Ovarian Cysts Medications and Surgery

Ovarian Cyst Medications

      Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills may be helpful to regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent the formation of follicles that can turn into cysts, and possibly reduce the size of an existing cyst.

      Pain relievers: Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (for example, Advil) may help reduce pelvic pain. Narcotic pain medications by prescription may relieve severe pain caused by ovarian cysts.

Ovarian Cysts Surgery

• Laparoscopic surgery: The surgeon makes small incisions through which a thin scope (laparoscope) can pass into the abdomen. The surgeon identifies the cyst through the scope and may remove the cyst or take a sample from it.
• Laparotomy: This is a more invasive surgery in which an incision is made through the abdominal wall in order to remove a cyst.
• Surgery for ovarian torsion: An ovarian cyst may twist and cause severe abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. This is an emergency, surgery is necessary to correct it.

Follow-up

     Follow-up depends largely on the type of cyst that is present. Cysts in premenopausal women that show no evidence of cancer and are fewer than 4 inches in diameter may be observed for a period of time, while suspicious-appearing cysts may warrant immediate evaluation.