Ovarian Cysts

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside your ovary. Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous, but a cyst may become cancerous in rare cases.

There are several types of ovarian cysts:

• Functional Cyst: This is the most common type of ovarian cyst. Functional cysts form naturally as part of your menstrual cycle and usually disappear without treatment in six to eight weeks. Functional cysts typically cause no symptoms.
• Teratoma: Teratomas, or dermoid cysts, contain different types of body tissues, such as skin and hair. You may be born with a teratoma that grows during your reproductive years. In rare cases, teratomas may become cancerous.
• Cystadenoma: These cysts grow on the outside of the ovary and may become very large.
• Endometrioma: This type of cyst develops as a result of endometriosis, a condition that causes the lining of your uterus to grow in areas outside the uterus.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that may cause many small cysts to develop on the ovaries.

What are Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

Most of the time, ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms. However, cysts that rupture, twist, or become enlarged may cause symptoms that include:

• Pelvic pain that may be sharp or dull
• Sudden, severe pain if a cyst ruptures
• Nausea and vomiting if a cyst twists the ovary
• Abdominal pressure or bloating if the cyst grows large

Less common symptoms of ovarian cysts may include pain during sex and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

How Do You Diagnose and Treat Ovarian Cysts?

Your provider at Capital Women’s Care will begin with a thorough exam and review of your medical history. They may be able to feel the cyst during a pelvic exam or discover smaller cysts during an ultrasound imaging test. They may also take additional tests, including:

• Blood tests to check for signs of cancer
• Hormone level tests to check for hormonal imbalances
• Pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy

Then, they’ll recommend the best treatment for your condition. Depending on the type, size, and location of the cyst, treatment may include watchful waiting or surgery. Watchful waiting involves closely monitoring any changes to the cyst with follow-up exams and ultrasounds.

If your cyst is very large or causes difficult symptoms, your provider at Capital Women’s Care may recommend surgery to remove the cyst. They offer minimally invasive surgical procedures whenever possible.

For expert treatment of ovarian cysts, call Capital Women’s Care or book an appointment online.

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