Treatment of ovarian cysts

A cyst on your ovary can be found during a pelvic exam. Depending on its size and whether its fluid-filled, solid or mixed, your Gynecologist is likely will recommend tests to determine its type and whether you need treatment.

Treatment depends on your age, the type and size of your cyst, and your symptoms.

Your doctor might suggest:

- Watchful waiting.
In many cases, you can wait and be re-examined to see if the cyst goes away within a few months. Your doctor will likely recommend that you get follow-up pelvic ultrasounds at intervals to see if your cyst changes in size.

- Medication.
Your doctor might recommend hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, to keep ovarian cysts from recurring. However, birth control pills won't shrink an existing cyst.

- Surgery.
Your doctor might suggest removing a cyst that is large, doesn't look like a functional cyst, is growing, continues through two or three menstrual cycles, or causes pain.