How are ovarian cysts treated?
-
Ovarian cysts can be treated as follows:
Watchful waiting: If you have a cyst, you may be told to wait and have a second exam in 1 to 3 months. Your doctor will check to see if the cyst has changed in size. This is a common treatment option for women who:
- Are in their childbearing years
- Have no symptoms
- Have a fluid-filled cyst
It may be an option for postmenopausal women.
Surgery: Your doctor may want to remove the cyst if you are postmenopausal or if it:
- Doesn't go away after several menstrual cycles
- Gets larger Looks odd on the ultrasound
- Causes pain
The two main surgeries are:
- Laparoscopy — done if the cyst is small and looks benign (noncancerous) on the ultrasound. While you are under general anesthesia, a very small cut is made above or below your navel. A small instrument that acts like a telescope is put into your abdomen. Then your doctor can remove the cyst.
- Laparotomy — done if the cyst is large and may be cancerous. While you are under general anesthesia, larger incisions are made in the stomach to remove the cyst. The cyst is then tested for cancer. If it is cancerous, the doctor may need to take out the ovary and other tissues, like the uterus. If only one ovary is taken out, your body is still fertile and can still produce estrogen.
Birth control pills: If you keep forming functional cysts, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to stop you from ovulating. If you don't ovulate, you are less likely to form new cysts. You can also use Depo-Provera®. It is a hormone that is injected into muscle. It prevents ovulation for 3 months at a time.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.
Ovarian cysts can be treated as follows: Watchful waiting: If you have a cyst, you may be told to wait and have a second exam in 1 to 3 months. Your doctor will check to see if the cyst has changed in size. This is a common treatment option for... More -
Dr. Kevin Windom answered:Most functional ovarian cysts are simple in nature and just fluid filled. If your healthcare provider believes that your cyst is just a simple fluid filled cyst, these cysts tend to resolve on their own in 2-3 months. Many times I will place patients on birth control pills to help keep them from ovulating, and by not ovulating they will be less likely to form functional cysts. If an ovarian cyst has not resolved in 2-3 months, then there is consideration towards surgical treatment. The surgical treatment for ovarian cysts is a laparoscopy in which a telescope is placed into the bellybutton and the cyst is either drained or removed. If ovarian cysts become very painful, there is the possibility that the cyst can be so heavy that it can cause a twisting of the ovary. This is a phenomenon called ovarian torsion syndrome. If a patient has ovarian torsion, then there is a decrease in the blood supply to the ovary, which can cause irreparable damage to the ovary and possibly kill the ovary. If a patient has ovarian torsion, this needs to be treated surgically so as to remove the cyst and untwist the ovary.
Most functional ovarian cysts are simple in nature and just fluid filled. If your healthcare provider believes that your cyst is just a simple fluid filled cyst, these cysts tend to resolve on their own in 2-3 months. Many times I will place... More -
Dr. Shelley Giebel of MDLIVE answered:After an ovarian cyst is evaluated by ultrasound and found to be only fluid (no solid components) it is best to let it heal on its own. Birth control pills can also be used to prevent further cysts from forming. However infrequently, the cysts may persist and surgery may be necessary.
After an ovarian cyst is evaluated by ultrasound and found to be only fluid (no solid components) it is best to let it heal on its own. Birth control pills can also be used to prevent further cysts from forming. However infrequently, the... More -
Paula Greer answered:Most ovarian cysts are called functional ovarian cysts. The cyst is filled with fluid and will usually resolve on its own in 2-3 months. Some women make these functional cysts quite frequently and are treated with birth control pills to prevent ovulation and therefore help prevent future cysts from forming. Ovarian cysts are confirmed by ultrasound diagnosis. If the cyst is not functional, grows, or is persistent it may need to be removed by laparoscopic surgery. If you think you have an ovarian cyst make sure to make an appointment with your health care provider.
Most ovarian cysts are called functional ovarian cysts. The cyst is filled with fluid and will usually resolve on its own in 2-3 months. Some women make these functional cysts quite frequently and are treated with birth control pills to prevent... More -
General: Functional ovarian cysts usually don't need treatment and typically disappear on their own within 8-12 weeks. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may help make the menstrual cycle more regular and may decrease the development of functional ovarian cysts.
Analgesics: Pain caused by ovarian cysts may be treated with pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol®), nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), or narcotic pain medicine (by prescription). NSAIDs usually work best when taken at the first signs of the pain.
Nonpharmacological treatments: Compresses may be used to stimulate circulation and healing in the ovaries. A hot water bottle covered with a towel soaked in castor and essential oils can be applied to the lower abdomen near the ovaries, which may relax tense muscles and relieve cramping and lessen discomfort. Lavender, rosemary, and chamomile are essential oils that are sometimes used with compresses. A hot compress can also be made by heating a cloth soaked in castor and essential oils in a warm oven, which is then applied to the lower abdomen. Bags of ice covered with towels can be used alternately as cold treatments to increase local circulation. Also, limiting strenuous activity may reduce the risk of cyst rupture or torsion.
Surgery: Simple ovarian cysts that are larger than 5-10 centimeters and complex ovarian cysts that do not resolve on their own should be removed with surgery (laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy).
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
General: Functional ovarian cysts usually don't need treatment and typically disappear on their own within 8-12 weeks. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may help make the menstrual cycle more regular and may decrease the development of... More
