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​Ovarian Cysts

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What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries. They are very common during your childbearing years.

Types of ovarian cysts

There are a few types of ovarian cysts, but most are benign (noncancerous).

The most common type of ovarian cyst is a functional cyst formed during ovulation.

This formation occurs when the ovary either:

  • Does not release the egg.
  • Releases the egg, but the sac (follicle) in which the egg forms does not dissolve.

Other types of benign ovarian cysts include:

  • Dermoids — cysts filled with hair, teeth, and other tissues.
  • Endometriomas — cysts formed in women with endometriosis.
  • Cystadenomas — cysts formed out of cells on the surface of the ovary and often filled with fluid.

Make an appointment at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

If you think you might have an ovarian cyst or other gynecologic condition, contact the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at 412-641-6412 to make an appointment.

Ovarian Cyst Symptoms and Diagnosis

Most ovarian cysts are less than 2 cm in size. These smaller cysts don’t cause symptoms and go away on their own.

Larger ovarian cysts can cause abdominal pain and other symptoms, including:

  • Pain, pressure, or bloating in the abdomen
  • Trouble urinating
  • Dull ache in the lower back
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Painful periods and abnormal bleeding
  • Weight gain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosing ovarian cysts

Doctors most often find ovarian cysts during routine pelvic exams.

Your doctor may notice swelling on one of your ovaries and order an ultrasound to confirm the presence of a cyst.

Make an appointment at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

If you have symptoms of ovarian cysts, contact the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at 412-641-6412 to make an appointment.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment Options

Because most ovarian cysts go away after a few weeks or months, your doctor may take a “wait and see” treatment approach. He or she may order repeat ultrasounds to monitor the cyst.

This is a common treatment option for women who:

Medical and surgical treatments for ovarian cysts

Your doctor may want to treat your cyst if it:

  • Does not go away on its own
  • Grows larger
  • Causes pain

Treatments for ovarian cysts at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery include:

  • Birth control medication — if your body continues to form functional cysts, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills or shots to stop ovulation and prevent new cysts from forming.
  • Minimally invasive surgery — if your cyst is small and benign (noncancerous), your doctor may perform a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy to remove the cyst or entire ovary.
  • Surgery — if your cyst is large and may be cancerous, your doctor may advise surgery to remove the cyst through a large abdominal incision.

Make an appointment at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

To learn more about treatment for ovarian cysts or make an appointment, contact the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at 412-641-6412.