Overview
There are different kinds of ovarian cysts and most of them are noncancerous and go away on their own. Some ovarian cysts may require medical treatment or might be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis. For this reason our NYC ovarian cyst specialists may want to monitor a cyst by scheduling routine exams or recommend immediate treatment if necessary.
Symptoms
Most often you won’t have symptoms of cysts in your ovaries. It is more common for them to be discovered during a pelvic exam or an annual check. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms you can discuss them with your ovarian cyst specialist NYC to see if you require further treatment.
Asymptomatic
- It is most likely that you won’t experience any symptoms. It is more common for cysts to be discovered through an ultrasound and to have them go away on their own.
Pelvic or abdominal pain
- If you are having abdominal pain from ovarian cysts it will likely worsen during your menstrual cycle. When your hormones change, it can cause the cysts to grow, which can lead to pelvic or abdominal pain.
Pain during sex
- If you have endometriosis and a common ovarian cyst called endometrioma, then you may experience pain during sex. Other cysts can also cause pain or discomfort during intercourse depending on the type of cyst, size, and location. If you are experiencing pain during sex and are having difficulties with fertility, you may want to meet with our team of NYC Ob/Gyn doctors to also discuss a fertility plan.
What causes Ovarian Cysts
There are several different types of cysts and most of the reasons they develop are related to the menstrual cycle. You may be more prone to developing cysts depending on your hormones or if you have a history of ovarian cysts. We feel it is best to meet with our expert ovarian cyst Specialists NYC to receive a correct and definitive diagnosis.
Hormonal
- You can be more prone to developing ovarian cysts if your hormones are changing. Pregnancy or some prescription medication for fertility can increase your likelihood of developing ovarian cysts.
Endometriosis
- If you have endometriosis, you are more likely to develop endometrioma, which is a specific type of cyst that can accompany endometriosis.
History of Ovarian Cysts
- If you have a previous history of ovarian cysts, it is more likely you will develop them again. This is why we encourage regular annual checkups with your Ob/Gyn ovarian cyst specialists NYC.
Treatment for an Ovarian Cyst
Before your treatment, our doctors will run some tests or do an ultrasound to determine what kind of cyst you have and which procedure will work best for you.
Surgical Procedures
- If the cyst has grown, changed in size, or lasted for too long, your ovarian specialist may want to remove the cyst surgically. In most cases this can be done without removing the ovary to which the cyst is attached. If the cyst is cancerous, then removal may be necessary (or cancer-specific treatment may be the next step).
Hormones
- Your Ob/Gyn ovarian cyst specialists may prescribe basic hormones, like birth control pills to regulate cysts or to keep them from coming back. This treatment requires no medical procedure and often takes a few short months.
Careful monitoring
- If your cysts are not causing any obvious issues, are not cancerous, and you don’t have any symptoms, your ovarian specialists in NYC may want to schedule a few checkups over the next few months to monitor the cyst and make sure it goes away on its own.