Ovarian Cysts
An ovarian cyst describes a collection of fluid within a sac inside or on the surface of your ovary. The effect of these cysts can range from being entirely symptomatic and resolving on their own, to causing severe symptoms that interfere with your day, requiring surgery. Ovarian cysts are extremely common, with most women having at least one cyst at some point in their lives.
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a general term for any fluid-filled sac on your ovary. There are several different types of cysts, which may be non-cancerous, pre-cancerous, or cancerous. If your primary healthcare provider, such as your GP, has identified an ovarian cyst and believes there is potential for a malignancy (cancer), if the cyst is causing severe symptoms, or if you have experienced a cyst-related complication, you should be referred to a gynaecologist.
Types of cysts include:
- Physiological or functional cysts, which develop with your menstrual cycle and typically self-resolve within a few months
- Endometriomas, a blood-filled cyst associated with moderate to advanced stages of endometriosis
- Cystadenoma, a non-cancerous, progressively growing cyst that often causes symptoms and usually requires surgery
- Complex cysts, cysts that are filled with blood or a solid substance, or have nodules on the cyst walls
- Cancerous cysts indicating ovarian cancer
Ovarian cyst symptoms
Many women with an ovarian cyst will not notice any symptoms, and the cyst is found during investigations for something else, such as a pregnancy ultrasound.
If you have a functional cyst that has formed as a result of your menstrual cycle, you may find your periods are irregular until the cyst resolves two to three months later.
Other possible symptoms of an ovarian cyst include:
- Pain in your abdomen or pelvis
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain between menstrual periods
- Bloating
- Uncomfortable or painful bowel movements
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst complication
A complication from an ovarian cyst can happen suddenly, with severe symptoms.
Ovarian torsion arises from one of your ovaries twisting either partially or fully, which reduces or cuts off the blood circulation to this ovary. The symptoms of ovarian torsion include sudden and severe pain in your lower abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. Ovarian torsion should be urgently assessed by a gynaecologist, who can perform laparoscopic surgery to try and save the ovary. A ruptured ovarian cyst presents similarly to ovarian torsion, with intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. You may also experience some spotting, dizziness, or feeling faint. If uncomplicated, a ruptured ovarian cyst can be managed with pain relieving medications. But for women who have ongoing pain or other complications, laparoscopic surgery may be the most suitable treatment.
How is an ovarian cyst treated?
Ovarian cysts that are not causing bothersome symptoms can typically be safely monitored. Many will resolve on their own, particularly small, functional cysts. During your consultation with Dr Sam Daniels, he will:
- Take a detailed history to understand your symptoms
- Perform or refer you for further investigations if he suspects you may have another gynaecological condition, such as endometriosis
- Potentially perform a pelvic examination, with your consent
- Organise a pelvic ultrasound to obtain more detail about the cyst
- Order a blood test to assess for ovarian tumour markers
If his investigations raise the possibility of ovarian cancer, Dr Sam will refer you to a suitably experienced gynaecological oncologist for further management.
Ovarian cyst treatment in Sydney with Dr Sam Daniels
Large, symptomatic, or complex cysts should be surgically managed by a gynaecologist with experience in laparoscopy (keyhole) or robotic surgery , as these usually offer superior outcomes and fewer complications compared to open surgery.
Known as an ovarian cystectomy, ovarian cyst surgery is designed to remove the cyst while preserving the function of the ovary. In some cases, the entire ovary may need to be surgically removed, particularly for very large, complex cysts, or if you have already been through menopause and don’t expect to have any more children. A cystectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. If you’re having a laparoscopic procedure, two to three keyhole incisions are made in your abdomen. Dr Sam can insert his surgical instruments through these incisions, as well as a long, thin scope known as a laparoscope. The cyst is cut out and extracted through one of these incisions. If necessary, it can be tested for cancerous cells.
Recovery after an ovarian cystectomy
If you’ve had a laparoscopic cystectomy, you can expect to go home within a few hours if you’re feeling well. Women who undergo open surgery for ovarian cyst removal will most likely need to stay overnight. After a laparoscopic procedure, most women feel okay to return to their usual activities within two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are non-surgical treatments for ovarian cysts. These include simply monitoring small and asymptomatic cysts, the oral contraceptive pill to prevent the development of new cysts, or managing pain with off-the-shelf pain relieving medications or heat packs.
Fortunately, most ovarian cysts are benign (not cancerous), and many are safe to simply watch until they resolve on their own. However, due to the potential for complications such as a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion, and the possibility of cancer, all ovarian cysts should be checked by a gynaecologist.
Each woman has a different experience or perception of pain. Some may describe the discomfort from an ovarian cyst as a dull ache or pinpoint pain in the pelvis, while others feel the sensation of pressure, especially if the cyst is large. Other women are only aware of the cyst due to pain during intercourse or bowel movements.
Specialist care for women’s health concerns
Comprehensive care with Dr Sam Daniels is available across multiple Sydney locations, including urgent gynaecologist appointments for time-sensitive cases.