Ovarian Cysts Treatment in India

Types of Ovarian Cysts

The most common type of ovarian cyst is a functional cyst, which is completely unrelated to any illness. They are brought on naturally by your regular menstrual cycle and ovulation. If left untreated, functional cysts often shrink and disappear on their own over time, usually within 60 days. They include:

Follicle cysts: 

A follicle is a tiny sac in your ovary that releases an egg every month. If the egg is not released, the follicle can fill with fluid and turn into a follicular cyst.

Corpus luteum cysts: 

After the egg is released, the empty follicle turns into a tissue called the corpus luteum, which makes hormones. If pregnancy doesn't happen, it usually breaks down. Sometimes, it seals off, fills with fluid, and develops into a cyst instead.

Comprehensive Ovarian Cyst Treatment Options

Treatment of an ovarian cyst depends on the patient’s specific health requirements because there is no one-size-fits-all treatment method. Your doctor will suggest the most appropriate form of treatment according to the symptoms, health history, and general health conditions of the patient. Treatment may range from constant monitoring to medication and surgery in some cases.

1. Watchful Waiting (Observation)

Who is it for?

With regard to small cysts that are filled with fluid and functional, especially those in women who have not yet gone through menopause, the physician might suggest an expectant management strategy. This involves monitoring the cyst without beginning any treatment right away since the cysts will normally go away by themselves after one to three months without needing any treatment.

Monitoring with Follow-Up Ultrasounds

Throughout this observation process, your health professional will recommend that you have further pelvic ultrasounds conducted on a periodic basis, usually once every 4 to 12 weeks. The purpose of conducting these ultrasounds is to see how well the cyst is responding to treatment and whether it is shrinking or disappearing. 

These ultrasounds will also help the health professional assess whether there are any changes in the size or the composition of the cyst. such as an increase in size, the development of solid areas, or complications like ovarian torsion, where the ovary twists around its supporting tissues.

2. Medical Management & Medications

Hormonal Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)

Oral contraceptive pills cannot shrink an already formed ovarian cyst. or make it disappear. However, doctors may prescribe them to help regulate ovulation. By blocking the release of an egg during each menstrual cycle, hormonal drugs decrease the probability of formation of a new functional ovarian cyst. They are typically prescribed for people who experience recurrent ovarian cysts as a preventive measure.

Pain Relief & Management

In cases where ovarian cysts cause mild pain in the pelvis, the physician may suggest using some over-the-counter medication for pain relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and ease pelvic pain while the cyst is being monitored.

3. Surgical Treatments for Ovarian Cysts

When an ovarian cyst is large (typically greater than 5–10 cm), solid or complex in appearance, persistent over several months, or causing severe pain, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

Ovarian Cystectomy (Cyst Removal)

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the ovarian cyst while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. This fertility-preserving approach is commonly recommended for benign cysts in individuals of reproductive age, helping maintain ovarian function and future fertility whenever possible. 

Oophorectomy (Ovary Removal)

In some cases, a cyst may severely damage the ovary, cause it to twist, or raise concerns about abnormal tissue changes. If this happens, your doctor may recommend an oophorectomy, a procedure to remove the affected ovary. When the other ovary is healthy, it can usually continue to produce hormones and support fertility.

Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy

For individuals who have reached menopause or when a complex ovarian mass raises concerns about cancer, your doctor may recommend a more extensive surgical procedure. This may involve removing the uterus (hysterectomy) along with both ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) to reduce potential health risks and ensure the most appropriate treatment. 

4. Surgical Techniques: Laparoscopy vs. Laparotomy

The choice of surgical access depends entirely on the size, characteristics, and potential complexity of the ovarian cyst.

Keyhole Surgery (Laparoscopy)

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure commonly used to treat smaller ovarian cysts that appear to be benign. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen and uses a tiny camera, called a laparoscope, along with specialized surgical instruments to remove the cyst. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopy usually results in smaller scars, less post-operative pain, and a quicker recovery. 

Open Surgery (Laparotomy)

A laparotomy is an open surgical procedure that may be recommended for very large ovarian cysts or when there is a concern that the cyst could be cancerous. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a larger incision in the lower abdomen to clearly access and remove the cyst or mass. This approach allows large masses to be removed safely and intact, helping reduce the risk of rupture during surgery. 

Ovarian Cyst Treatment and Its Impact on Fertility

Will treating or removing an ovarian cyst affect my chances of getting pregnant?

In most cases, treatment for a benign ovarian cyst does not have a long-term impact on fertility. Functional cysts often go away on their own without affecting your ovarian reserve or egg supply. 

