Ovarian Cysts

About 10% of women will develop an ovarian cyst, particularly when hormones are fluctuating during times like menopause. At MAA Women’s Health in Cumming, Georgia, OB/GYN Padmavathi Pagadala, MD, can detect and treat ovarian cysts. Dr. Pagadala also offers laparoscopic surgery to remove them, if necessary. Call the office in Cumming, Georgia, to schedule your consultation or book online today.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are small sacs full of fluid that form inside or on the ovaries, the glands where eggs develop. Every month, the ovaries naturally form small hormone-producing cysts (follicles) as a part of the menstrual cycle. If a follicle keeps growing, it becomes a functional cyst. Although cysts are generally harmless, some can enlarge to the point of causing health complications and pain.

Dr. Pagadala provides personalized care for women with ovarian cysts. She eases uncomfortable symptoms and, if necessary, removes cysts to keep them from interfering with your health goals.

She also treats polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can trigger cyst development. Other potential causes of cysts include pregnancy, endometriosis, and severe pelvic infections.

When should I seek treatment for ovarian cysts?

Most cysts are nothing to worry about and don’t need medical care, but if a cyst grows, you may experience:

• Intermittent pelvic pain, dull or sharp
• Bloating
• Abdominal pressure, fullness, or heaviness
• Unusual bleeding

Dr. Pagadala offers diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans for ovarian cysts. If pain strikes suddenly, seek immediate care, as this can indicate a cyst rupturing.

How are ovarian cysts treated?

Dr. Pagadala can complete a pelvic exam to investigate any health issues with your reproductive organs. If you have mild, manageable symptoms of an ovarian cyst, she may take a wait-and-see approach.

This doesn’t mean forgetting about the cyst, however. She monitors the cyst’s size and location to provide prompt treatment if it becomes necessary.

If the cyst causes discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers while Dr. Pagadala determines what options will help you. MAA Women’s Health offers laparoscopic surgery to remove large or growing cysts.

A cystectomy removes the cyst while leaving the ovary intact. The goal of treatment is to protect your reproductive organs, but in more severe cases, you may require an oophorectomy (a procedure to remove the cyst and the ovary) to safeguard your overall health.

If cysts keep coming back, Dr. Pagadala may recommend taking hormonal birth control. While they can’t shrink existing cysts, contraceptives can discourage the growth of new cysts.

Call the MAA Women’s Health office today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for ovarian cyst symptoms or book an appointment with Dr. Pagadala online.