Ovarian Cysts Specialist

What is an ovarian cyst?

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms inside the body for different reasons. Ovarian cysts form on one or both ovaries, and they can range in size from very small to fairly large. Ovarian cysts are quite common, affecting most women at some point in their lives and usually causing no or very few noticeable symptoms.

What causes ovarian cysts to form?

The most common cause of ovarian cysts is the normal hormonal cycle that drives menstruation. So-called functional cysts, these sacs form when some issue disrupts the normal release of an egg from the ovary, and in most cases, these cysts disappear within the next one to two menstrual cycles. Some cysts are formed when material from the development and release of an egg causes irritation. And some other cysts called endometrioma form as one of the symptoms of endometriosis, a condition that causes uterine tissue to form and grow outside the uterus. Cysts often cause no symptoms, but some very large cysts may cause the ovary to become displaced or twisted, resulting in significant pain. Other cysts may interfere with fertility. Cysts can generally be diagnosed, evaluated and monitored with ultrasound, sometimes using a special “wand” that is inserted into the vaginal canal to gain clear images of the cysts and the ovaries.

What symptoms are associated with ovarian cysts?

Many cysts cause no symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Breast tenderness
• Increased urge to empty the bladder
• Increased pain during periods
• Abnormal periods
• Problems with conception

How are ovarian cysts treated?

When cysts do not cause symptoms, no treatment is necessary, although very large cysts may need to be monitored to ensure they resolve. When cysts do cause symptoms, treatments may include medication to help balance hormones or minimally-invasive surgery to remove the cysts.