How To

How to Treat Ovarian Cysts

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Ovarian cysts are growths that appear on the ovaries. Most of these are fluid-filled, non-cancerous sacs, but some may grow extremely large, cause severe pain or develop into cancer. You should treat your ovarian cysts according to your doctor's instructions.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Doctor or gynecologist

    Treat Ovarian Cysts

  1. Step 1

    Consult a doctor if you are having any outward symptoms of ovarian cysts. Only a doctor can accurately treat the cysts. Symptoms include menstrual irregularity, pelvic pain, nausea, fullness and vaginal discharge.

  2. Step 2

    Wait two to three months and have your cysts re-examined to see if they have grown in size. For women in their reproductive years or who are post-menopausal, your doctor may wish to simply wait before trying any more invasive treatments. If a cyst is smaller than 2 inches, your doctor may wait to remove it.

  3. Step 3

    Consider taking birth control pills, which have been shown to reduce the chances of new cysts and of ovarian cancer. You may have to try a few different types of birth control before you find a pill that works for you.

  4. Step 4

    Discuss with your doctor if you want to have children in the future. Your doctor will try to treat the cysts with non-invasive techniques, preserving fertility as much as possible.

  5. Step 5

    Know that a laparoscopy can diagnose and treat cysts. Your doctor can choose to remove some cysts during this simple procedure.

  6. Step 6

    Have the cyst removed if it is large, causes pain or if it continues to grow. A cystectomy removes an ovary, leaving one functioning ovary in place. This procedure is called an oophorectomy (or ovariotomy).

  7. Step 7

    Think about a hysterectomy if you are past childbearing age and have several large or painful cysts. The removal of the reproductive organs will rid your body of the ability to produce cysts.

Tips & Warnings
  • Your doctor will consider your age, medical history and desire to reproduce when deciding how to treat your ovarian cysts.
  • Since there is no definite way to prevent ovarian cysts, the key to successful treatment is to be diagnosed as early as possible. You should have an annual pelvic exam.
  • Be sure to mention any pain or abnormal symptoms that persist over several menstrual cycles.
  • Women who develop ovarian cysts during their post-menopausal years (55 to 70) are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Even if you no longer have your monthly menstrual period, you should schedule regular exams with your doctor.

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