When do Ovarian Cysts Require Medical Intervention?

Most ovarian cysts are related to your menstrual cycle. They can develop, grow, and resolve without your even being aware. Some, however, cause significant pain and may become large enough to shift the affected ovary out of position. These are the cysts that require medical attention.

Dr. Kevin Hooker is a board-certified gynecologist who is considered an expert in diagnosing and treating problematic ovarian cysts. Most days you’ll find him at his thriving practice in Lake Havasu City, Arizona – aptly named Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care – where he specializes in women’s health care issues.

Read on to find out what Dr. Hooker has to say about ovarian cysts, including when they require medical intervention and what treatments are available.

The basics of ovarian cysts and how they develop

Basically, most ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within an ovary or on its surface. Physicians typically separate ovarian cysts into types.

Two types of ovarian cysts are considered “functional” because they develop as part of your normal menstrual cycle and relate to how well the egg-producing follicles within your ovaries function.

It can get a little confusing since follicles themselves are cyst-like structures that release an egg during ovulation, which normally occurs about halfway through your menstrual cycle. Functional ovarian cysts include:

• Follicular cysts, which occur when the follicle fails to release an egg, but continues to grow
• Corpus luteum cysts, which occur when the follicle releases an egg, but continues to grow afterward  

Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and are usually asymptomatic, resolving on their own within two to three months. They can grow large enough, however, to cause significant pain and may eventually interfere with your fertility.

Other types of ovarian cysts that are not related to a normal, functional menstrual cycle include:

• Dermoid cysts, which are also called teratomas. These cysts form from embryonic cells and may contain hair, skin, teeth, and other recognizable tissue. They're rarely cancerous, but their appearance can certainly be startling.
• Cystadenomas, which develop on the surface of an ovary, are typically filled with watery material, and can become quite large.
• Endometriomas, which are related to endometriosis, a condition in which uterine endometrial cells grow outside your uterus.

Symptoms to watch for

Signs that may indicate your ovarian cysts require medical attention include:

• Dull, aching, or sharp pelvic pain that occurs in the lower abdomen on the same side as the cyst
• A sensation of fullness or heaviness in your lower abdomen/pelvic region
• Abdominal bloating associated with irritation and inflammation caused by an enlarging cyst

Some ovarian cysts, especially dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can grow large enough to push the affected ovary out of its normal position. This can lead to painful twisting or torsion of the ovary and may disrupt blood flow to the structure. Cysts can also rupture, which may cause severe pain and internal bleeding.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
• Symptoms of shock, such as cold clammy skin, rapid breathing, and dizziness

Treating problematic ovarian cysts

Treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the nature and size of your cyst(s). We may, for instance, recommend you take birth control pills to prevent future cysts from developing. Because this treatment will not shrink a cyst that’s already developed, however, we may also consider minimally invasive surgery to remove a large and symptomatic cyst (cystectomy).

Unfortunately, once a cyst has ruptured or caused ovarian torsion, our treatment choices decrease. You may require urgent surgical removal of the affected ovary (oophorectomy). We would, of course, prefer you see us for care long before you’re experiencing an emergency.

For complete gynecologic care, including treatment for symptomatic ovarian cysts, schedule a visit with Dr. Hooker at Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care today.