Ovarian Cysts Specialists

You may develop ovarian cysts but never know it because the cysts go away on their own. Some types of ovarian cysts, however, can become large, cause pain, and pose a health risk. The doctors at Capital Women’s Care have extensive experience diagnosing and removing ovarian cysts using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. If you develop persistent bloating or pelvic pain, call one of their offices in Rockville or Silver Spring, Maryland.

​Rockville: 301-424-3444

Silver Spring: 301-593-5595

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Ovarian Cysts FAQs

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs found inside, or on the surface of, one or both of your ovaries. Some ovarian cysts develop when an egg is released, but then they shrink over time so they’re not a threat to your health. Other ovarian cysts are linked to health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What are the different types of ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts can develop from different causes, including:

Functional cysts
Follicles inside your ovaries normally produce eggs but can become cysts when they accumulate fluid after their egg is released, or if they don’t release an egg but keep growing. These cysts, called functional cysts, are usually harmless, rarely painful, and disappear over 2-3 menstrual cycles.

Polycystic ovaries
Your ovaries develop numerous cysts due to a hormone imbalance. In addition to cysts, this condition, PCOS, causes abnormal periods or no periods, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and other symptoms.

Other cysts not related to menstrual cycle or hormones
Your ovaries can develop cysts called dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas. Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can become quite large and painful. Endometriomas develop from endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. The tissue can form deep ovarian cysts that have the potential to destroy ovarian function.

What are symptoms of ovarian cysts?

When ovarian cysts get large enough or persist long enough to cause symptoms, you may experience:

• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal pain
• A backache
• Bloating
• Painful periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Frequent need to urinate
• Severe pain if cysts rupture or twist the ovary

How are ovarian cysts treated?

If you don’t have symptoms, your doctor may choose to keep an eye on the cysts to see if they shrink over time. If the cysts get larger, don’t go away, or cause pain, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cysts.Whenever possible, the team at Capital Women’s Care remove ovarian cysts using a procedure called laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. This type of minimally invasive surgery can remove the cysts while preserving your ovaries.

Laparoscopy is performed by creating a few small incisions in your abdomen, then inserting long, slender tubes through the incisions. A laparoscope, which contains a camera and lighting, is inserted through one of the tubes, then special surgical instruments to remove the cysts are placed through the others.
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Your doctor at Capital Women's Care will usually perform a laparoscopic cystectomy as an outpatient procedure, and you can get back to work in a few days.

If you are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cysts, please call to make an appointmen today.
​​​Rockville: 301-424-3444 | Silver Spring: 301-593-5595