Ovarian cysts are very common, and you may not even be aware you have one. But some ovarian cysts can grow large in size and cause discomfort. The experienced team at Capital Women’s Care, which includes Dr. John Gschwend, Dr. Deena Kleinerman, Dr. Rachael Cleberg, Dr. Kirsten Beeson, and Morgan Wilkerson, PA-C, can provide the care you need if your ovarian cyst is affecting your quality of life. Call the Bethesda, Maryland, office in Montgomery County today.
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in or around your ovaries. They’re very common and often occur during ovulation. The two most common types of ovarian cysts include:
A follicle cyst forms when your egg, which is grown in a follicle, doesn’t open during your menstrual cycle. These types of cysts are very common and usually resolve within three months.
The corpus luteum refers to the mass of cells leftover after your egg leaves the follicle. If your corpus luteum doesn’t shrink, it may form into a cyst. These types of cysts may disappear within a few weeks, but they can grow large in size and cause discomfort.
Both follicle and corpus luteum cysts are benign.
You may not experience any symptoms with an ovarian cyst. In fact, an ovarian cyst may come and go without you even being aware of it. However, in some cases, your ovarian cyst may cause symptoms, such as:
If your cyst ruptures, you may feel extreme pain and should seek medical care right away. Large cysts can also cause your ovaries to twist, which may lead to pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Your specialist at Capital Women’s Care may find an ovarian cyst during your annual gynecological exam or when you come in due to concerns about abnormal symptoms during the pelvic portion of your exam. To confirm that you have an ovarian cyst, your specialist may recommend sonography, which is a painless diagnostic test that generates images of your reproductive organs and can identify the location and size of your cyst.
Treatment for your ovarian cyst may depend on the type and size of your cyst, as well as your symptoms. Because most ovarian cysts disappear in time, your specialist at Capital Women’s Care may take a wait and see approach and monitor your cyst with follow-up sonography.
However, if your cyst is large, causing symptoms, or not going away, your specialist may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove your ovarian cyst.
For expert care of your ovarian cyst, call Capital Women’s Care today.
