Ovarian Cyst Removal

Ovarian cysts are a common women’s health issue. Ovarian cysts are defined as fluid filled sacs on the surface of the ovary. For most women, ovarian cysts present no discomfort or pain and pose no harm to your health. Many ovarian cysts dissolve on their own within a few months. Ovarian cysts can become a problem when they rupture causing symptoms that can disrupt your quality of life.

What are common symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Many ovarian cysts cause no problems and will disappear on their own. However there are times when ovarian cysts may pose a threat to your health. Some of the symptoms of ovarian cysts may include the following:

1. Problems with your menstrual cycle

2. Pain in your pelvic area that moves between your lower back and thighs

3. Pain in your pelvic area prior to or towards the end of your menstrual cycle

4. Pain in your pelvis during sexual intercourse

5. Pressure on your bowels while trying to eliminate

6. Nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness

7. A feeling of fullness or heaviness in your lower abdomen

8. Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder

In less common cases, women with ovarian cysts may experience sudden, debilitating pain in the abdomen or severe pain along with a fever and/or vomiting. If you find that you are experiencing any of these severe cases, you should seek immediate medical attention.

How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

Ovarian cysts are diagnosed through a pelvic exam and a pelvic ultrasound. An ultrasound will help your gynecologist to determine the size and location of your cyst as well as alert them to whether or not the cyst is filled with fluid or is a solid mass.

Ovarian cysts generally fall into one of four categories:

1. Functional cysts are usually harmless and usually go away on their own.

2. Endometriomas are cysts that have part of your endometrium (or uterine lining) attached to them.

3. PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, occurs when multiple egg follicles fail to release their eggs.

4. Cystadenomas grow on the outside of the ovaries and are filled with a gelatinous fluid.

It is possible for some cysts to become twisted, causing unbearable pain in your abdomen as well as excess bleeding. If you are experiencing any of these problems, seek immediate medical attention.

Are ovarian cysts cancerous?

Benign ovarian cysts are more prevalent than those that are cancerous. Ovarian cysts that are filled with fluid are least likely to be cancerous. Cysts that are solid will require further testing before ruling out cancer as a possibility.

What are my treatment options for ovarian cysts?

There is no one size fits all approach to treating women with benign ovarian cysts. Treatment can depend upon your age, size of your cysts, and the severity of your symptoms. Some gynecologists may recommend one, or a combination of the following:

1. The wait and watch approach. If you are diagnosed with a benign ovarian cyst, your doctor may decide to wait and see what happens before taking any further steps — especially if the cysts are not causing you any interruptions in your quality of life. At the most, your gynecologist may recommend that you regularly schedule follow up appointments for a pelvic ultrasound to track the progress of your cysts.

2. Prescription for birth control pills. Your gynecologist may recommend birth control pills to prevent new cysts from forming.

3. Gynecological surgery. If after an examination your gynecologist finds that your cyst is growing rather than shrinking, is already at a rather large size, is showing no signs of shrinking after 2 to 3 menstrual cycles, or is causing severe pain, you may be advised to have your cyst surgically removed.

If your doctor finds that your cyst is, indeed, cancerous he may advise you get a hysterectomy to remove your ovaries and your uterus.

Ovarian cysts are a common problem that can be handled with the proper care and support of Carolina Women’s Health. Please call today to make an appointment.