What is an ovarian cyst?
Most cysts are benign, go away on their own, and do not require treatment. If your cysts are persistent and begin to impact your quality of life, your doctor may want to perform surgery for ovarian cyst removal.
Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs and can appear anywhere in your body. Cysts that grow on your ovaries are called ovarian cysts.
Cysts occur naturally as part of your body’s monthly cycle during or after ovulation. This cyst is called a sac and holds a maturing egg until it is released into the fallopian tubes. Usually, this sac disappears until another one forms during your next cycle. However, if the eggs are not released it can cause the sac to fill with fluid and become painful.
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Possible risks and side effects
All medications and treatments pose risks and side effects, so talk to your doctor about your best options. In rare cases, your doctor may want to remove one or both ovaries to prevent the growth of cysts in the future. This would interfere with your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Since birth control is commonly prescribed, ask your doctor about what side effects you can expect and how long they will last. Side effects of hormonal birth control include:
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Irregular periods
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Decreased sex drive