Around 10% of women develop ovarian cysts, so they’re more common than many people realize. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, it’s important to know that it’s usually not a serious problem.
Based in White Plains and Queens, New York, board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Kushner, MD, specializes in full-spectrum women’s health care, including treatment of challenging problems and reproductive wellness optimization.
When our patients develop ovarian cysts, Dr. Kushner takes the time to explain what it means, what to expect, and how to proceed. In this blog, we’re discussing one of the most common questions we hear about ovarian cysts: Will they go away on their own?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts develop naturally as part of your menstrual cycle. The ovaries themselves are quite small — around the size of an almond — and cysts are generally far smaller than that.
Good news: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that ovarian cysts usually disappear on their own within a few months, especially if they’re small and asymptomatic. Many women who have asymptomatic ovarian cysts never even know they have them.
About 99% of ovarian cysts in premenopausal women are benign (noncancerous).
Though most ovarian cysts don’t cause problems, those that do can be quite disruptive and cause intrusive symptoms. Larger ovarian cysts can remain, sometimes growing big enough to shift the ovary’s position. Ovarian cysts can cause torsion, or twisting, that disrupts ovarian blood flow. Cysts can also rupture.
Large cysts, ruptured cysts, or those that cause ovarian torsion can cause severe symptoms and serious complications. Some of the symptoms that indicate you need to call us for help are:
If you have one or more of these symptoms, particularly if you also experience fever or nausea and vomiting, it’s important to seek help immediately. These signs can point to infection and ovarian torsion.
Dr. Kushner can help you understand your symptoms and decide what further testing or treatment is needed.
In most cases, watchful waiting — monitoring through regular exams and imaging tests — is the recommended approach for asymptomatic ovarian cysts discovered during routine imaging tests. At your following imaging test, there’s a good chance the cysts will be gone.
But if your ovarian cysts persist or cause problems, like severe pain, Dr. Kushner can recommend an appropriate treatment. Certain surgeries address ovarian cysts, such as cystectomy, which is the removal of the cyst while leaving the ovary intact. In rare and severe cases, some women may need removal of the affected ovary, an oophorectomy.
One common approach to reduce the risk of new cysts is birth control pills to stabilize hormones.
Dr. Kushner compassionately discusses your situation with you and helps you find the right treatment path. His goal is always to help you have the best quality of life with as little disruption as possible.
If you’re experiencing intrusive symptoms or you’re concerned about ovarian cysts, don’t wait to get the answers you need. Contact Daniel Kushner, MD, by calling the office near you or requesting an appointment online.
