Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah of Saavi Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad offers treatment for ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah today!
Ovaries are glands that are a vital part of the female reproductive system. Each ovary is approximately the size and shape of an almond. The egg, which is released each month during the fertility cycle, develops and matures in the ovary.
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled pouch that develops in the ovaries. In most cases, there is little or no discomfort, and the cyst is harmless. Ovarian cysts are common in women’s reproductive phase, but most cysts disappear within months without treatment.
Many types of cysts are associated with changes in menstrual hormones. Ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic. However, it may need treatment if it grows or does not settle on its own.
There are different types of ovarian cysts. Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts. It is formed in response to changes in the body during the menstrual cycle. Ovarian cysts are less commonly formed for reasons unrelated to menstruation.
Functional cysts: Functional cysts are sometimes called simple cysts. Functional cysts are one of the most common ovarian cysts and are not associated with the disease. They occur due to ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). These cysts may indicate that the ovaries are functioning normally. A functional cyst shrinks over time, usually within 60 days, even without special treatment.
Follicular cyst: Small sacs in the ovaries called follicles release eggs each month as part of the menstrual cycle. A follicular cyst forms when a follicle can no longer release an egg. Instead, the follicle fills with fluid and enlarges.
Luteal cysts: After the follicle releases the egg, it forms a group of hormone-producing cells called the corpus luteum. A cyst forms when fluid accumulates in the corpus luteum and the corpus luteum grows.
Not all ovarian cysts form during the menstrual cycle. They are not always signs of illness, but a doctor may want to monitor them to ensure they are not causing complications.
Cystadenoma: These cysts form on the surface of the ovaries. They may be thin, watery, or filled with a thicker, slimy liquid.
Dermoid cyst (teratoma): Dermoid cysts are cells that make up every type of tissue in the human body, from skin, hair, and teeth to brain tissue.
Endometrioma: These cysts are filled with endometrial tissue. Endometrial tissue is the same tissue that bleeds every month during your period.
Ovarian cancer: Unlike the conditions above, an ovarian cancer cyst (tumor) is a solid mass of cancer cells.
Ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic. However, symptoms may develop as the cyst grows:
Severe symptoms of ovarian cyst are:
These symptoms may indicate cyst rupture or ovarian torsion. Such complications can have serious consequences if not treated early. It is important to see a gynecologist if you have any of the above symptoms.
Ovarian cyst surgery is major surgery. Women should have a thorough consultation with an experienced gynecologist like Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah before surgery. Women who want surgery to remove an ovarian cyst may be asked to stop using ibuprofen, aspirin, warfarin, pain relievers, and other blood thinners.
Patients must be open and honest with their doctors and tell them whether they are taking their medication. It is essential to consult your doctor for a possible blood disorder or if the patient is responding to medication. Women should stop drinking and smoking completely before surgery.
Treatment depends on the age, type, and size of the cyst. It also depends on the symptoms. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may suggest the following:
Be careful and wait: You can often wait and re-examine after a few months to see if the cyst has disappeared. This is usually an option if you have no symptoms, regardless of age, and an ultrasound shows you have small, fluid-filled cysts. Multiple ultrasounds of the pelvis may be done to see if the cyst has changed in size or appearance.
Medications: Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, prevent ovulation. This can prevent ovarian cysts from growing. However, oral contraceptives do not shrink existing cysts.
Surgery: Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may suggest removing large cysts, cysts that don’t look like functional cysts, growing cysts, or cysts that are causing pain. Some cysts can be removed without removing the ovaries (cystectomy). Sometimes the ovary containing the cyst is removed (oophorectomy).
Surgery can be done in a minimally invasive manner (laparoscopy) using a laparoscope and instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. If the cyst is large, or if cancer is a concern, open surgery through a larger incision may be needed.
Ovarian cysts that occur after menopause are sometimes cancerous. In this case, you may need to see a gynecological oncologist. Surgery may be needed to remove the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days.
Surgery to remove an ovarian cyst is often done in a day clinic, and most patients can be discharged on the same day. If Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah deems it necessary, you may be asked to stay overnight in the hospital.
Patients may experience swelling, pain, and redness at the surgical site for several hours after surgery. Patients should remain calm after surgery. Walking is recommended for early recovery. Surgery to remove an ovarian cyst by an experienced doctor like Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah does not cause significant complications for the patient.
Most patients feel better in the next 3-5 days and can return to normal work after a week. Do not climb stairs, lift, push or pull heavy objects for the next 3-4 weeks.
It is crucial to consult Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah before resuming sexual intercourse with a partner. As with any surgery, it takes time for the body to heal after removing an ovarian cyst.
Recovery after surgery is a personal experience. It depends on the woman’s overall health and how well she follows the doctor’s tips and advice for ovarian cysts.
Consume high-fiber, nutritious foods. Include plenty of green leafy vegetables and fruits in your diet. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Quit smoking to prevent surgical site infections.
Avoid long trips for at least one month, even if you are recovering. Have a positive attitude towards your body and the changes it may experience after surgery. How you see yourself makes a big difference in your healing process.
If you are not yet menopausal, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will try to preserve your reproductive system as much as possible. In many cases, removing the cyst and leaving both ovaries intact is possible. In other words, it has little effect on fertility.
If one of your ovaries needs to be removed, the remaining ovaries will release hormones and eggs as normal. It doesn’t affect fertility much, but it may make it harder to conceive. In some cases, removing the ovaries in both postmenopausal women and those with ovaries may be necessary. This causes premature menopause, meaning it stops producing eggs.
However, it may still be possible to have a baby by implanting a donated egg into the uterus. This should be discussed with a specialist at a center specializing in assisted reproduction. Both ovaries can be removed in postmenopausal women and people with ovaries because they no longer produce eggs. Always discuss infertility issues with Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah before surgery.
Problems are rare, but every procedure has certain risks. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will consider some possible problems, such as needing to remove one or both ovaries.
The cost of ovarian cyst treatment at Saavi Women's Hospital in Ahmedabad will depend on the specific recommended treatment plan and your insurance coverage. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will discuss the cost with you during your appointment.
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