Q What's the difference between functional and non-functional cysts? I'm worried about which type mine is.
A Functional cysts form during ovulation and usually disappear on their own within a month or two. Non-functional cysts such as endometriomas and dermoid cysts do not resolve by themselves and require follow-up monitoring or treatment.
Detailed Answer
Functional ovarian cysts (follicular and corpus luteum cysts) arise from the normal ovulation cycle and in most cases disappear within 1 to 3 menstrual cycles without any treatment. This is why a gynecologist will often recommend follow-up ultrasound after the cyst is first found. Non-functional cysts, on the other hand, do not resolve on their own: an endometrioma (chocolate cyst) may be accompanied by menstrual pain and a risk of infertility; a dermoid cyst (teratoma) carries a higher risk of torsion; and serous or mucinous cysts may require evaluation for malignancy depending on size. Beyond ultrasound, a CA-125 blood test or MRI can help clarify which type you have.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, our Korean medicine approach differs depending on whether the cyst is functional or non-functional. For functional cysts, we focus on supporting a body environment in which ovulation proceeds smoothly. For non-functional cysts (especially endometriomas and dermoid cysts), we aim to stabilize the size and relieve accompanying symptoms through womb-warming (ongung), phlegm-resolving (hwadam), and blood-activating (hwalhyeol) treatment. We maintain conventional follow-up testing alongside this.
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