Ovarian Cysts Specialist

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop during ovulation. Cysts are very common in women who have regular menstrual periods, but they’re harmless because they normally disappear. Although it’s possible for an ovarian cyst to become cancerous, most are benign.

The two most common types of ovarian cysts are:

Follicle cysts

Each month, a follicle opens and releases a mature egg. When the follicle doesn’t open, it can become a cyst. Follicle cysts usually disappear within three months.

Corpus luteum cysts

After a follicle releases an egg, the empty sac shrinks into a cluster of cells called the corpus luteum. If the sac doesn’t shrink, it may turn into a cyst. Most corpus luteum cysts disappear within several weeks.

Endometriomas are another less common type of ovarian cyst. These cysts develop from endometriosis growing on one or both ovaries. They’re also known to cause infertility.

What symptoms develop due to ovarian cysts?

Small ovarian cysts generally don’t cause any symptoms. As the cysts grow, however, you may experience:

• Pelvic pain
• Pressure or bloating in your lower abdomen
• Painful intercourse
• Pain during your period
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Lower backache
• Unexplained weight gain

If an ovarian cyst gets large enough to rupture or twist the ovary, you’ll develop sudden, severe pain, which may occur together with a fever, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness.

Is there a difference between ovarian cysts and PCOS?

Yes, there are significant differences between the two conditions. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may or may not have cysts, but they always have high levels of androgens (male sex hormones), which doesn’t occur in women with ovarian cysts. Unlike ovarian cysts, PCOS causes body-wide problems such as weight gain and diabetes.

How are ovarian cysts treated?

If your cysts are small and you don’t have symptoms, your doctor at The Ob-Gyn Center may simply monitor them to see if they keep growing. When cysts are large enough to demand treatment, you may receive:

Medical management

Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills can prevent cysts from recurring, but they don’t affect an existing cyst. Another medication, Lupron®, may help relieve your pain and shrink the cysts.

Surgical management

If your symptoms are severe or your ovarian cyst continues to grow, your doctor at The Ob-Gyn Center may recommend minimally invasive laparoscopy to remove the cyst. When your cyst is associated with endometriosis or is cancerous, you may also need a hysterectomy.

If you develop pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding, call The Ob-Gyn Center or book an appointment online.