Introduction
Ovarian cysts mainly affect women of reproductive age, globally. These cysts are categorically divided into functional cysts and neoplastic growths. Functional cysts are attributed to normal physiologic processes of the ovaries, and they are further divided into follicular and corpus luteum cysts. This paper tends to give insight into the treatment approaches used to treat ovarian cysts in comparison to similar conditions, specifically, endometriosis and amenorrhea.
Drug Therapy
Follicular cysts tend to resolve by themselves without treatment within 60 to 90 days. The use of oral contraceptives was effective in reducing the incidence of functional cysts. Subsequently, clinicians postulated that birth control pills were also as effective in treating the cysts. This postulation was based on an observation that women who took birth control pills had fewer cysts. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that oral contraceptives limit the activity of gonadotropins, which promote follicular growth (Grimes, Jones, Lopez, & Schulz, 2011). Blesi, Wise, and Kelley-Arney (2012) give another rationale for using the contraceptives: administration of the oral contraceptives or progesterone for five days helps to normalize the hormonal cycle and initiates ovulation. Fritz and Speroff (2012) emphasize the importance of high-dose formulations of oral contraceptives to resolve ovarian cysts. It is important to note that even if oral contraceptives are associated with resolution of ovarian cysts, concrete data on the efficacy of these contraceptives are lacking.
Follow-up
Watchful waiting is the mantra adopted by clinicians in the follow-up of ovarian cysts. A patient is closely monitored to determine if the cyst is malignant or not. In the event that cysts persist regardless of drug therapy, surgery becomes the ideal option.
Differences in Treatment Modalities
Ramesh and Shashikala (2012) indicate that both surgical and medical interventions are useful in the management of endometriosis. The differences in treatment modalities between endometriosis, amenorrhea and ovarian cysts are subtle due to similarities in treatment techniques. Unlike ovarian cysts that can easily resolve themselves, endometriosis is mainly cured through surgical intervention. The National Health Service suggests that endometriosis only tends to resolve itself among women nearing menopause (2014). Surgical intervention is guided by the need to remove endometrial tissue. Yet, in ovarian cysts, surgical intervention is only necessary when tests confirm the cyst to be malignant.
Also, while oral contraceptives have a curative effect on functional cysts, they have a prophylactic effect on endometriosis to prevent recurrence (Fritz & Speroff, 2012). The treatment for amenorrhoea, just like ovarian cysts, depends on its nature that is largely linked to an underlying cause. In the event of structural anomalies, surgical intervention is paramount. Pubertal induction, alongside exogenous oestrogen, helps to resolve primary amenorrhoea, while secondary amehorrhoea resolves after a healthcare worker identifies and addresses the main cause (Mitchell & Nanduri, 2012).
Implications of different treatment modalities
A condition, such as endometriosis precedes the occurrence of ovarian cysts while amenorrhoea is the outcome of the two conditions. Therefore, a thorough evaluation during diagnosis is imperative to find out the underlying causes for each condition. The National Health Service (2014) highlights the need for modified treatment in the event that endometriosis is the underlying cause. Whereas the treatment modalities do not vary much, attainment of desired treatment outcomes may be jeopardized.
Conclusion
It is apparent that ovarian cysts, amenorhoea and endometriosis are serious infertility issues that require both drug therapy and surgery, depending on the nature of the condition and objective of treatment. Apparently, the type of treatment approach seems the same as it entails oral contraceptives (hormonal) and surgery. However, drug therapy is merely used to alleviate pain and not to resolve the condition in endometriosis.
References
Blesi, M., Wise, B., & Kelley-Arney, C. (2012). Medical assisting: Administrative and clinical competencies (7th ed.). New York: Delmar Cengage Learning.
Fritz, M., & Speroff, L. (2011). Clinical gynecologic endocrinology and infertility (8th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Grimes, D. A., Jones, L. B., Lopez, L. M., Schulz, K. F. (2011). Oral contraceptives for functional ovarian cysts. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Web.
Mitchell, H., & Nanduri, V. (2012). Endocrinology and Diabetes. In R. M. Beattie & M. Champion (Eds.), Essential Revision Notes in Paediatrics for the MRCPCH (3rd ed.) (pp. 173-209). Cheshire: PASTEST LTD.
National Health Service. (2014). Ovarian cyst-Treatment. Web.
Ramesh, B., & Shashikala, T. (2012). In P. Desai, P. Patel (Eds.), Current Practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Endometriosis (pp. 98-123). London: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Ltd.