Ovarian Cyst Specialist
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Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care
Kevin Hooker, M.D.
Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Lake Havasu City, AZ
About 8% of premenopausal women have ovarian cysts that require treatment to prevent health complications. If you experience symptoms of ovarian cysts, board-certified doctor Kevin Hooker, MD, at Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, can help. He conducts tests to determine if you have ovarian cysts and uses minimally invasive surgery or other treatments to restore your quality of life. Call to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Ovarian Cyst Q & A
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovaries make female hormones and produce eggs. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually form when an ovary releases an egg. This process is called ovulation.
Ovarian cysts are common among women, are usually harmless, and often go away on their own. However, in some cases, treatment is necessary.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Most of the time, ovarian cysts remain small and don’t cause symptoms. If you do experience symptoms from these cysts, you might notice:
- Swelling
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Pressure
Complications that can develop from ovarian cysts include cancer, infertility, ovarian torsion (painful twisting of the ovary), and cyst rupture.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe or sudden pelvic pain or fever and vomiting with the pain.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Dr. Hooker completes a pelvic exam to identify ovarian cysts and other gynecological health conditions. To determine if the cysts require treatment, he may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as:
- Pregnancy test
- Laparoscopy
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Blood tests
After completing the necessary tests, Dr. Hooker determines what type of cyst you have to establish an appropriate treatment.
What is the treatment for ovarian cysts?
Dr. Hooker and his team may recommend one or more of the following treatments for ovarian cysts:
Watchful waiting
If a cyst is small or new, Dr. Hooker may recommend watching it over time to see if the cyst goes away on its own, remains the same size, or gets bigger.
Medication
In some cases, birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives help prevent future cysts from developing. However, these medications don’t shrink existing ovarian cysts.
Surgery
If an ovarian cyst is large, increases in size, or causes pain, Dr. Hooker may recommend minimally invasive surgery to remove the cyst at Lake Havasu Regional Medical Center. Cyst-removal surgery is a routine procedure with minimal downtime.
Regular OB/GYN exams help detect ovarian cysts in the early stages before they become large, painful, or cancerous. When you’re ready to find out if you have ovarian cysts or have them removed to prevent complications, call Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care today or book an appointment online.
