A functional ovarian cyst is caused by one or more slight changes in the way the ovary produces or releases an egg. If you are postmenopausal, you are not ovulating and rarely develop a functional ovarian cyst. But in the five years after menopause, some women still have functional ovarian cysts occasionally. It is also possible to have one that you developed when you were still ovulating.

Some chemotherapy medicines, like those in the alkylating agents group, can cause infertility. These types of chemotherapy medicines can be used to treat many different kinds of cancer, not just cancers that affect the reproductive organs. Chemotherapy can cause infertility by either reducing the number of eggs in your ovaries or by causing early menopause. Menopause is when menstrual periods stop, because the ovaries run out of eggs. See similar questions...

There is no reliable study to support the claim that infertility treatment causes ovarian cancer. One highly publicized study suggested a link between ovarian cancer in women who had received ovulation induction drugs. These women were also infertile and infertile women are at greater risk for ovarian cancer whether or not they receive ovulation induction drugs. It was not possible to determine if the increased risk was due to the women's infertility or drug treatment. See similar questions...

Your doctor may find an ovarian cyst during a routine pelvic exam. He or she may then use a pelvic ultrasound to make sure that the cyst is filled with fluid. In a few months, after you have been through 2 or 3 menstrual cycles, your doctor will recheck you. The cyst is likely to go away on its own during this time. If you see your doctor for pelvic pain or bleeding, you'll be checked for problems that may be causing your symptoms. See similar questions...

Eggs grow, develop, and mature in the ovaries and then are released during ovulation, part of the monthly menstrual cycle that occurs during the childbearing years. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries when the follicles (sacs) on the ovary that contain the egg mature, but do not release the egg into the fallopian tube where it would be fertilized. See similar questions...

The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not known. However, studies show that the following factors may increase the chance of developing this disease: Family history. First-degree relatives (mother, daughter, sister) of a woman who has had ovarian cancer are at increased risk of developing this type of cancer themselves. The likelihood is especially high if two or more first-degree relatives have had the disease. See similar questions...

Some studies have shown that breastfeeding and taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may decrease a woman's likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. These factors decrease the number of times a woman ovulates, and studies suggest that reducing the number of ovulations during a woman's lifetime may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. See similar questions...

Ovarian cancer is a rare disease; the chance of a young woman developing an ovarian malignancy during her lifetime is lower than 1.5%. A number of factors have been found to increase the risk of ovarian cancer, including genetic predisposition and dietary habits. Scientific studies carried out in the last few decades have demonstrated that infertility itself is a risk factor for ovarian cancer. See similar questions...

Unfortunately, both ovarian and breast cancer risks increase after menopause. The most common type of ovarian cancer is generally found in post-menopausal women. Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur after age 50. Therefore, strategies to improve early detection of cancers and pre-cancerous changes are very important during the menopause transition and after menopause. Preventative health care is a very important consideration. See similar questions...

Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if the woman has suffered from multiple miscarriages. See similar questions...

Cysts are large (sometimes over 5mm in diameter), hard bumps below the skin surface. They are similar to nodules, with only one exception – they are pus-filled. They can be painful and long-lasting. They may cause scars, especially if they are popped. In such situation they become more painful and the inflammation lasts longer than when they are left alone. See similar questions...

Yes. However, cysts in non-Persian cats are relatively rare, regardless of the cause. So the current theory is that almost all cysts found in Persians and related breeds will be PKD cysts. Dr. Biller will be conducting research to help establish exactly how frequently cysts are found in non-persian cats. This study should help us understand the frequency of non-PKD kidney cysts in Persians, and possibly even provide clues about how they can be differentiated from PKD cysts using ultrasound. See similar questions...

Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to a family history of the disease may consider having their ovaries removed before cancer develops (prophylactic oophorectomy). This procedure usually, but not always, protects women from developing ovarian cancer. The risks associated with this surgery and its side effects should be carefully considered. A woman should discuss the possible benefits and risks with her doctor based on her unique situation. See similar questions...