In most cases, ovarian cysts disappear on their own without any need for some radical intervention. Medications, which can, alternatively, be prescribed for these purposes, are capable of triggering pain since they press onto the pelvic region, preventing ovulation and, thus, the creation of new cysts. However, the same effect can be achieved with birth control pills.
How are Ovarian Cysts Treated?
As it was mentioned above, several menstrual cycles are likely to get rid of ovarian cysts. For that reason, doctors usually solely keep the patient under close observation, monitoring the cysts through regular checkups, looking for any variations in size.
If, by any chance, the size of the ovarian cysts does not seem to decrease, or, on the contrary, continues growing abnormally, alternative treatment methods take place after the doctor performs a couple of tests, determining the nature of the cysts in the first place. Painkillers and heat compression are the two most common alternative treatments.
Alternatively, medications like birth control pills or even surgery may be an option. Your gynecologist will suggest the best choice for you, depending on the severity and the characteristics of your condition.
The Necessity of Surgery
Surgery is the common choice once your doctor realizes that the cysts may be cancerous or that these may be growing. However, the surgery requires your affected ovary to be removed too. Thus, this is the last resort in situations where the cyst may be pressing on some of the surrounding organs, being larger than 3 inches, or where the cyst has been twisted and turned, resulting in ruptures, pain and bleeding. Also, surgery takes place if the cyst refuses to react positively to previous treatment during 3 months of therapy or once the ultrasound results show suspicious abnormalities.
Yet, surgery is also a procedure full of risks and potential side-effects.
Small or large incisions can be made on the stomach area, depending on the type of surgery chosen. Smaller cysts can be removed through small incisions, without the need to remove the whole ovary. On the other hand, larger incisions are necessary if the cysts are large too or if cancer has been detected.
Menopausal women are prone to ovarian cancer. Therefore, doctors pay attention to their ovarian health during regular checkups. Also, with menopausal women, ovary removal is the common choice, once cysts are noticed.
Finally, sometimes, through a more holistic approach, paying attention to your overall health through exercises, an active life free of stress and a healthy nutrition may be all you need to keep the ovarian cysts at bay.
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