Ovarian Cysts – Diagnosis and Treatment
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can show up on or inside the ovaries. Most women will get these cysts at some point, often without even realizing it.
Usually, these cysts don’t cause harm and just disappear on their own in a few months. But sometimes, cysts bring annoying symptoms like pain or bloating. In rare situations, they might need a doctor’s attention.
Diagnosis
Doctors often find ovarian cysts during a pelvic checkup or by using imaging tests like a pelvic ultrasound. During a pelvic exam, the doctor feels for swelling or anything unusual near your ovaries.
Sometimes, doctors find cysts before you even notice anything’s wrong. A pelvic ultrasound is the main tool for finding cysts. The doctor moves a special wand over your belly, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the ovaries.
This shows if the cyst contains liquid or is solid. They also check the size and location, which helps figure out what to do next.
Other tests doctors might use:
- Pregnancy Test: This checks for pregnancy. Some cysts, like corpus luteum cysts, often appear during pregnancy.
- Laparoscopy: The doctor inserts a thin tool with a light into your belly through a small cut. This gives a clear look at the ovaries, and if they need to remove a cyst, they can do it right then.
- Tumor Marker Tests: Blood tests like CA 125 check for higher levels of certain proteins. High levels might point to cancer, but other health issues can raise them too.
The type of cyst often depends on your age and health:
| Life Stage | Cyst Type | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Ovulation | Functional cysts | Usually harmless |
| Menopause | Solid cysts | Higher risk for cancer |
Doctors sometimes find less common cysts during routine exams. Solid ovarian cysts after menopause need extra attention because they could be cancerous. Regular pelvic exams help catch changes early.
Treatment
How you treat ovarian cysts depends on your age, the cyst’s type, its size, and your symptoms.
Watchful Waiting
If the cyst is small, filled with fluid, and not causing any trouble, doctors often just keep an eye on it. This “watchful waiting” means you’ll get regular pelvic ultrasounds for a few months to watch for changes.
Doctors usually go with this plan if you don’t have symptoms, or if the cyst looks normal on the scan.
Medicine
Doctors sometimes recommend hormonal birth control pills. These can stop ovulation and lower the risk of new cysts forming. But honestly, birth control pills won’t shrink or get rid of a cyst you already have.
Surgery
If the cyst is big, hurts, keeps growing, or looks odd, surgery might be needed.
There are two main types of surgery:
| Surgery Type | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Cystectomy | The doctor removes just the cyst and keeps the ovary. |
| Oophorectomy | The doctor removes both the cyst and the ovary. |
Surgeons can often do these procedures with small cuts using laparoscopy, so recovery goes faster. But if the cyst is large or the doctor suspects cancer, they might need to make a bigger cut in your abdomen.
Rarely, especially after menopause, a cyst could be cancer. In these cases, you might need a healthcare team, and treatment could involve surgery to remove more organs, plus follow-up care like chemo or radiation.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Showing up prepared helps you get the most out of your appointment.
Write down your symptoms. Jot down anything new or odd, even if it doesn’t seem related. Note when symptoms started and how often they show up.
Make a list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Include names and doses.
Gather your medical history. Be ready to talk about menstrual changes or irregular periods.
- Prepare questions for your healthcare provider. For example:
| Question | Purpose |
| What is causing my symptoms? | To understand possible reasons for your condition |
| What tests will I need? | To know what to expect during diagnosis |
| Will I need treatment, or will it go away? | To plan for next steps |
- Bring a support person if you can. Having a friend or family member there can help you remember details and feel more at ease.
It helps to keep a notebook for your notes and questions. You can look back at what you discussed during your visit. Don’t be shy about adding new questions, even during the appointment.
Questions Your Health Provider Might Ask
Your provider will probably ask questions like these:
- How often do you notice symptoms, and how bad are they?
- Do symptoms get better or worse with your menstrual cycle?
- Has anything—like activities or treatments—made symptoms better or worse?
- Have you had ovarian cysts before?
Your provider might ask more questions based on your answers and test results. Being open and honest makes it easier for your provider to help you.
Bring any health records or documents that relate to your current problem. Past test results can also help. This way, your visit stays focused and helpful for both you and your provider.
