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Ovarian Cysts Doctor
Most women develop ovarian cysts during their lives, but they don’t know it because the cysts go away without causing symptoms.
Other ovarian cysts don’t resolve on their own. They grow large enough to cause pain or they’re associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. The doctors at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine have extensive experience diagnosing ovarian cysts and determining the best treatment. If you have pelvic pain, please don’t wait to call their office in the Midtown East area of New York City, or schedule an appointment online.
Ovarian Cysts Q & A
Q.
What are ovarian cysts?
A.
Ovarian cysts are small sacs that are filled with fluid and found on the inside or the surface of an ovary. Some ovarian cysts are associated with your menstrual cycle, developing from follicles that hold eggs. This type of cyst often shrinks on its own and doesn’t require treatment.
You can also develop ovarian cysts that cause reproductive health problems because they don’t go away. They may grow large and rupture or, in rare cases, cause ovarian cancer.
Q.
What symptoms develop when you have ovarian cysts?
A.
When ovarian cysts grow large enough to cause symptoms, you may experience:
- Pelvic pain in lower abdomen on the side of the cyst
- Fullness of heaviness in your abdomen
- Bloating
- Dull ache in your back
- Painful menstrual periods
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
If you develop sudden, severe abdominal pain, or you have pain together with a fever, please seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms indicate a ruptured cyst.
Q.
What is the difference between ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome?
A.
While cysts are the primary symptom of ovarian cysts, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may not have cysts. Women are diagnosed with PCOS when they have two out of three key symptoms:
- Ovarian cysts: fluid-filled cysts in one or both ovaries
- Abnormal menstruation: periods are prolonged, heavy, irregular, or they stop
- Hirsutism: excessive growth of facial and body hair due to high androgen levels
In other words, you can have PCOS if you have abnormal periods and hirsutism, but cysts don’t have to be present.
Q.
How are ovarian cysts treated?
A.
Depending on the type and size of your cysts, as well as the severity of your symptoms, your doctor at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine may recommend watchful waiting, which means waiting to see if the cysts shrink. Your doctor will monitor changes in the cysts using ultrasound during this period of time.
Hormone therapy can prevent some ovarian cysts from recurring. You may need surgery to remove ovarian cysts when they’re large, persist through several menstrual cycles, or your symptoms are severe.
You may be a candidate for minimally-invasive surgery, which is done using several small incisions rather than one large incision. When you have minimally-invasive surgery, you heal more quickly and have minimal scarring and less pain.
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