Ovarian Cysts – SP Medifort Hospital

Ovarian Cysts Treatment

Ovarian Cysts Treatment In Trivandrum

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or within the ovaries. They are common among women, especially during the reproductive years. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve naturally, but some may cause discomfort or lead to complications. Our hospital offers comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment for ovarian cysts with expert gynecological care.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

Many ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms and are often found during routine check-ups. When symptoms occur, they may include:

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain.
Abdominal bloating or pressure.
Irregular or painful menstrual periods.
Pain during physical activity or intercourse.
Lower back or thigh pain.
Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder.

What are the different types of Ovarian Cysts?

Our specialists identify the type of cyst to guide treatment:

Functional cysts: Functional ovarian cysts are non-cancerous sacs that develop on the ovary during the menstrual cycle. They usually form when a follicle fails to release an egg or when the sac reseals after releasing an egg. These cysts are common, often harmless, and typically resolve on their own within a few weeks.
Dermoid cysts: Dermoid cysts, also called mature cystic teratomas, are non-cancerous ovarian growths that can contain different types of tissues such as hair, skin, or teeth. They develop from cells present from birth and usually grow slowly. While often harmless, they may require surgical removal if they become large, cause pain, or lead to complications like ovarian torsion.
Cystadenomas: Cystadenomas are non-cancerous ovarian cysts that develop from the cells covering the outer surface of the ovary. They are usually filled with a watery or mucous-like fluid and can grow quite large. While often harmless, large cystadenomas may cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, or pressure on surrounding organs and may require surgical removal.
Endometriomas: Endometriomas, also called “chocolate cysts,” are ovarian cysts formed when endometrial tissue (the tissue that normally lines the uterus) grows on the ovaries. They are filled with thick, dark blood and are commonly associated with endometriosis. Endometriomas can cause pelvic pain, painful periods and may affect fertility, often requiring medical or surgical management.

What causes Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts can develop due to several underlying factors:

Hormonal Changes: Imbalances during the menstrual cycle can lead to functional cyst formation.
Ovulation Issues: If an egg is not released properly or the follicle does not shrink after ovulation, a cyst may form.
Pregnancy-Related Changes: Some cysts develop early in pregnancy and usually resolve later.
Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue growing on the ovaries can form painful cysts.
Pelvic Infections: Severe infections may spread to the ovaries and cause cyst development.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts

At our hospital, we provide comprehensive diagnostic services to ensure accurate detection and evaluation of ovarian cysts:

Laparoscopy: A small, lighted tube is inserted into the abdomen to view the ovaries. If a cyst is found, it can often be treated during the same procedure. This requires anesthesia.
Tumor Marker Tests: Blood tests such as CA 125 may be done if a cyst looks solid or there is a high risk of ovarian cancer. Levels can also be elevated in noncancerous conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pregnancy Test: A positive test may indicate early pregnancy. Corpus luteum cysts are common and normal during pregnancy.
Pelvic Ultrasound: A transducer uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and ovaries. Ultrasound helps confirm the presence of a cyst, its size, location, and whether it is solid or filled with fluid.

What are the Ovarian Cysts risk factors?

Factors that may increase the risk include:

Pregnancy: During early pregnancy, a cyst called a corpus luteum may form to support the pregnancy. Most of these cysts are harmless and resolve on their own.
Pelvic Infections: Severe infections in the pelvic organs can spread to the ovaries, increasing the risk of cyst formation.
Previous History of Ovarian Cysts: Women who have had ovarian cysts in the past are more likely to develop them again in the future.
Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions that affect hormone levels, such as irregular menstrual cycles or fertility treatments, can increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cysts.
Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis may develop endometriomas, a type of cyst formed when uterine tissue grows on the ovaries.

What treatment options are available for Ovarian Cysts?

Treatment depends on the cyst type, size, symptoms, and age:

Observation and Follow‑Up: Small cysts that are fluid‑filled and not causing symptoms are often monitored with periodic ultrasounds. Many functional cysts disappear on their own within a few menstrual cycles. Follow‑up imaging helps ensure the cyst is not growing.

Medical Management: Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, may be prescribed to help prevent the formation of new cysts by suppressing ovulation. While these medicines do not shrink existing cysts, they can reduce the risk of developing additional cysts in the future.

Surgical Treatment: Surgery may be recommended if a cyst is large, persistent, causes pain, grows in size, or looks suspicious on imaging. Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) is commonly used to remove the cyst, preserving ovarian tissue when possible. In some cases, more extensive surgery may be needed, especially if cancer is suspected.

Emergency Care: Immediate treatment is necessary if complications such as cyst rupture or ovarian torsion occur. These conditions can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain and internal bleeding. Emergency evaluation and treatment, which may include surgery, helps prevent further harm and protects reproductive organs.