Ovarian Cysts - Is surgery necessary for ovarian cysts?
Because there are no symptoms in most cases, Ovarian cysts are usually either diagnosed when they are ruptured(in which case it is nearly too late) or during a routine pelvic examination. If there are any abnormalities that point towards an ovarian cyst your doctor or gynacologist may recommend an ultrasound or laparoscopy
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Treatment of an Ovairan cyst will depend on a number of factors such as it’s size and type, symptoms, the woman’s age and whether she has future childbearing ambitions. The treatment is far less invasive and more likely to be problem free if the cyst is found early.
In the case of young woman and woman who have not experienced cysts before, the cyst is usually monitored over several menstrual cycles if it is deemed safe to do so. In a normal situation with a functional ovarian cyst, the cyst will often dissolve away with no further medical treatment needed.
Oral contraceptives are an effective defense against ovarian cysts developing as they actually halt the ovulation cycle. Doctors may sometimes prescribe oral contraceptives to shrink the size of a functional ovarian cyst, though it is only the functional type of cyst that responds positively to this treatment. Other types of cyst will not be effected.
The final option for dealing with the cysts is surgery. Surgery can be performed in a number of ways, and the scary thing about it is that you must be prepared for the worst. The extent of the surgery can change during the operation if the cyst is found to be particularly malignant. Patients are prepared for the worst and told prior to surgery under what circumstances the scope of the surgery will be increased to include the removal or an ovary, both ovaries or the uterus. This is discussed beforehand so the doctor is able to proceed should it be necessary, but this ‘worst case preparation’ is quite daunting to some women and they become understandably reluctant to undergo the surgery.
Ovarian cysts are dangerous if they are left untreated. There is a 15% change that a malignant cyst will become cancerous. A ruptured cyst can also become infected and cause serious complications, even death. If a cyst has not responded to other treatment types and a doctor recommends surgery then it is strongly advised you go ahead. The notion of the operation, and losing your ability to become pregnant is a very serious one indeed, but the consequences of not going ahead can be even more dire.
You may be interested in a complete guide for curing ovarian cysts.