Ovarian cysts are sacs of fluid that can form around or inside the ovaries. Whether asymptomatic or painful, your OBGYN may conduct assessments to identify the presence of these cysts. Discussions about your medical history, pelvic exams, imaging tests, and blood work should reveal details about the cysts. Tests distinguish between functional cysts, which resolve on their own, and malignant growths that require intervention. Here’s how an Obstetrician-Gynecologist diagnoses and treats ovarian cysts:
Comprehensive Medical History
As a first step, your OBGYN should assess your detailed medical history. You may be asked to describe your symptoms, such as pelvic pain, bloating, irregular cycles, or bleeding outside of your period. You will likely discuss the severity, duration, and impact the cysts have on your daily life. Doctors should also inquire about your family history of ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer. This information helps medical professionals consider risk factors and form their diagnoses. A full medical history also gives your OBGYN context for interpreting test results.
Thorough Physical Examination
Your doctor should perform a physical exam to detect any abnormalities, swelling, lumps, or rigidity in your lower abdomen and pelvis. When the doctor presses on your abdomen, tenderness around the uterus and ovaries could point to possible cysts. Distortion of normal pelvic anatomy can suggest endometriosis, fibroids, or other issues that may contribute to cysts. Physical exam findings help direct the next steps for imaging or treatment.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
Imaging technologies offer an internal visualization of the cysts impacting your reproductive organs. Transvaginal ultrasound is a technique where sound waves generate pictures of your cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. These detailed images show your cyst’s exact size, shape, location, and contents. Your OBGYN assesses whether the cyst holds clear fluid or solid material. If initial ultrasound findings are unclear, an MRI provides advanced imaging. Your doctor evaluates overall pelvic anatomy and signs of endometriosis that could cause complex cysts.
Precise Blood Testing
Blood tests help in diagnosing ovarian cysts by checking the levels of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Imbalances in progesterone and estrogen may be associated with certain types of cysts. Your doctor measures your CA-125, a protein in the blood, if your ultrasound reveals complex, solid cysts. In postmenopausal women, elevated CA-125 can point to malignant ovarian tumors.
Effective Watchful Waiting
Doctors may recommend watchful waiting if you have small, fluid-filled cysts without concerning features. Functional cysts that form during ovulation should resolve independently within a few menstrual cycles. Monitoring the cysts lets your doctor track any cyst size or structure changes. If cysts regress over time, you can resume your normal activities. You may return for regular follow-up ultrasounds to check for growth, shape changes, or new symptoms that warrant extra investigation.
Targeted Medication Options
Hormonal medications may suppress the formation of new cysts. Birth control pills stabilize hormone levels, preventing functional cysts from developing during each menstrual cycle. For women dealing with endometriosis, GnRH agonists stop ovulation and suppress estrogen that can fuel ovarian cysts. These medications may shrink existing endometriomas. Some medicines, like NSAIDs, aim to reduce cyst-related pain and discomfort.
Safe Surgical Solutions
Large cysts or those with suspicious ultrasound findings might require surgical removal. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that uses small abdominal incisions to access your ovaries. Your doctor inserts instruments to drain fluid or excise total cysts, and pathology testing then identifies if there are any cancerous cells. A laparotomy uses a larger open incision to remove massive or potentially malignant cysts for detailed analysis. Surgical excision helps prevent growth into more extensive, damaging tumors. An oophorectomy may be necessary in certain cases when preserving fertility becomes nonviable. Your doctor will take your reproductive goals into consideration to determine the appropriate surgery.
Enjoy Professional OBGYN Services Today
Ovarian cysts impact women’s health in a variety of ways. Partnering with a specialist provides an expert examination of your unique symptoms. Imaging and personalized care can help you find a diagnosis and optimal treatment. Learn more about women’s health services by contacting a reliable OBGYN today.
