Ovarian Cysts Specialists

North Atlanta Women's Specialists

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Atlanta, Duluth & Marietta, GA

Women commonly develop ovarian cysts during their reproductive years. Usually, they go unnoticed, but in fewer than 10% of cases, the cysts cause symptoms or problems and need treatment. At the East Cobb office in Marietta, Johns Creek office in Duluth, and Northside and Midtown offices in Atlanta, Georgia, the team at North Atlanta Women's Specialists is highly qualified to evaluate and treat troublesome ovarian cysts. Call today or schedule an appointment online if you suspect you may be suffering from an ovarian cyst.

Ovarian Cysts Q & A

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are sacs that develop on your ovaries. Functional ovarian cysts, which are usually benign, often show up as one of two types:

Follicular Cysts: Your ovaries release eggs through follicles that burst and propel the egg down to your fallopian tubes. If these follicles never open, it can fill with fluid and become a cyst.
Corpus Luteum Cysts: When the egg releases from the follicle, the follicle produces hormones to encourage conception. The corpus luteum, a hormone-secreting body, can sometimes acquire excess fluid – creating a cyst.

There are other, less common types of cysts, but these represent the vast majority of them.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

You usually won’t know you have an ovarian cyst, and it resolves on its own. Symptomatic cysts do cause distress, including:

Bloating
Pelvic pressure or abdominal pain
Frequent urination
Abnormal bleeding
Problems with fertility

Cysts also have the potential to rupture or twist around your ovary. In these cases, the cyst causes severe, sudden pain. You should seek immediate treatment if this rare instance happens to you.

The team at North Atlanta Women’s Specialists offers in-house ultrasound to expedite diagnosis if your doctor suspects a cyst. The ultrasound also makes treatment go more smoothly as the doctor can see the cyst’s exact location and characteristics.

How are Ovarian Cysts Managed?

Problematic ovarian cysts require monitoring and treatment by the team at North Atlanta Women’s Specialists. You may benefit from hormonal medications to prevent any new cysts from forming.

Your doctor may recommend the removal of large cysts, whether they’re causing pain or not. An ovarian cystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the cyst with just a few small incisions in your abdomen.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance in which you have too many androgens or male hormones.

The formation of many small cysts on your ovaries that interfere with their function characterize the condition, differentiating it from having follicular cysts. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.

If you have PCOS, the team at North Atlanta Women’s Specialists works with you to manage the condition and overcome infertility if you have the goal of creating a family. PCOS has no cure, however.

For more information about ovarian cysts, please call North Atlanta Women’s Specialists, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

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