Ovarian Cyst Specialist

What is an ovarian cyst?

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can grow nearly anywhere in your body. Your ovaries, which produce eggs as part of your reproductive system, can develop ovarian cysts, which are usually benign. Many women get at least one ovarian cyst in their lifetime, but they often don’t cause any symptoms.

Two of the most common types of ovarian cysts are:

Follicle cysts

Follicle cysts develop in the follicles of the ovaries, which grow and release the eggs. If a follicle doesn’t break open to release its egg, a cyst can form. 

Corpus luteum cysts

A corpus luteum cyst develops if a follicle in the ovary releases the egg but doesn’t dissolve afterward. 

A condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause women to repeatedly develop cysts. It may eventually cause your ovaries to get larger, too. Without proper care, PCOS can lead to infertility. 

How do I know if I have an ovarian cyst?

Some ovarian cysts cause symptoms, but others don’t. Typically, if symptoms do appear, they come as the cyst gets bigger over time. Possible signs of an ovarian cyst include:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Pelvic pressure
• Painful intercourse
• Pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst
• Low back pain
• Nausea and vomiting

If a cyst ruptures, you feel sudden, sharp pain. You should book an appointment with South Shore Women's Care if you experience this, especially with other symptoms like fever or faintness. 

Dr. Fomitcheva diagnoses ovarian cysts using a routine pelvic examination. To evaluate its size, location, and other details, she uses ultrasound imaging. She can repeat the test after you undergo ovarian cyst treatment to check on your condition. 

How are ovarian cysts treated?

At South Shore Women's Care, Dr. Fomitcheva provides treatment to shrink or remove cysts that don’t go away on their own or cysts that are growing. Your ovarian cyst treatment might involve:

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives stop ovulation by regulating your hormones, therefore stopping you from developing new cysts. 

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that Dr. Fomitcheva can use to remove ovarian cysts. She makes a small incision in your abdomen and places a laparoscope camera in it that projects a live feed on a nearby screen so she can see what she’s doing. She then inserts a small instrument through another incision to remove the cyst. 

Laparotomy

Laparotomy is a surgery for a cyst that uses a large incision instead of small incisions. This procedure is for large cysts that Dr. Fomitcheva needs to test for cancer. 

If you have symptoms that could indicate an ovarian cyst, schedule an appointment over the phone or online at South Shore Women's Care today.