Ovarian Cysts Doctor in Houston
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside a woman’s ovaries. The most common types are follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts, which usually occur during the menstrual cycle and are generally non-cancerous. Other types include endometriomas, dermoids, and cystadenomas. A condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves the formation of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. While most ovarian cysts are benign, it is important to have them evaluated by a doctor to ensure they are not malignant.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can form due to hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, pregnancy, and severe pelvic infections.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts often do not cause symptoms and are found incidentally. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Swelling, bloating, or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Pain on the side of the cyst
- Severe pain if the cyst ruptures
- Pain, nausea, and vomiting if the ovary twists
Less common symptoms can include:
- Frequent need to urinate
- Difficulty emptying the bowels or bladder completely
- Tender breasts
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pain during menstrual periods
- Unexplained weight gain
- Painful intercourse
- Dull ache in the thighs and lower back
- Pelvic pain
Treatment Options for Ovarian Cysts in Los Angeles
Ovarian cysts are typically detected through a pelvic exam and confirmed with a pelvic ultrasound. Treatment options include:
- Observation: Many ovarian cysts resolve without intervention. Pain medication may be prescribed if needed, and follow-up exams ensure the cyst has resolved.
- Hormonal Birth Control: For women with recurrent cysts, doctors may recommend hormonal birth control methods such as pills, patches, shots, or vaginal rings to prevent ovulation and reduce the risk of new cysts forming.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary if a woman is post-menopausal, the cyst grows larger, causes significant pain, appears abnormal on ultrasound, or does not go away after several menstrual cycles. According to the NIH, only 5-10% of women with ovarian cysts require surgery, and of those removed, 13-21% are found to be cancerous.
- Cancer Treatment: If a cyst is cancerous, the patient may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist. Treatment might involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and the surgical removal of the ovaries, uterus, and/or fallopian tubes.
Ovarian Cysts Doctor in Houston
