Your pelvic pain may be caused by ovarian cysts
Having an ovarian cyst does not necessarily mean you will have ovarian cancer. Cysts can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). You may have one cyst or many small cysts. Most women will have at least one ovarian cyst during their life.
Some women feel no symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Other women have symptoms such as pelvic pain, nausea, bloating or pain during intercourse. If you have many small cysts it may cause polycystic ovary syndrome, which can cause infertility if its not treated.
Don't ignore your pelvic pain. Main Line Health offers a range of diagnosis tests and treatment options for ovarian cysts.
Treatment options for ovarian cysts
If you have symptoms of ovarian cysts, your doctor may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
- Blood test – A blood test that measures the level of a certain hormone, called a CA125 blood test, can help determine if you are at risk for ovarian cancer.
- MRI – This test gives your doctor a detailed image of your ovaries in order to see the exact size and number of cysts.
- Ultrasound – Your doctor may use ultrasound to determine the location and size of any cysts.
It is possible to be diagnosed with ovarian cysts, but not need any treatment at all. That's because some ovarian cysts can disappear without any treatment after a few weeks.
If your cysts are severe, or if you are at risk for ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend laparoscopic removal of the cysts. Laparoscopic surgery gives your surgeon a clear view of your ovaries and the cysts. Your surgeon will make small incisions to insert a small camera and remove the tumors using precise surgical instruments, meaning you'll have less pain and a shorter recovery time.
