Learning you have an ovarian cyst might make you panic in a hurry, but Dr. Ernesto Acosta with Women’s Health Specialists says they’re more common than you might think and not to sound the alarm bells too quickly. “In most cases ovarian cysts are no cause for immediate concern,” commented Dr. Acosta. “Four things to note about ovarian cysts include the following, and should help you understand why they form, when you’re at higher risk of the cyst being dangerous and how to best preserve your fertility if you need one removed:
- It’s actually quite typical for ovarian cysts to develop, and the majority of ovarian cysts resolve on their own in two to three months’ time.
- Ovarian cysts are more commonly found in younger women because their ovaries are currently functioning and the cysts typically form as the eggs are going through a cycle. When found in post-menopausal women, ovarian cysts typically raise more cause for concern since the ovaries are no longer functional.
- An ultrasound will be performed when necessary to help determine if an ovarian cyst is benign or malignant. There’s an increased risk of the ovarian cyst being malignant, or cancerous, in women that are post-menopausal.
- If it is necessary to remove a benign ovarian cyst, the goal would be to save the ovary to preserve fertility.
Many women with an ovarian cyst do not experience any symptoms, and it’s their annual pelvic exam that serves as an opportunity to detect abnormalities in the ovaries, leading to the diagnosis of an ovarian cyst. OB/GYNs perform pelvic exams every day, and are particularly skilled at detecting cysts during a routine pelvic exam.”
If you think an ovarian cyst may be the cause of your pain, read up on the symptoms. It’s also a good idea to help put your health concerns at ease and schedule your annual well woman exam today with a Women’s Health Specialists provider in Neenah or Appleton.