Ovarian cysts are prevalent, but seem scary when you don't know much about them. In most cases, they're harmless, and only 4% of women will have to go to the hospital by age 65, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Although ovarian cysts are common and not usually an issue, some are concerning. Knowing when to seek treatment is essential to your long-term health. At New England Women's Healthcare, our team provides treatments for women's health issues like ovarian cysts.
Our team consists of eight experienced OB/GYN doctors who provide various women's health services, including ultrasounds, PCOS treatments, and minimally invasive surgery for reproductive issues.
An ovarian cyst is a capsule filled with liquid that forms on the ovaries. They are extremely common and usually don't cause any symptoms.
However, ovarian cysts can become large and burst, causing severe pain and other symptoms. Many women will have at least one ovarian cyst in their lifetime, but most women don't require treatment.
Several types of ovarian cysts form on a woman's ovaries, especially in childbearing years. The most prevalent types of ovarian cysts include the following:
Functional cysts are the most prevalent form of ovarian cyst. They are either a follicular or corpus luteum cyst and form during the ovulatory stage of the menstrual cycle.
These cysts typically resolve on their own and don't cause symptoms. Most women have these cysts and don't know it because they're so common and harmless.
Dermoid cysts are much less common and form from reproductive cells. These cysts sometimes contain cells similar to skin, hair, or teeth. These cysts can be present from birth and don't usually cause symptoms.
Endometriomas are cysts that form in women with endometriosis. The cysts contain menstrual blood or endometrial tissue and are a telltale sign of endometriosis.
Cystadenomas can become very large and often contain water or mucus-like fluid. They typically appear on the ovary's surface and may cause symptoms when they get large.
Some women have ovarian cysts and never know it because they don't cause symptoms. However, large cysts or those that rupture can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms that include:
It's essential to get treatment if you're having symptoms you don't typically experience during or after your period. While most cysts resolve on their own, treatment may be necessary for larger or painful cysts.
Most ovarian cysts aren't dangerous, but some are a medical emergency. Most women don't have any symptoms, while others experience severe pain and other symptoms when a cyst ruptures.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's crucial to get to the emergency room immediately for treatment:
Rarely, a cyst could be cancerous, which is another reason to get suspicious symptoms evaluated. Bloodwork and an ultrasound can provide valuable information about your cyst and treatment options.
You only need treatment for an ovarian cyst if it's bothering you and causing symptoms. Depending on the type of cyst and location, we may opt to watch it to see if it resolves.
Birth control pills are another option to control hormones and prevent cysts from forming on the ovaries. If you have a lot of cysts from PCOS or other hormone disorders, birth control may be a good option.
Large cysts or those that could be cancerous may require surgery to remove. However, we reserve surgery as a last resort because it's invasive and requires anesthesia.
Contact your nearest New England Women's Healthcare office to discuss ovarian cyst treatments with our team, or schedule an appointment online.
