What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a serious women’s health condition related to the uterus. It occurs when endometrial tissue, which normally should be inside the uterus, starts to grow outside of it. Over time, this tissue can form cysts and develop into formations known as endometriomas or chocolate cysts.

What are Chocolate Cysts? What does Endometrioma mean?

Chocolate cysts are cysts that form around the uterus and are harmful. These cysts usually occur as a result of endometriosis. Due to the consistency and color of the fluid they contain, they are often referred to as chocolate cysts. Medically, they are usually referred to as endometriomas. Chocolate cysts can cause problems in many processes related to the menstrual cycle and fertility.

What Causes Chocolate Cysts?

Chocolate cysts arise due to endometriosis, as mentioned earlier. Factors contributing to the development of endometriosis include genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and anomalies in the structure of the uterus. Typically, menstrual blood and accompanying tissues, which should be expelled from the body, may remain incompletely removed due to these factors. As a result, chocolate cysts can develop.

What are the Symptoms of Chocolate Cysts?

Symptoms of chocolate cysts may include:

• Irregular menstruation.
• More painful menstrual bleeding than usual.
• Increased bleeding volume during menstruation.
• Difficulty conceiving.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Abdominal bloating.
• Digestive and urinary problems.

When chocolate cysts exhibit symptoms, they can cause such complaints.

Who Gets Chocolate Cysts?

Chocolate cysts can occur in any woman. The likelihood of chocolate cysts is higher in women with endometriosis. In short, every woman with chocolate cysts is also a patient of endometriosis. However, formations similar to chocolate cysts may not be observed in every patient with endometriosis.