Ovarian Cysts in Bowie, Greenbelt, and North Bethesda, MD
Ovarian cysts are quite common in women of childbearing age; however, even postmenopausal women can develop these cysts. While they can be uncomfortable, the good news is that they often aren’t anything to worry about; however, if you are dealing with persistent abdominal pain, this could be a sign of an ovarian cyst or something else, so it’s always best to turn to our Bowie, MD, OBGYNs for an evaluation.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Cysts are fluid-filled and often benign sacs that can form on or in one or both ovaries. Ovarian cysts are usually functional cysts that form in response to ovulation and changes in menstruation. Ovarian cysts may also be cystadenomas, dermoid cysts, endometriomas, or cancerous tumors.
Who Develops Ovarian Cysts?
Any individual with ovaries can develop cysts. You may be more likely to develop ovarian cysts as you age or if you’ve had cysts form during pregnancy, a history of ovarian cysts or a hormonal disorder or endometriosis.
What are the Signs of an Ovarian Cyst?
If the cysts are small, it’s normal not to experience symptoms; however, if the cysts grow larger, you may develop,
- Fullness or bloating in the pelvis
- Abdominal pain or pain that radiates to the back
- Pain with sex
- Painful periods
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Cyst?
If you are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cysts, our team may want to perform certain tests to rule out other possible conditions. A pelvic exam and an ultrasound are often performed to check for any changes or to detect cysts. An ultrasound can also determine if the cyst is solid or contains fluid.
How are Ovarian Cysts Treated?
Even if we detect ovarian cysts on ultrasound, it doesn’t necessarily mean we need to treat them. Often they will go away on their own, particularly if they are functional cysts. In some cases, hormonal medications such as birth control may be used to prevent cysts from developing in the future. If an ovarian cyst is causing severe issues or is large, surgery may be needed to remove it.
