Ovarian Cysts Specialist

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are a type of sac-like growth that develops on the ovary, which is the part of the female reproductive system that produces eggs and hormones. Most women get at least one cyst in their lifetime, and the majority of them cause no symptoms. However, symptoms can appear as a cyst grows larger.

If you have symptoms for a long time, you may have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes various hormone problems due to the high production of androgens that takes place in your ovaries caused by the condition. 

A cyst can resorb on its own without any medical intervention. Sometimes, however, a cyst can rupture and cause severe pain in the abdomen. Most treatments for ovarian cysts focus on preventing more cysts, stopping cysts from growing, or reducing symptoms.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?

If your ovarian cyst causes symptoms, they tend to worsen as the cyst develops. While you may not have symptoms at all, an ovarian cyst can cause:

• Pain during sex
• Painful menstruation
• Pain during bowel movements
• Low back pain
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Abdominal swelling
• Nausea and vomiting

If you have PCOS, additional symptoms come from your body’s extra production of androgen hormones. This can cause weight gain, facial hair growth, severe acne, and infertility. 

How are ovarian cysts treated?

Most cysts are harmless and go away without treatment, often before you’re even aware of them. If you’re prone to cysts or have PCOS, your treatment may consist of taking hormonal birth control to regulate your hormone production and stop new cysts from growing. 

Rarely, surgery is necessary to remove a large and painful cyst that doesn’t go away on its own. Your providers at WHASN Meadows choose a surgical technique that is least likely to cause any complications in your case. Laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique, involves smaller incisions than open surgery as well as less scarring, postoperative pain, and bleeding. 

Laparotomy, another surgical technique that works for cysts, involves a larger incision. The team tests the removed cyst for cancer shortly after the surgery and your surgeon can remove any other affected organs or lymph nodes if cancer is present. 

To schedule an appointment and learn more about ovarian cysts, call WHASN Meadows or book an appointment online today.