How to Remove Ovarian Cysts
Though frightening and sometimes quite painful, rest assured that most ovarian cysts are not cancerous and many do not require invasive treatment. Some ovarian cysts will resolve on their own, though may reoccur, and some types may be treated with hormones, including birth control pills. Less frequently surgery is required to remove ovarian cysts. The following tips help with understanding the testing process and the choices available.
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Instructions
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How to Remove Ovarian Cysts
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Seek a gynecologist who is highly experienced with both surgical and non-surgical methods to remove ovarian cysts. Obtain a qualified referral from your regular physician or referral service. Ask questions to determine the doctor's qualifications. Gynecologists who specialize in endometriosis or surgical gynecology make good candidates.
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Make an appointment with a fertility specialist in conjunction with or instead of a gynecologist if you are experiencing signs or concerns about infertility. Certain type of cysts, including endometrial, may affect fertility or call for the removal of both an ovary and fallopian tube. The health of the remaining ovary and tube will need to be considered in light of future pregnancy options. A fertility treatment plan may be recommended.
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Prepare for one or more exams before the doctor decides to treat or remove ovarian cysts. Typically, a physical exam will be given similar to that from an annual gynecological exam. Depending on the results and your symptoms, the doctor will often recommend a sonogram. This is a painless test used to view the reproductive organs and visible abnormalities via sound waves. Depending on these results an outpatient surgical exam may be needed, called a laparoscopy, or other recommendations, such as hormones, provided.
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Discuss your treatment options thoroughly concerning ovarian cyst removal and ensure that you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you are uncomfortable with either a sit-and-wait approach, hormones or surgery, consider a second opinion.
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Talk to the doctor about the options expected to remove ovarian cysts if a laproscopy is recommended. The choices may include removing the cyst through the same incision, creating another small incision as needed, or more radical abdominal surgery. You may wish to limit how much surgery is performed without further consent, to include if you plan to see a fertility doctor, or have other concerns involving major surgery.
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Tips & Warnings
Though the chance of ovarian cancer is low for many women do not skip regular and recommended gynecology visits and instructions.
