Most women develop ovarian cysts during their reproductive years; Fortunately, many of these cysts go unnoticed. However, in less than 10% of cases, the cysts become problematic and require treatment. At Emory Women Clinic, the team of board-certified OB / GYNs has considerable experience helping women manage problematic ovarian cysts. For more information, call or use the online reservation function.

What are ovarian cysts?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the ovaries. There are many types of ovarian cysts, most of which are completely benign (not cancerous). The two main types of ovarian cysts are functional cysts (that is, they are the result of the "function" of your menstrual cycle) and non-functional ovarian cysts. Functional cysts include follicular and corpus luteum cysts, while non-functional cysts are endometriomas (or "chocolate" cysts), dermoid cysts, and cysts that can be of concern for precancer or cancer. The vast majority of cysts are benign and functional.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Most ovarian cysts have no external symptoms and resolve on their own without your being aware of the condition. However, in less than 10% of cases, the cyst may not resolve on its own and cause:

• Swelling

• Abnormal bleeding

• Pelvic pressure or pain

• Frequent urination

• Fertility problems

If your cyst ruptures or twists around your ovary, you will likely experience severe pain and need to seek immediate treatment, but this is relatively rare.

What is the syndrome of ovary polycystic?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is different from functional cysts and is caused by a hormonal imbalance that leads to the formation of many small cysts on the ovaries that can interfere with their function. In fact, PCOS is the most common hormonal imbalance in women and is one of the leading causes of infertility. PCOS is strongly associated with high insulin levels and obesity and is related to diabetes, hypertension, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Because PCOS is a hormonal problem, its symptoms have little to do with cysts, but have more to do with unbalanced hormones, and include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Acne

• Facial hair

• Hair thinning

• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

• Pre-diabetes and diabetes

• Sterility

How are ovarian cysts managed?

If you have problematic ovarian cysts, your gynecologist at Emory Women Clinic manages the condition through close supervision and may recommend hormonal medications to prevent new cysts from forming. If your cyst is large, he may recommend surgery to remove it, but this is a rare development. If you are diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor will work with you to help you first understand this complex condition and then manage it. PCOS often responds to lifestyle and nutritional management, and the effects can be reversed with proper counseling. Some women may need hormonal balance or additional therapies, and those seeking pregnancy also have several different options. It's important to understand PCOS and get the tools to improve it, as it has such wide-ranging effects on your overall health.

At Emory Women Clinic, we are committed to helping each PCOS patient optimize not only their reproductive well-being, but their overall health and vitality. For more information on ovarian cysts and PCOS, call the Emory Women Clinic or use the online scheduling tool to make an appointment.