Ovarian Cysts Specialist

Ovarian cysts are a common women’s health issue that affects around 8% of women of reproductive age — typically between the ages of 15-44.

The number of affected women may be even higher as the condition often goes undiagnosed.

“I have visit many doctors for my problem, many just gave up on, but my Doctor is just amazing. She is careful and knows what she does, feel very comfortable. The clinic is really nice, and the people who work there are very professional and kind.”

PAULINA T.

The team of gynecologists at Maiden Lane Medical offers expert diagnosis and customized treatment plans to restore your health and protect your fertility.

Call the practice in Manhattan, NY today or schedule a consultation online if you have ovarian cyst symptoms or are experiencing pelvic pain and need expert medical care.

About the ovaries

The ovaries are two small organs located on either side of your uterus.

Their primary function is to produce and release an egg every 28 days (or so) and the female sex hormones — estrogen and progesterone.

What are ovarian cysts?

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. They can form anywhere in the body, including on the ovaries and Fallopian tubes.

Most ovarian cysts are not a problem. However, some ovarian cysts can grow, becoming large and painful.

Cysts are common and usually non-cancerous (benign).

Menopausal women are more likely to develop cancerous cysts or ovarian cancer. Most cysts resolve without causing pelvic pain or other symptoms.

However, if a cyst develops into a large growth, it could twist or rupture and cause severe pelvic pain and bleeding.

Types of ovarian cysts

Your body can produce several types of cysts. The two most common types are follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts.

Follicle cysts

As your ovary prepares to release an egg, follicle or functional cysts form.

Follicles are small sacs, sometimes called functional ovarian cysts, that protect the egg until it is fully mature and ready to be released.

Your ovaries typically absorb the follicle after the egg is released.

However, if the follicle fails to release the egg, it may continue to grow and turn into a cyst.

Corpus luteum cyst

Corpus luteum cysts form when the follicle releases the egg but isn’t reabsorbed into the ovary. Instead, the follicle seals and fills with fluid, turning into a cyst.

Generally, these cysts go away on their own within a few weeks.

However, they can occasionally grow to more than four inches and bleed or twist, causing severe pain.

Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs when several tiny cysts form on the ovaries. This condition can interfere with ovarian function and fertility.

Other less common types of ovarian cysts include endometrioma, dermoid, and cystadenoma.

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Ovarian cyst causes

Abnormal hormones are the most common cause of ovarian cyst development.

Other potential causes include endometriosis, pregnancy, and pelvic infections.

Ovarian cyst symptoms

Ovarian cysts cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

Pelvic pain
Painful intercourse
Abnormal menstrual cycle — irregular, heavy, or light
Abnormal bleeding between periods
Severe abdominal pain
Difficulty emptying your bowels
Frequent need to urinate
Swollen or bloated abdomen
Pain in the lower back or thighs
Breast tenderness
Nausea, fever, and vomiting

When should I talk to a doctor about my symptoms?

Ovarian cyst symptoms such as abnormal menstrual cycles and pelvic pain are undefined.

This means that many different health issues, including endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or uterine fibroids, can cause them.

You should schedule a consultation with your Maiden Lane Medical gynecologist to identify the cause of your pain and other symptoms.

How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and order blood tests.

Depending on the results, your doctor may order additional testing, including an ultrasound scan, hysteroscopy, or an MRI to learn more about the fluid-filled sacs on your ovaries.

Ovarian cyst treatment options

Your doctor will recommend personalized treatments to relieve your symptoms and address your ovarian cyst.

Depending on your specific needs, they may prescribe pain relievers or hormonal treatments like birth control. Your doctor might also recommend waiting and watching to see if the ovarian cyst resolves on its own.

In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst.

The team at Maiden Lane Medical offers minimally-invasive laparoscopic procedures to remove large cysts. With their advanced techniques, they can excise just the cyst and preserve your ability to have children.

Many women develop ovarian cysts. Call Maiden Lane Medical in Manhattan, NY, or schedule an appointment online for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment if you have any signs of an ovarian cyst or another reproductive health issue.

Medically Reviewed By

Armina Eana DO, MPH

Board Certified OB/GYN

Medically Reviewed By

David M. Kaufman, MD

Board Certified Urologist

Women's Health Specialists

Rachel Barr, MD

Emily Blanton, MD

Janette Davison, MD

Ilene Fischer, MD

Dena Harris, MD

Kenneth A. Levey, MD MPH FACOG FACS

Fernando Mariz, MD

Jordan Pavia, NP

Savita Sukha, WHNP

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“My Doctor was knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. She answered all my questions and really put me at ease. Her laidback and friendly demeanor made it easy for me to talk to her. Needless to say I’ll be going back!”

STEPHANIE L.

If you’re concerned about fibroids or have symptoms that could be caused by these benign growths, call our office or schedule a consultation online for accurate diagnosis and personalized state-of-the-art treatment.