Ovarian Cysts Removal Surgery & Recovery London
What Causes Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts come in two different forms:
1. The most common type are functional ovarian cysts, which happen as part of the menstrual cycle as follicles prepare to release eggs for fertilisation. A follicle that doesn’t mature properly can swell and become a cyst. Functional cysts are usually harmless and disappear by themselves.
2. Pathological ovarian cysts happen when cells in the ovaries start to grow abnormally. Pathological cysts are rare, but there is a risk that they could become cancerous so they may need to be removed.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts are small and harmless. You might not know that you have a cyst unless it bursts or grows large enough to affect the blood supply to your ovaries. If this happens, then you could start to experience symptoms such as:
- Pelvic pain, which could be a sudden pain or a dull ache
- Discomfort during sex
- Changes to your menstrual cycle, such as heavier, lighter or less regular periods
- Bloating or a full feeling even when you haven’t eaten much
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Difficulty or discomfort when emptying your bowels
If you have symptoms that could be caused by ovarian cysts, you should see your gynaecologist. However, you should go to the nearest A&E if you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts
In order to determine whether your symptoms are being caused by ovarian cysts, the gynaecologist may need to:
- Ask about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing
- Arrange an ultrasound scan to see whether there are any cysts in your ovaries.
- Carry out a blood test to measure the levels of certain chemicals that could indicate whether the cysts are linked to a condition such as endometriosis.
In rare cases, the results of these tests could suggest that the growth might be caused by ovarian cancer. You may then need additional tests or treatment to remove the cyst and eliminate all the cancer cells.
Treatments for Ovarian Cysts
Treatment isn’t always required for an ovarian cyst as most are harmless. However, it is sometimes necessary to remove a cyst that is causing problems. Your gynaecologist may recommend the following treatments:
- If you aren’t experiencing any symptoms and there is no risk of cancer, your gynaecologist may simply want to wait and see if the cysts go away by themselves. You may need regular ultrasounds to monitor your condition.
- Cysts that are causing symptoms or that could be cancerous can be removed surgically. Miss Arafa can recommend the best surgical approach for you.
- Treatment for any underlying conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that could be linked to the ovarian cysts. It could require medication or surgery.
If you have noticed symptoms that could be caused by ovarian cysts, you should make an appointment with your gynaecologist. Miss Arafa is a leading specialist with plenty of experience managing ovarian cysts. You can arrange a consultation with her at the Venus Women’s Clinic London by filling out the simple online form.
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