Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that develop inside or on the surface of the ovary. Many women experience ovarian cysts without even knowing it since the cysts are relatively harmless, small, and go away on their own within a few months. In severe cases, cysts can enlarge and painfully twist your ovaries, decreasing or stopping blood flow. Cysts can also rupture and cause internal bleeding.

In Newton and Walpole, Massachusetts, our OB/GYN physicians at Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN have years of experience diagnosing and treating ovarian cysts, from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

A large ovarian cyst can cause symptoms, such as:

Fever
Vomiting
Abdominal swelling or bloating
Mild to moderate pelvic pain in the lower abdomen

An ovarian cyst is more likely to cause pain if it:

Becomes large
Bleeds
Breaks open
Interferes with blood supply to the ovary
Is bumped during sexual intercourse
Is twisted or causes twisting (torsion) of the ovary

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cysts

Risk factors for ovarian cysts include:

Endometriosis
Pelvic infection
History of ovarian cysts
Hormonal problems and imbalance

Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are several different types of ovarian cysts.

Follicular Cysts

Follicles are cyst-like structures that your ovaries grow every month. The follicles produce progesterone and estrogen hormones and release an egg during ovulation. A follicular cyst occurs when the ovary follicle can’t release an egg. Instead, it grows into a cyst. Follicular cysts are usually larger and can be painful.

Corpus Luteum Cysts

A corpus luteum cyst is the result of abnormalities and changes in the ovary follicle. The changes occur after the egg has been released, and cause fluid to build inside the follicle, leading to a cyst.

Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts are not related to your menstrual cycle. They form from embryonic cells and can contain tissue, such as hair, teeth, or skin.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts

Your OB/GYN physician may find an ovarian cyst during a pelvic exam or when you have an ultrasound test for another reason.

If you have a suspected ovarian cyst, your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound, a specific blood test, a laparoscopy, or other methods to confirm the diagnosis.

Other imaging tests that may be done when needed include

CT scan
Doppler flow studies
MRI

Another ultrasound may be ordered for you in 6 to 8 weeks to make sure the ovarian cyst is gone. If not, there are treatment options available.

Treatment for Ovarian Cysts

Treatments for ovarian cysts depend on their size, placement, cause, and severity. Treatment options may include the following:

Careful monitoring. Cysts can clear up on their own in many mild cases.
Medication. Hormonal contraceptives help to prevent future cysts but do not decrease the size of current cysts.
Surgery. Some complex ovarian cysts do not go away on their own or are increasing in size, and need to be surgically removed. They are removable without removing the ovary.

Treatment for Ovarian Cysts at Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN

If you experience pelvic pain or think you have ovarian cysts, the Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN team of physicians is here to help. Call us in Newton at (617) 332-2345 or in Walpole at (508) 668-5555 to schedule an appointment. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online.

Genetic Testing FAQs

Are you a candidate for genetic testing?

To help you assess whether you may benefit from hereditary cancer testing, you need to discuss your risk of cancer with your healthcare professional and ask for further evaluation.

How is genetic testing done?

Genetic tests are performed on a sample of blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid (if you are pregnant), or other tissue. The sample is then sent to a lab that specializes in genetic testing. The technicians look for specific changes in chromosomes, DNA, or proteins, depending on the suspected disorder. The lab returns the test results to the doctor who requested the test. It may take several weeks or longer to get the test results.

Does insurance cover genetic testing for cancer?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to pay for both genetic counseling and breast and gynecological cancer testing (e.g., Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) testing) for women who meet certain criteria. For these patients, insurance companies must cover the entire cost of genetic counseling and breast and gynecological cancer testing with no out-of-pocket costs to the individual.

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