One reason it's important to see your gynecologist regularly is so they can monitor for ovarian cysts. These cysts are common, and they don't usually need treatment. However, they have the potential to cause serious problems, and they're sometimes associated with cancer, so your gynecologist may want to monitor your condition.
Here's what you should know about ovarian cysts.
Cysts Are Filled With Fluid Or Tissue
Cysts are small growths that might be filled with fluid or tissue. The ones that fill with fluid have the potential to get quite large and become problematic. Other cysts form normally as part of your menstrual cycle and don't even cause any symptoms.
There are a few different kinds of cysts, so if your cyst gets large or causes symptoms, your gynecologist might want to run some tests to determine the type of cyst you have.
Some Cysts May Cause Pelvic Pain
If you have a cyst that causes symptoms, you might experience painful sex, pelvic pain, abdominal pain or fullness, bloating, weight gain, and irregular periods. If a cyst gets large enough, it may start to crowd your ovary and cause it to twist your fallopian tube. This can cause sudden intense pain, and you should see a doctor right away.
It's always a good idea to let your gynecologist know when you have a change in your menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain so the reason can be found and treated. While some cysts can cause pain and discomfort, most don't cause pain or problems with being able to get pregnant. You may have had an ovarian cyst without knowing it since cysts can be triggered by your period and then go away in a few months on their own.
Treatment Depends On Your Symptoms
Your gynecologist may just monitor your cyst to see if it eventually goes away on its own. Monitoring might include periodic ultrasounds to make sure the cyst isn't growing and to make sure it eventually goes away. The chances of a cyst being linked to cancer increase after menopause, so your doctor may do more frequent monitoring with scans and blood tests so your condition can be tracked more closely.
If complications arise from the cyst, including the cyst getting too large, your doctor may decide to remove it. This might be done through either minimally invasive surgery or open surgery. The cyst alone might be removed or the doctor might need to remove your ovary too. The doctor may also remove your fallopian tubes and uterus if cancer is involved.
To learn more about ovarian cysts, reach out to a gynecologist near you.
Share29 August 2022
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