Ovarian Cysts Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on your ovaries, which sit on each side of your uterus and develop and release eggs for fertilization.
Follicles are cyst-like structures that develop on your ovaries as part of your usual menstrual cycle. These follicles grow in the ovaries each month and produce estrogen and progesterone hormones to stimulate the release of an egg during ovulation. In some cases, the follicle continues to grow into a functional cyst.
You may also develop a corpus luteum cyst, which occurs when the follicle releasing the egg starts producing hormones, and fluid begins building up in the follicle.
While many women develop ovarian cysts without complications at some point in their life, some may experience cysts that grow large enough to become painful or interfere with their reproductive health.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
You can have ovarian cysts without experiencing any symptoms. If the cyst grows large enough or blocks the ovary, you may develop symptoms like:
- Bloating
- Pelvic pain
- Persistent abdominal fullness
If you develop sudden, severe abdominal pain, this can be a warning sign of a rupture in an ovarian cyst, which requires immediate medical care.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Many ovarian cysts that don’t cause pain or other symptoms are identifiable through a routine pelvic exam. To get a better look at the size and location of the cyst, your Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology provider may recommend an ultrasound.
Once they understand the type of cyst you have, your provider can recommend the right treatment plan to ease your symptoms.
How are ovarian cysts treated?
Your treatment plan for ovarian cysts depends on a number of factors. If you have ovarian cysts that don’t cause symptoms, your Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology provider may take a wait-and-see approach, monitoring the growth of the cyst over time.
If your cysts are large enough to cause pain or interfere with your health, your provider may recommend taking birth control pills to prevent new cysts from developing. You may also be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery to remove cysts.
Once they remove the cyst, your Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology provider may send a tissue sample of the cyst to a medical lab to ensure there’s no sign of precancerous or cancerous cells.
If you have recurrent cysts that cause pain or your provider detects cancer, you may need additional surgery to remove the affected ovary.
If you’re bothered by symptoms of ovarian cysts, schedule a consultation at Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology today, online or by phone.
