Ovarian Cysts
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Daniel Kushner, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology located in White Plains, NY & Queens, NY
Ovarian cysts are common, but they can cause discomfort, uncertainty, and pain. Dr. Daniel Kushner offers expert gynecological care for women at his office, Daniel Kushner, MD, in White Plains and Queens, New York. For advanced diagnostics and expert health care, call the office to book an appointment or use the easy online scheduling tool.
Ovarian Cysts Q & A
What are ovaries?
As a female, ovaries are a vital part of your reproductive system. You have two ovaries in your lower abdomen on either side of your uterus. An ovary’s primary job is to produce eggs and dispense estrogen and progesterone.
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a sac on your ovary that’s filled with fluid or may be semi-solid. Ovarian cysts are common and usually go away on their own.
Most women develop multiple cysts that come and go as part of the menstrual cycle. Ovarian cysts don’t normally trigger symptoms, or, if they do, they’re typically mild and nonspecific.
Rarely, some cysts can become large and painful and interfere with your fertility.
What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
It’s likely that you’ll never know you have or had a cyst, but sometimes they can grow large and cause:
- Painful intercourse
- Aching in your ovary
- Discomfort during a bowel movement
- Bloating
- Heaviness in your abdomen
If the cyst is overly large, it can twist the ovary and become extremely uncomfortable or burst and cause sudden, severe pain.
What causes ovarian cysts?
There are two main types and causes of ovarian cysts. They are:
Follicle cysts
As part of your menstrual cycle, follicles on your ovary release mature eggs. If the follicle fails to break open, the fluid inside can form a cyst.
Corpus luteum cysts
This occurs when the follicle releases the egg but doesn’t dissolve as it should after the job is complete.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Dr. Kushner usually discovers ovarian cysts during routine pelvic exams. To determine what type of cyst it is, he may perform a pelvic ultrasound or laparoscopy. Just to exclude anything cancerous, he may also order blood work.
How are ovarian cysts treated?
Watchful waiting is the best course of action for most cysts. Almost all ovarian cysts recede over time and completely go away. Dr. Kushner will take every precaution and may ask you to return periodically for monitoring to ensure a cyst is indeed receding rather than growing.
If you have a cyst that’s causing problems, Dr. Kushner may recommend medication or surgery. If the cyst does need to be removed, Dr. Kushner specializes in minimally invasive techniques to minimize your downtime.
For a thorough evaluation, call for an appointment or book online with Daniel Kushner, MD, today.
