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Ovarian Cysts
While most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous, if you experience abdominal pain, it may indicate a cyst that needs evaluation. At Coastal Bend Women’s Center, our doctors are dedicated to resolving your gynecological concerns with expertise and compassion.
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms on one of a woman’s ovaries. These cysts commonly develop during ovulation, which occurs when the ovary releases an egg each month.
Ovarian cysts typically do not cause symptoms and are harmless. However, in some cases, they can lead to abdominal pain, swelling, discomfort during bowel movements, and pain during intercourse.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
The most common causes of ovarian cysts include:
- Hormonal problems or medications used to help you ovulate.
- Endometriosis — Women with endometriosis can develop a type of ovarian cyst that can be painful during sex and during your period.
- Pregnancy — An ovarian cyst normally develops in early pregnancy to help support the pregnancy until the placenta forms. Sometimes, the cyst stays on the ovary until later in the pregnancy and may need to be removed.
- Severe pelvic infections — Infections can spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes and cause cysts to form.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Detection of an ovarian cyst starts with a pelvic exam. Further tests may include:
- Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the body, allowing your doctor to see where and how big the cyst is.
- Pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
- Hormone level tests to see whether there are hormone-related problems.
- Blood test to determine if you may have ovarian cancer.
If the cyst doesn’t go away on its own or if it grows larger, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Birth Control Pills — to stop ovulation and prevent the development of new cysts.
- Laparoscopy — to surgically remove a small cyst through a small incision in your abdomen.
- Laparotomy — to surgically remove a large cyst through a large incision in your abdomen, followed by a biopsy to determine if the cyst is cancerous.
Your gynecologist at Coastal Bend Women’s Center will offer you the latest information, choices, and treatments to help restore your optimal health.
To make an appointment, call (361) 993-6000
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