Treatment for Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops within the ovary of the female reproductive system. It is usually benign (non-cancerous) but there may be a chance of it developing into a cancerous cyst over time due to mutations. Ovarian cysts can be as small as a pea and develop to become as large as an orange. Most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic in nature and need no special treatment.

However when a cyst starts to cause symptoms, treatment will be recommended. Abdominal swelling and pelvic pain are the most common symptoms. Patients suffering from this condition also complain about pain during sexual intercourse and heavy, irregular periods. Other signs and symptoms include fatigue, headaches, nausea and weight gain. Sharp abdominal pain may also be experienced when a cyst bursts.

Ovarian cysts are most commonly identified by an ultrasound scan or CT scan. These scans are painless and can be done quickly.

The type of treatment administered is based on the size and type of the cyst. For minor and non-serious cases, pain relief medication can be used to alleviate the pain. Watchful waiting may also be recommended to ensure that the cyst doesn’t get bigger, and if it goes away on its own. Hormonal contraceptives may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle to prevent the development of follicles into cysts.

However for more serious cases, surgery may be considered. This could involve the direct removal of the cyst or the complete removal of one or both ovaries. Cysts that were removed during surgery will be analysed to determine whether it is cancerous in nature or benign.