Have you heard of ovarian cysts? They have become an extremely common gynaecological problem today, especially in women of childbearing age. 

Ovarian cysts are the tiny fluid-filled sacs present within or on the surface of an ovary.  Many women will develop at least one cyst during their lifetime. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and will result in little or no discomfort. However, if the cyst ruptures and symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating occur, it requires immediate medical attention.

Let's find out more about ovarian cysts. 

What Are Ovarian Cysts? 

An ovarian cyst (ओवेरियन सिस्ट in Hindi) is a sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within the ovaries (female reproductive organs that produce eggs as well as hormones such as estrogen and progesterone).

What Are The Types of Ovarian Cysts?

During ovulation, the follicles, cyst-like structures within the ovaries, break open and release an egg. But if the cyst fails to release an egg and continues to grow in size, it is called a follicular cyst. 

Most often the follicle/sacs dissolve after releasing an egg. But if the sac doesn’t dissolve and there is fluid build-up within the sac, it can give rise to a corpus luteum cyst.

None of these is harmful to your health, and they usually go away on their own in two to three menstrual cycles.

Other types of cysts that can develop are:

  • Dermoid cysts

  • Cystadenomas

  • Endometriomas

What Are The Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

Often ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, pressure symptoms can appear as the cyst grows.

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling.

  • Painful bowel movements.

  • Pelvic pain (before or during the menstrual cycle).

  • Dyspareunia (painful intercourse).

  • Breast tenderness (often associated with the menstrual cycle).

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:

  • Severe or sharp pelvic pain.

  • Fever and/or rapid breathing.

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.

  • Painful periods.

What is The Treatment For Ovarian Cysts?

Most functional cysts (a common type of ovarian cysts) don't even require any treatment and often subside on their own. However, if they are recurrent or large in size, hormonal pills like oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills) are often prescribed but are not mandatory. 

These pills won’t make the cysts go away but can help shrink the cyst's size and prevent the occurrence of new ones. 

What Are The Types of Surgeries Used to Treat Ovarian Cysts?

Surgery is only recommended to remove the cyst or ovary:

  • If medications do not help
  • If the size of the cysts is > 5 to 10 cm in diameter
  • If they are large, complex, or dermoid types of cysts. 

Different types of surgeries to remove the cysts include laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy.

If you are looking for the best surgical method that can treat ovarian cysts, then nothing can be a better option other than laparoscopic surgery. 

What Are The Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery For Ovarian Cysts?

The potential benefits of this surgical approach as compared to the traditional one are:

  • This approach is quite advanced with minimal postoperative complications. The usage of modernized surgical equipment with key-hole incisions makes the removal of the cysts easy and convenient. There is barely any scarring.  

  • As it is a daycare procedure, patients are usually able to go home the same day after the surgery is performed. Thus, you can save on your medical expenses. 

  • Post-operative pain can be eliminated to a great extent, and on the other hand, the trouble of blood transfusion can also be avoided as there is very little bleeding.

  • The risk of infection is very minimal as the surgery takes place through small, key-hole incisions thereby reducing the exposure of internal organs to different kinds of contaminants. 

  • Through laparoscopy, the removal of the cyst without causing any damage to the normal part of the ovary is possible so the future fertility aspects remain well preserved.

Talk with your obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB/GYN) about your risk and the best treatment option. 

They will provide you with a thorough set of options and recommend the best course of treatment to help alleviate your symptoms and stay healthy.


Our team at Practo Care Surgeries (PCS) are experts in end-to-end surgical care for over 50+ ailments. Connect with a Practo Care Surgeon, to find out the best treatment option for ovarian cysts.  Book an appointment today.


Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.