What is a Chocolate Cyst (Endometriosis)?
They are benign tumors that do not turn into cancer. The endometrium, which is located in the inner part of the uterus and forms the inner layer of the uterus, thickens every month with the menstrual cycle in order to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. The endometrium is where the embryo will develop and grow if an egg cell, released each month by the woman’s hormones, meets a sperm cell and fertilization occurs. However, if fertilization has not taken place during that month, i.e. there is no pregnancy, the endometrium is expelled from the body with some blood. In this way, menstruation occurs. This cycle repeats every month.
Although the exact cause is not known, the endometrium tissue can settle in a different area outside the uterus. These places are generally; ovaries, inner abdomen, different parts of the uterus. However, since they exhibit their old habits in the area where they settle, adhesions or infections may occur over time. Because in the uterus, this layer can come out when it is excreted from the body with the blood, while the endometrium layer settled in an area outside the uterus cannot be excreted from the body. For this reason, it can accumulate over time and cause cysts. In this case, a chocolate cyst is formed.
What is the structure of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis tissues are located outside the uterus and the bleeding that occurs collects in the ovaries to form a chocolate cyst. The color of the fluid accumulated in the cystic structure is dark and its structure resembles melted chocolate. This is why this disease is called a chocolate cyst.
Chocolate cysts, which can occur in two ovaries or one ovary, are benign cysts that usually do not cause cancer. The large size of the cysts requires surgical treatment.
Chocolate Cyst Endometriosis Ovarian Endometrioma
What are the symptoms of a Chocolate Cyst?
- Painful menstrual periods,
- Observation of blood in the urine,
- Diarrhea or constipation problems,
- Pain during sexual intercourse,
- Pain in the joints,
- Chronic pelvic pain,
- Difficulty conceiving,
- Bruises on any part of the body,
- Blood in the stool,
- Burning sensation during urination
- Nosebleeds that may occur during menstruation.
How does a Chocolate Cyst (Endometriosis) occur?
There is no clear information on why this occurs. However, genetic causes are heavily emphasized. It is present in 10% of women in the reproductive period. It is seen in 40% of women with infertility problems.
Endometriosis, which manifests itself with symptoms such as intense painful menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse and pelvic pain, can also develop without causing any symptoms in some patients.
The definitive diagnosis of endometriosis is made with blood tests and ultrasonography. However, pathologic evaluation may also be requested in various cases. However, it is usually detected by gynecological examination and ultrasound images.
Chocolate Cyst Endometriosis Ovarian Endometrioma Symptoms Treatment
How is a Chocolate Cyst treated?
Treatment methods for chocolate cysts are decided according to the area where the cyst is located, the size of the cysts and the number of cysts. Surgical methods are the most definitive treatment for chocolate cysts. Even if there is a risk of recurrence after surgery, surgical methods are the most effective treatment. Surgery can be performed by open or closed method. Some patients may not need surgery. It is sufficient to keep these patients under strict control.
What are the chances of getting pregnant after treatment of a Chocolate Cyst?
Not all women with endometriosis are infertile, but 40 percent of women with infertility have chocolate cysts. However, it should not be forgotten that there are many factors affecting conception at this stage. Especially the age of the woman, the duration of infertility and the factors that cause infertility affect the chance of pregnancy. If the patient is 35 years of age or older, the chances of spontaneous conception are low, even if Endometriosis has been treated surgically. If, after endometriosis surgery, the couple has had regular and unprotected sexual intercourse for 1 year but has not been able to have a child, they should definitely consult a fertility specialist.
You can contact for detailed information:
Instagram : dralpersismanoglu
Facebook : OpDrAlperSismanoglu
