It is fairly common for most women to develop ovarian cysts. In many cases these cysts are relatively harmless, have no symptoms and will disappear without any specialized treatment. In some cases, however, a cyst is defined as a complex ovarian cysts. While these types of cyst are far less common they can be harmful to a womens health and need to be treated. Complex ovarian cysts are given this name because, in contrast to simple ovarian cysts, they are made up of solid and liquid elements. These growths fall into three main categories: cystadenomas, dermoid cysts and endometrioma.

The ova, cells that form human eggs, can develop a form of complex ovarian cyst called a "dermoid cyst." Dermoid cysts can contain hair, teeth, and/or skin; this is because they have the potential to become any kind of tissue in a human since they are "non-differentiated cells." While they are usually non-cancerous, dermoid cysts can become very large and result in pain by causing the ovaries to become twisted.

A type of complex ovarian cyst which occurs when a woman has endometriosis is called an "endometrioma". Women with endometriomas suffer from uterine cells that grow outside the uterus and become attached to their ovaries, creating a growth after several periods. An endometrial cyst could become very large, reaching the size of a tennis ball or even bigger. This disease may be partially blamed on genetics. The symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, pain before or after one's period or during intercourse, painful urination or bowel movements, general tiredness and erratic menstrual cycles.

Cystadenomas are a complex ovarian cyst affecting ovarian tissue. . Liquid-filled cystadenomas can cause pain if the ovaries become twisted from their development. There are two types of cystadenomas. Serous cystadenomas contain a thin liquid and can grow to 2-6 inches in diameter. In comparison, the liquid in a mucinous cystadenoma is sticky and gelatinous. Mucinous cystadenomas may grow as large as 6-12 inches in diameter.

While complex ovarian cysts frequently cause pain and other obvious signs as they develop in size, such symptoms can be similar to those of endometriosis or an ectopic pregnancy. Women who suffer from complex ovarian cysts frequently feel discomfort in the pelvis around their periods and during sexual activity. In addition, they may have menstrual problems including abnormal bleeding or cessation of menstruation. Complex ovarian cysts may also cause symptoms similar to those experienced during pregnancy, including breast tenderness, vomiting and nausea.

The diagnosis for complex ovarian cysts is generally done via a manual pelvic examination from your health care provider. Another method is to use pelvic ultrasounds on a frequent basis to support the original diagnosis. The initial examination requires that the women undergo a pregnancy test as well as a blood test to rule out pregnancy as a possible reason for the symptoms. It is important that individuals take the diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst seriously, contacting their health care provider whenever they experience severe pain in the abdomen and pelvic area.

A woman's age and symptoms are sometimes considered in making a diagnosis of complex ovarian cysts. Although not all ovarian cysts are cancerous, complex ovarian cysts must be tested to rule out cancer and to determine an appropriate course of treatment.