Chances are you’ve had one or more ovarian cysts, but you never knew about it because it went away on its own. However, ovarian cysts can continue to grow and cause pain. The doctors at The Ob-Gyn Center have extensive experience successfully treating ovarian cysts, including expertise in minimally invasive surgery if it’s needed to remove a cyst. If you have questions about your symptoms or would like to schedule an appointment, call the office in Las Vegas or use the online booking feature.
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:
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.
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.
Small ovarian cysts generally don’t cause any symptoms. As the cysts grow, however, you may experience:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
