About 10 in 100 American women will develop at least one ovarian cyst in their lifetime. If you have cysts that are painful, you can rely on the expert care Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology provides. The physicians offer nonsurgical therapies to ease symptoms of ovarian cysts. They can also use advanced laparoscopic techniques to remove painful cysts on an outpatient basis. Call the office in Atlanta or Alpharetta, Georgia, to schedule a consultation for ovarian cysts or request an appointment online today.
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form inside or on the surface of an ovary, the almond-shaped gland where eggs develop. Most cysts form during your menstrual cycle. Each month, your ovaries grow small cysts known as follicles that produce hormones and eventually open to release an egg during ovulation.
If a follicle continues to grow, it becomes a functional cyst. Cysts are usually harmless but can grow large enough to cause discomfort and other complications.
Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology provides personalized care for women with troublesome ovarian cysts. The physicians focus on easing any discomfort you have and can also remove cysts before complications occur.
They can also provide care for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause cysts to develop.
When should I seek medical care for ovarian cysts?
Most cysts cause no symptoms and go away without medical intervention. However, if the cyst is large, you may experience:
- Bloating
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual bleeding
- Abdominal heaviness
If you experience sudden and severe pain, it may be a warning sign that an ovarian cyst has ruptured.
Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology offers diagnostic testing and treatment services for ovarian cysts. The providers use ultrasound imaging to locate cysts and determine which treatment you need.
They can also complete a pelvic exam to check the overall health of your ovaries and other reproductive organs.
How are ovarian cysts treated?
If an ovarian cyst causes minor symptoms, the Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians may take a wait-and-see approach. They continue to monitor the location and size of the cyst to determine when treatment may be necessary. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to treat any discomfort.
Laparoscopic surgery is available to remove a large cyst that continues to grow or causes pain. Physicians can remove the growth without damaging your ovary, or they may need to complete an oophorectomy, which is a procedure to remove the cyst and the ovary.
If you have concerns about recurrent cysts, the physicians may prescribe hormonal contraceptives that prevent ovulation. While contraceptives can’t shrink existing cysts, they can prevent new cysts from growing.
Call the Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for ovarian cyst symptoms or book an appointment online today.
