgery.

If you suffer from endometrial cysts, you should seriously consider natural measures to reduce the size of the cysts and prevent them from reappearing. Such treatments would allow you to avoid surgery.

Dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbs can help you manage endometrial cysts while balancing your hormones and improving your overall health while strengthening your immune system and organ functions.

Instead of undergoing surgery or seeking relief through hormones, medications, pain relievers, or other medications, you can apply natural methods to relieve pain and disease caused by endometrial cysts.

And natural methods are safe for you and your baby if you are pregnant.