Chocolate cyst: The condition in which the endometrium tissue lining the uterus settles in organs outside the uterus is called endometriosis (chocolate cyst). These tissues bleed with menstrual bleeding and cause some complaints.
Chocolate cyst, also known as endometriosis, is a problem related to infertility. It has been revealed that the incidence of the disease is high in women who cannot become pregnant.
What is Chocolate Cyst?
Chocolate cyst is one of the most common problems experienced by women of reproductive age (15-49 years). While chocolate cyst is commonly seen in women between the ages of 25 and 35, its incidence is 30-40% in women with infertility problems and 70% in women with painful menstruation, painful intercourse and chronic groin pain.
The mother or sister of the chocolate cyst The risk of being seen increases even more if it is in first-degree relatives such as.
Chocolate cysts are seen in the following areas of the body;
- Ovaries: It is most frequently seen in the ovaries, with a rate of 60-75%. Endometriosis disease in the ovaries is called endometrioma, that is, "chocolate cyst".
- Peritoneal membrane
- Tubes
- Vagina
- Bladder and urinary tube
- Belly button
- Intestines
- Old operation suture areas,
- Lungs, diaphragm, spinal canal, brain , in other parts of the body such as eyes, breast tissue, heart, arms and hands, and spleen
Why Does Chocolate Cyst Form?
Although the exact cause of chocolate cyst formation is not known, the main opinions are as follows;
- During menstruation, the intrauterine tissue flows back into the abdominal cavity through the tubes and settles into the abdomen,
- There is an increase in the amount of estrogen hormone (resulting in changes in some cells).
- Spread of uterine tissue through blood
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental factors What are the Symptoms of Chocolate Cyst? The main symptoms caused by chocolate cyst are as follows;
- Menstrual pain
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Feeling pain while urinating and/or bloody urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Infertility
- Menstrual irregularity
Who Gets Chocolate Cysts?
Chocolate cyst can occur in all women of reproductive age, but it is most commonly seen in women in their 30s. When menstrual bleeding ends with menopause, the complaints caused by chocolate cysts also end.
Also;
- Those who have frequent and long periods,
- Those who started menstruating at an early age. Those,
- Those who entered late menopause,
- Those who consume too much caffeine,
- Those with a family history of chocolate cysts,
- Congenital uterine abnormalities. Those
- Those who consume a lot of meat and fat constitute the risk group for the chocolate cyst problem.
Problems Caused by Chocolate Cyst
- The pain it causes, etc. It negatively affects the person's business and social life with complaints,
- It negatively affects our sexual life,
- It makes it difficult to get pregnant.
How is Chocolate Cyst Diagnosed?
In cases such as severe menstrual pain and infertility, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. The gynecologist will perform ultrasonography if he deems it necessary. In this way, if there is a chocolate cyst located in the ovaries, it can be visualized. In addition, advanced imaging methods (computed tomography, MRI) or some blood tests may be requested from the patient.
To make a definitive diagnosis, the laparoscopy technique, in which the inside of the abdomen is viewed with a camera at the end of a thin tube, may be used.
Chocolate Cyst Treatment
In the treatment of chocolate cyst, painkillers and birth control pills are prescribed by the doctor. Surgical intervention may also be required in the treatment of chocolate cyst. Surgical intervention is performed by laparoscopy.
The aim of drug treatment is to reduce the level of estrogen hormone. Surgical treatment aims to open adhesions, eliminate endometriosis foci and remove ovarian cysts.
For women who cannot get pregnant due to chocolate cysts; In vitro fertilization treatment is recommended.
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