Ovarian Cyst

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or in either of your ovaries. During ovulation, when the ovaries release an egg each month, it’s common that an ovarian cyst may form.

There are two main types of cysts: follicle and corpus luteum cysts. A follicle cyst forms on the ovary, while a corpus luteum cyst forms inside the ovary.

Most of the time, cysts cause no pain and resolve on their own within several months. However, ovarian cysts can sometimes rupture, causing severe pain and internal bleeding.

In some cases, if your ovaries develop a large number of small cysts, it becomes a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause your ovaries to enlarge and, if left untreated, can lead to infertility.

What symptoms may indicate ovarian cysts?

If an ovarian cyst is small and resolves itself, you probably won’t have any symptoms at all. However, if the cyst grows or ruptures, or you have several of them, you may experience symptoms that include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Pelvic pain before or during your period
• Painful bowel movements
• Breast tenderness
• Lower back pain
• Pain in your thighs
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful sex

If you suddenly have severe pain in your abdomen or pain with a fever, it may indicate a ruptured cyst or a more complex health condition. Seek immediate medical attention, as serious consequences can arise without treatment.

How are ovarian cysts treated?

If you develop an ovarian cyst that requires medical attention, or if you’re diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor at Raveco Medical may first recommend conservative treatments that shrink the cysts. Oral contraceptives may help prevent new cysts from developing each month. They may also suggest laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive in-office procedure, to remove ovarian cysts that continue to grow larger.

It’s sometimes possible to remove ovarian cysts while leaving the ovary intact. In other cases, it may be necessary to remove both the cysts and the affected ovary. Raveco Medical takes an individualized approach to your treatment and uses state-of-the-art technology and the least invasive procedures whenever possible.

If you suspect you have an ovarian cyst, your doctor may perform diagnostic testing using ultrasound imaging to monitor the cyst before recommending any type of treatment. If you have pelvic pain, call the knowledgeable team at Raveco Medical to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tool.