If surgery is needed, doctors usually perform a cystectomy, which removes the cyst while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. This helps the ovary continue to function normally by releasing eggs and producing the hormones needed for reproduction. 

Fertility-Preserving Surgical Techniques

In specialized fertility centers, the doctors perform microsurgical procedures that are specifically intended to preserve your ovarian cortex where the eggs are present. Laparoscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive, decreases the chances of developing pelvic adhesions after surgery, preventing any obstruction of the fallopian tubes.

Ovarian Cysts and Fertility: Will This Affect My Chances of Getting Pregnant?

One of the most common questions women have when diagnosed is: "Will this stop me from having a baby?" The simple answer is that it depends entirely on the type of cyst you have. Most common cysts do not affect your fertility at all.

1. Cysts That Do Not Affect Fertility

Functional Cysts (Follicular or Corpus Luteum): 

These are a natural product of your normal menstrual cycle and show that your ovaries are working correctly. They do not lower your chances of conceiving and typically disappear within a couple of months.

Dermoid Cysts and Cystadenomas: 

These are benign growths on the ovary. While they may need to be surgically removed if they grow too large, they do not naturally cause infertility.

2. Cysts Linked to Fertility Challenges

Endometriomas (Chocolate Cysts): 

These cysts are caused by endometriosis—a condition where the uterine lining grows outside the womb. Endometriomas can create inflammation in the pelvis, scar delicate reproductive tissues, and make it harder for an egg and sperm to meet.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): 

PCOS causes your ovaries to develop dozens of tiny, immature egg sacs that look like small cysts on an ultrasound scan. This hormonal imbalance can stop regular ovulation, making it a primary cause of difficulty conceiving

Severe Complications: What Happens If a Cyst Ruptures or Twists?

While most ovarian cysts are harmless and dissolve on their own, large or complex cysts can occasionally lead to serious medical conditions that require immediate attention:

Ovarian Torsion (Twisting): 

When a cyst grows quite large, its weight can cause the ovary to rotate or twist out of its natural position. This twisting blocks the main blood supply to the ovary. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the tissue. The key warning signs are sudden, excruciating pelvic pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Ruptured Ovarian Cyst: 

If a fluid-filled cyst builds up too much internal pressure, it can burst open. A small rupture might cause mild, temporary discomfort, but a large burst can cause sudden, sharp abdominal pain and cause internal bleeding into the pelvic cavity.

If you experience a sudden onset of severe pelvic pain, fever, vomiting, or dizziness, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How Are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?

Your doctor will first rule out pregnancy as the cause of your symptoms by giving you a quick pregnancy test. The following diagnostic tools are then used to evaluate the cyst:

Pelvic examination: 

Your doctor will examine your pelvis to feel for any changes or lumps.

Ultrasound: 

This imaging process creates images of your pelvic organs using sound waves. It can identify the sites of cysts on your ovaries as well as whether they are mostly solid or fluid.

Laparoscopy: 

This process is carried out in an operating room. In order to view your pelvic cavity and reproductive organs, your healthcare professional makes an incision (cut) in your abdomen. Your doctor can remove a cyst if they find one at this time.

Surgical Removal of Ovarian Cysts: How It’s Done Without Harming Your Ovary

If the cyst reaches more than 10 cm in size, causes you prolonged pelvic pain, or appears solid, the following small operation known as an Ovarian Cystectomy is suggested by our specialists:

Preserving the Ovarian Reserve:

Our priority during any surgery is the protection of your future ability to conceive. By employing ultra-precise instruments, our doctors gently dissect the outer shell of the cyst from the inner layers of your healthy ovary without touching the surrounding eggs.

 Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Surgery:

An ovarian cystectomy is usually done by means of a less traumatic procedure called laparoscopy. With several inconspicuous cuts in your lower abdomen and a special camera, we are able to safely locate and excise the cyst.

Laparotomy:

In case the cyst is unusually large or complicated, your surgeon might need to perform a more elaborate open surgery through a bigger cut in the abdomen.

Why Choose Birla Fertility & IVF for Ovarian Cysts Treatment?

The selection of the appropriate healthcare provider is an important aspect when it comes to the treatment of the ovarian cysts. The specialists at Birla Fertility & IVF are professionals in the field of gynecology and fertility who spend enough time to understand your case and prescribe an appropriate treatment option depending on the type of cyst, its signs, and your reproductive desires in the future. Whatever kind of assistance you may need, from the proper monitoring to the diagnostic and surgical procedures, the specialists will provide the best care for you, considering your health and fertility as a whole.