Ovarian Cysts

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Many women have ovarian cysts at some point and don’t even know it. Ovarian cysts form on or within the surface of one or both ovaries. They are fluid-filled sacs that cause little or no pain or discomfort. They typically are harmless and usually disappear on their own without treatment in a few months. In fact, these types of cysts are quite normal. However, some ovarian cysts can cause problems, especially if they rupture (burst). Some large cysts can also cause the ovary to move out of position, called ovarian torsion.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts that have become too large or ruptured include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during bowel movements
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
  • Pressure on your bladder that causes urinary frequency

Be sure to report any of these symptoms to your provider and have regular pelvic exams. If you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, or have pelvic pain accompanied by fever and/or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.

If your provider finds a cyst during your pelvic exam, or suspects a cyst based on your symptoms, several tests and procedures can help her identify the cyst and its type. These procedures include:

  • A simple pregnancy test
  • Blood tests
  • Pelvic ultrasound
  • Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgery that involves inserting a small, lighted instrument into your abdomen through small incisions to see your ovaries and, if necessary, remove the cyst. Laparoscopy is a surgery that is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.

Cysts have a variety of treatment options. For small cysts, your provider may recommend waiting to see if the cyst disappears on its own, with periodic follow-up to monitor its progress. Birth control pills can reduce the chance of new cysts forming. If a cyst is growing or large or doesn’t go away on its own, or if it develops after menopause, your provider may recommend surgical removal of the cyst, and if necessary, the ovary. If a cyst is shown to be cancerous, your doctor will likely advise a total hysterectomy with the removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?

Your annual women’s health appointment is a vital part of your health care, and the perfect time to talk to your Care Team about your personal health questions.

Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?

What People Are Saying

Alina Zabelle
Alina Zabelle
2023-06-14
Got me that day very professional clean environment
Lisa Webb
Lisa Webb
2023-04-28
Dr. Miller is my doctor and I can't say enough good about her and any of the staff I have interacted with. I highly recommend them.
Tiffany Enriquez
Tiffany Enriquez
2023-04-25
I love Dr. Brown. Hands down, she is an Angel on Earth. I literally would not be here today without her. She always tells me exactly what I need to hear, she stands up for her patients, and has believed in me when I don’t believe in myself. Woman’s health isn’t just gynecological. It’s mental. It’s having someone there to hold your hand when you’re alone. And Dr. Brown continues to hold my hand and I can’t thank her enough. I will forever be indebted to her and will love her forever. I will miss her incredibly and deeply when she retires. Thank you Dr. Brown, for everything. -Tiffany Enriquez
Willa S. Tierney
Willa S. Tierney
2023-03-29
Only positive things to say about Women’s First! I always receive excellent communication from support staff and I’m very grateful for the doctor-patient relationship I have with Dr. Rebecca Booth. I frequently speak highly of and recommend this practice to friends, family, and colleagues!
Yoselin Ramirez
Yoselin Ramirez
2023-03-18
La doctora margarita terraza aun trabaja ahí?