Ovarian Cysts

Women's Health Care Center of Houston

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Memorial Hermann Tower & Methodist West Campus, Houston, TX

About 8% of premenopausal women experience ovarian cysts that require treatment in their lifetime. Women's Health Care Center of Houston, with two locations in Houston, Texas, has board-certified gynecologists with the experience and state-of-the-art gynecological technology to diagnose and treat ovarian cysts in-office. To schedule an appointment, call your nearest office or book online today.

Ovarian Cysts Q&A

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or on the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are common amongst premenopausal women and typically go away on their own, without pain or discomfort. Most women don’t even know they have ovarian cysts.

In some cases, however, you can have very large cysts or multiple cysts that cause pain, bloating, or even vaginal bleeding.

What causes ovarian cysts?

The most common causes of ovarian cysts in women are:

Pregnancy

Ovarian cysts typically form during early pregnancy to support the growing baby while the placenta forms. Sometimes, the cyst doesn’t disappear on its own and needs removal.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances can cause ovarian cysts, especially if you are taking medications designed to help you ovulate.

Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis can develop a painful and uncomfortable type of cyst called an endometrioma. These cysts often attach to the ovaries and grow.

Pelvic infections

If you have a pelvic infection and it travels through the fallopian tubes and ovaries, an ovarian cyst can form.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and eventually disappear without concern. Others, however, can cause:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Unexplained weight gain
Tender breasts
Frequent urination
Difficulties emptying the bladder or bowels
Lower backache
Vaginal bleeding or spotting

If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, this may mean you have a ruptured cyst. In this case, you need immediate medical attention.

How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?

Women's Health Care Center of Houston is a full-service gynecology clinic that uses in-office ultrasound technology to diagnose ovarian cysts. Since your practitioner performs the ultrasound themselves, they are able to interpret your results in real-time.

Your practitioner even saves your ultrasound images digitally to your electronic medical record, so they’re easier to access at your follow-up appointments.

How is an ovarian cyst treated?

Your practitioner may want to see if the ovarian cyst disappears on its own. If the cyst still persists when you return, they may recommend:

Hormonal birth control

While hormonal contraceptives won’t remove an existing ovarian cyst, it can prevent recurring cysts from coming back.

Surgery

If your cyst is large, painful, and shows no signs of subsiding, your practitioner may recommend surgery to remove it.

Ovarian cysts can cause you pain, bloating, and discomfort. If you think you have an ovarian cyst, call Women's Health Care Center of Houston or book an appointment online.