Ovarian cysts are very common, yet they can be the source of considerable worry for women. They may fear that ovarian cysts are an indicator of cancer, though this is not usually the case; most of them are benign.

What are the Causes of Ovarian Cysts?

Most ovarian cysts are formed as part of the natural process that is the menstrual cycle. These so-called “functional cysts” form during ovulation, and usually disappear on their own in a month or two.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

Most ovarian cysts produce no symptoms. However, in some cases, symptoms may include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Feeling of heaviness or pressure
• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight gain
• Abdominal bloating

Who Is Likely To Get Ovarian Cysts?

Any woman can get ovarian cysts. However, certain putative risk factors have been identified:

• Smoking
• Family history of ovarian cysts
• Women of childbearing age
• Early first menstruation
• Tamoxifen therapy
• Hormonal imbalances
• Hypothyroidism

What Does Treatment for Ovarian Cysts Involve?

The appropriate treatment for an ovarian cyst depends on what type of cyst it is and whether it is causing severe symptoms or not. Functional ovarian cysts usually go away on their own and do not require any treatment.

If you are past menopause, you should not be developing functional cysts, so the continued presence of a cyst may cause your doctor to recommend removal. Likewise, if you are feeling pain and discomfort from a cyst, you have cysts in both ovaries, or the cyst is large, removal may be called for.

Surgery

If the ovarian cyst is not too large, laparoscopy may be a good, minimally-invasive surgical technique for removal. The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision near the belly button, allowing a view of the cyst. Then a cutting instrument is inserted and the cyst is removed. This is called a cystectomy. If the cyst is large, a laparotomy, which involves an open technique.

If cysts are numerous and/or recurrent, a more radical approach may be used: removing the ovaries completely (oophorectomy).

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

Surgery can significantly improve symptoms by removing the bothersome cysts.

How Long Does It Take?

A laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy may take about 1-2 hours, depending on the individual case.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Cystectomy surgery does not bar the recurrence of other cysts on the ovaries. The only way to completely prevent recurrence is removal of the ovaries.

What Are My Alternatives to Treat Ovarian Cysts?

• Watchful Waiting – if symptoms are not severe, you may wish to just “keep an eye on” the condition, following up regularly with your doctor.
• Oral Contraceptives – If you are ovulating, taking birth control pills will stop the ovulation process, and in most cases, the development of ovarian cysts.

Will I Have Pain?

Pain is sometimes, but not always a symptom of the disease. If you have surgery such as an ovarian cystectomy, there may be postoperative pain, but this is manageable with prescription analgesics.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

Patients undergoing a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy have returned to work in as few as 3-4 days after the procedure.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified gynecologists will perform the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Ovarian Cyst Treatment?

Insurance should cover this condition and any approved treatments.