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Ovarian Cysts

Raffi Chalian, M.D.

Gynecologists & Oncologists located in Glendale, CA & Redlands, CA

Ovarian cysts can lead to serious pelvic discomfort that can disrupt your daily life, especially if they suddenly rupture. If you have a history of ovarian cysts, you have options for relief at the office of Raffi Chalian, M.D. in Glendale, California. As a board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Chalian offers comprehensive ovarian cyst management, so you can get relief and even lower your risk of future cysts. Book your ovarian cyst evaluation by clicking on the online scheduler or by calling the office directly.

Ovarian Cysts Q & A

What causes ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually develop during monthly ovulation when your ovary releases an egg. Your chances of struggling with ovarian cysts are higher if you:

  • Are diagnosed with endometriosis or a pelvic infection
  • Have a family history of ovarian cysts
  • Have hormonal fluctuations
  • Are pregnant

Ovarian cysts are quite common and in most cases, you don’t even know that you have them. But if you start developing multiple cysts or cysts that are very large, you might start experiencing some symptoms.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Large ovarian cysts, or ovaries that wind up producing lots of small cysts, can lead to serious pelvic pain. Common ovarian cyst symptoms include:

  • Pain during intercourse
  • Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels

You might also notice that you need to urinate more often than normal or that your breasts seem overly sore or tender. If any of these issues sound familiar or if you’ve already been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and want a second opinion, schedule an exam at the office of Raffi Chalian, M.D. right away.

How are ovarian cysts treated?

Dr. Chalian can diagnose ovarian cysts with a transvaginal ultrasound and can help you decide on the right course of treatment. If you seem to get painful ovarian cysts on a regular basis, Dr. Chalian might recommend hormonal birth control to stop ovulation. This is often the most effective way to lower your risk of future cysts.  

In many cases, it’s best to watch and wait to see if your cyst (or cysts) resolves on its own. But if you have a large cyst, a cyst that continues getting bigger, or a cyst that’s causing serious pain, Dr. Chalian might recommend surgery. Plus, some types of ovarian cysts are precancerous, or even cancerous and ultimately lead to ovarian cancer, meaning they need to be removed.

Ovarian cyst surgery (ovarian cystectomy) is minimally invasive. Dr. Chalian can carefully remove your ovarian cyst while keeping your ovary intact. He often sends your specimen off to the lab to check for precancerous or cancerous cells. If you have a positive ovarian cancer diagnosis, Dr. Chalian can remove your entire ovary.

Schedule your ovarian cyst exam at the practice of Raffi Chalian, M.D. by clicking on the online booking feature. You can also call the office to book a visit right away.