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Ovarian Cysts Treatment in Charlottesville, VA
Receive effective, compassionate treatment for ovarian cysts.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or more commonly inside the ovaries. Many cysts are harmless and go away on their own without treatment. Others can cause symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, or changes in your menstrual cycle. Ovarian cysts are common and can happen at any age, but they are most often found during the childbearing years. Most cysts form as part of the normal menstrual cycle, though some might develop for other reasons and need closer attention from your gynecologist.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Some people with ovarian cysts have no symptoms, while others might experience:
- Bloating
- Irregular periods
- Severe pelvic pain (if the cyst becomes large or causes complications)
- Pain with intercourse
What is the Treatment for Ovarian Cysts?
Treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the type of cyst, its size, and whether it is causing any symptoms. In many cases, your provider might recommend monitoring the cyst over time with regular ultrasounds to see if it changes or goes away on its own.
If the cyst is causing pain, growing larger, or showing signs of being something other than a typical functional cyst, treatment options might include medication to manage symptoms or surgery to remove the cyst. Your provider will work with you to decide what approach makes the most sense for your health and comfort.
Who Needs Treatment for Ovarian Cysts?
Treatment for ovarian cysts might be recommended for individuals who have:
- Ongoing pelvic pain or pressure
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
- A cyst that does not go away after a few months
- A cyst that appears unusual on an ultrasound
What are the Risks?
While many ovarian cysts go away without treatment, some can lead to complications like rupture or twisting of the ovary (known as ovarian torsion), which can cause sudden, severe pain and might require emergency care. In rare cases, certain types of cysts could be or become cancerous, which is why regular monitoring is helpful when cysts are found. Some cysts are benign tumors or caused by endometriosis.
What To Expect
If you are diagnosed with an ovarian cyst that needs treatment, your provider will talk with you about your options and answer any questions you have.
If surgery is recommended, the procedure is usually done laparoscopically, which involves small incisions and a camera to help remove the cyst with minimal recovery time. In rare cases, a larger incision might be needed, depending on the size or type of cyst.
After surgery, most people can return to regular activities within 2 few weeks. It's common to have mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, or fatigue as you heal. Your provider will give you clear instructions for recovery and follow up with you to discuss the results and any next steps.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed. Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain. Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ovarian cysts form when fluid collects in a sac in the ovary, often as part of the normal menstrual cycle. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and disappear on their own. Other cysts are benign or cancerous tumors or caused by endometriosis.
Common types of ovarian cysts include functional ovarian cysts (related to the menstrual cycle), dermoid cysts (contain tissue like hair and sebum), endometriomas (linked to endometriosis), and cystadenomas (filled with fluid or mucus). Your provider can explain which type you have and if treatment is needed.
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst. They usually develop as part of the menstrual cycle and often go away within a few weeks without any treatment.
A corpus luteum cyst forms after an egg is released during ovulation. This type of cyst typically resolves on its own but can sometimes grow large and cause discomfort.
A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause sudden, sharp pain and may lead to internal bleeding. If you experience severe pelvic pain, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
A dermoid cyst is a type of benign ovarian cyst that can contain hair, skin secretions, cartilage, or teeth. While they are usually not cancerous, they usually require removal if they grow large or cause symptoms.
Most ovarian cysts are not related to ovarian cancer, but your provider might monitor certain cysts with follow-up imaging or tests if they have unusual features. Ovarian cancer occurs in less than 2% of women.
Yes, polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects the female reproductive system and often involves multiple small cysts on the ovaries, along with other symptoms like irregular periods and hormonal changes.
Ovarian cysts develop in the ovaries. They are part of the female reproductive system responsible for producing eggs and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).