Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian Cyst Treatment at Garnet Health

Ovarian cysts have the potential to cause severe health issues. Understanding this common condition and the importance of receiving regular pelvic examinations starts with care from Garnet Health.

To empower and protect the health of women, Garnet Health offers a wide range of women’s health services and preventative care. We provide personalized support and compassionate treatment to women seeking an inviting healthcare experience in an educational environment especially conducive to healing.

Women may develop ovarian cysts at some point in their lives, but many will never know that these solid or fluid-filled sacs existed. These cysts can grow in or around the ovaries and usually vanish in a few months without treatment. However, they can cause painful complications. Harmful or not, the very existence of ovarian cysts emphasizes the importance of receiving regular pelvic exams. 

Ovarian Cyst Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Symptoms

Most ovarian cysts are small, harmless and don’t cause symptoms. Women who do have symptoms could be suffering from a cyst rupture or ovarian torsion (painful twisting of the ovary). These symptoms include:

• Pressure, bloating, swelling or sharp/dull pain in your lower abdomen where the cyst is located
• A feeling of fullness or heaviness in your abdomen
• Pelvic or abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain (could indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst)
• A dull ache in your lower back and thighs
• Unusual menstrual pain
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

Causes

Common causes of ovarian cysts include:

• Hormonal imbalances. Each month, your ovaries normally grow cyst-like structures called follicles. If a follicle keeps growing due to a hormonal problem, an ovarian cyst can develop. 
• Pregnancy. An ovarian cyst could occur if a follicle stays on your ovary throughout a pregnancy.
• Endometriosis. This condition causes the growth of endometrial cells outside of your uterus. Excess growth can attach to an ovary and cause a cyst to develop.
• Severe pelvic infections. Pelvic infections can heighten the chances of developing ovarian cysts.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on your symptoms (if any), medical-history and exam findings. Your doctor may suggest:

• Waiting and returning for re-examination (if a cyst or mass is palpable, the follow-up and re-examination is very important) - This is the most common “treatment” option for women experiencing no symptoms.
• Medication - hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, are a common option for women with a history of ovarian cysts. 
• Referral for further gynecologic evaluation - Gynecology referrals are recommended for women with a complicated or large cyst that continues to grow, causing pain or those which are cancerous. 

Garnet Health’s women's health team provides a wide range of women’s health services. This includes regular pelvic exams and referrals for women’s imaging and specialists. We’ll work together to discuss your health goals and concerns and provide you with a personalized path to finding the best support and/or treatment.

Garnet Health women’s health team serves patients throughout Orange and Sullivan County, NY.