Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are quite common amongst women of reproductive age. In the majority of cases, ovarian cysts go away without any treatment.

In other cases they cause symptoms and need to be treated. Some cysts may develop into ovarian cancer. However these cases are not so frequent.

Most ovarian cysts do not give symptoms. Some may cause a feeling of height weight or sudden pain in the abdomen and pain during some woman’s activities.

Larger cysts cause a twisting of the ovary, a condition that causes pain. Bleeding or rupturing cysts may lead to serious complications and require immediate surgical treatment.

Cysts diagnosis is usually performed during routine gynecological testing. If you are diagnosed with ovarian cysts, the following examinations are recommended:

• Pelvic ultrasound
• Laparoscopy
• Blood tests

A woman with ovarian cysts may not take any medication and the cysts will recede on their own. Other women will need contraception or other hormonal preparations to prevent new cysts. Follow-up by the physician is essential.

If the ovaries are large in size, are causing symptoms or if cancer is suspected, they must be surgically removed. Cystectomy will remove the cysts but not the ovary. However, in some more serious cases, the ovary should also be removed.

The extent of surgery depends on the characteristics of the cysts, the age of the woman and her desire to have a baby in the future.