What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or near one of your ovaries. They’re very common and usually don’t cause any health issues, and they go away without treatment.
There are several types of ovarian cysts:
- Functional: Most common type, which goes away on its own in eight weeks or less
- Teratoma: A cyst that may contain tissue such as hair or skin
- Cystadenoma: A cyst that develops on the surface of your ovary, often containing a buildup of mucous material or water
Teratoma and cystadenoma cysts can be large and affect the positioning of your ovary. They may also cause the ovary to become twisted, which may affect blood flow to your ovary.
Do ovarian cysts cause symptoms?
You may or may not experience any symptoms with an ovarian cyst, and the cyst might come and go without you even knowing. However, if your cyst is large, you may experience:
- Pain in the lower part of your abdomen, usually on one side
- Bloating
- Feeling full or heavy in your abdomen
You may be more at risk of developing ovarian cysts if you’re taking fertility medication, are pregnant, or have had ovarian cysts in the past.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Your OB/GYN at Advanced Gynecology & Surgery may find an ovarian cyst during your routine pelvic exam. To confirm a diagnosis, she may recommend a pelvic ultrasound, which is a noninvasive test that uses sound wave technology to generate images of your ovaries.
Your OB/GYN may also order a blood test to rule out cancer, although in rare cases, ovarian cysts prove cancerous.
What treatments are available for ovarian cysts?
If Dr. Akselrod or Dr. Bekker finds an ovarian cyst during your pelvic exam, many times they may simply take a wait-and-see approach. However, if your cyst is large or causing other symptoms, surgery may be recommended to remove the cyst.
A cystectomy is usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure, which requires only a few very small incisions for a faster recovery. In some cases, the ovary may also need to be removed during the surgery.
For expert management of your health, call Advanced Gynecology & Surgery to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tool.
