Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts are very common and in most cases come and go without causing symptoms. However, about 8% of premenopausal women develop ovarian cysts that require treatment. At Lenox OBGYN, with an office located in the Midtown West area of Manhattan in New York City, the board-certified OB/GYN physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cysts. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about an ovarian cyst, contact the office by phone or online today.

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What is an ovarian cyst?

You may develop a cyst, which is a fluid-filled sac, in any part of your body. When a cyst occurs on or near your ovaries, it’s called an ovarian cyst.

There are many types of ovarian cysts, but the most common include:

Follicle cysts

Your eggs grow and mature in sacs called follicles. When your follicle fails to release the mature egg during ovulation it continues to grow and forms into a follicle cyst. These types of cysts don’t cause symptoms and resolve on their own within a few months.

Corpus luteum cysts

After your follicle releases the egg, it shrinks and forms a mass of cells called the corpus luteum, which produces hormones that stimulate your next menstrual cycle. If the mass of cells fails to shrink, the sac reseals itself and fills up with fluid, creating a corpus luteum cyst.

These cysts tend to resolve within a few weeks, but can also grow as large as four inches wide, which may cause your ovaries to twist.

What are ovarian cyst symptoms?

Most ovarian cysts are small in size and rarely cause symptoms. However, if you have a large ovarian cyst, you may experience pain, bloating, or swelling in your pelvic area.

If your ovarian cyst ruptures, you may experience sudden and severe pain. You should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a ruptured ovarian cyst.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of ovarian cysts that cause your ovaries to twist.

How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing unexplained pelvic pain or discomfort, contact Lenox OBGYN for an evaluation. To determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, they perform a physical and pelvic exam.

To confirm or rule out an ovarian cyst, the team conducts an ultrasound.

How is an ovarian cyst treated?

Treatment for your ovarian cyst is individualized based on your symptoms and the size of your cyst. In most cases, ovarian cysts resolve on their own over time. The team may suggest follow-up appointments and ultrasound testing to monitor your symptoms and the size of your ovarian cyst.

The team may recommend surgery to remove your cyst if it increases in size, or continues to cause symptoms. During your surgery, the team may remove only the cyst, however, in some cases the ovary may also need to be removed.

Ovarian cysts are common and don’t usually cause problems. For expert care, contact Lenox OBGYN by phone or online today.