Ovarian Cyst

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or near your ovaries. Women can develop ovarian cysts during ovulation. These cysts are harmless and come and go without causing symptoms. However, there are different types of cysts, the most common are follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.

Follicular cysts

Follicular cysts develop when an egg fails to break through the sac — follicle — during ovulation. When the follicle fails to release the egg, it continues to grow. These types of cysts usually resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles.

Corpus luteum cysts

When your egg breaks through the follicle, the broken sac shrinks into a mass of cells known as the corpus luteum. This mass of cells releases hormones that trigger your next menstrual cycle.

If your corpus luteum fails to shrink, it fills with fluid and grows into a cyst. Corpus luteum cysts may resolve on their own within a few weeks, but these types of cysts can grow very large and cause discomfort.

What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?

Symptoms of an ovarian cyst may depend on its size. Because these cysts are often small, most women have no symptoms. However, if you have a large ovarian cyst, you may experience:

• Pelvic pain
• Bloating
• Aching in your lower back or upper legs
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained weight gain
• Abnormal bleeding
• Increase in urination

If your ovarian cyst ruptures, you may have severe pain. A ruptured ovarian cyst is a medical emergency, and you should go to the nearest emergency room for care.

How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?

Your provider at Physicians and Surgeons for Women may incidentally find an ovarian cyst during your annual wellness exam. To confirm a diagnosis, we perform a pelvic ultrasound to determine the size and location of the cyst.

How is an ovarian cyst treated?

Treatment for your ovarian cyst may depend on the type, size, and location of your cyst. In most cases, the experienced providers at Physicians and Surgeons for Women take a conservative approach. They do not want their patients to undergo a surgical procedure if it is not necessary.

Your provider may have you return to the office for periodic ultrasounds to monitor your ovarian cyst. If your ovarian cyst fails to go away after a few menstrual cycles, increases in size, or causes severe symptoms, they may then recommend surgery to remove the cyst.

The skilled board-certified physicians use minimally invasive procedures for ovarian cysts to reduce scarring, post-surgical pain, and recovery time.

Ovarian cysts are common and usually go away on their own. In order to ease your mind about ovarian cysts, call Physicians and Surgeons for Women to book an appointment today.