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Ovarian cysts

Alternative Names: Physiologic ovarian cysts; Functional ovarian cysts Treatment: Functional ovarian cysts typically disappear within 60 days without any treatment. Oral contraceptive pills may be prescribed to help establish normal cycles and decrease the development of functional ovarian cysts. Text Continues Below Ovarian cysts that do not appear to be functional may require surgical removal by laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy. Surgical removal is often necessary if a cyst is revealed that is larger than 6 centimeters or that persists for longer than 6 weeks. Other medical treatment may be recommended if other disorders are found to be the cause of ovarian cysts, such as polycystic ovary disease. Expectations (prognosis): Functional ovarian cysts usually disappear without any residual problems. Complications: Any ovarian cyst that enlarges or persists longer than 60 days is probably not a functional cyst. A laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy may be done to rule out other conditions. Calling your health care provider: Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst (to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms). Call for an appointment with your health care provider if an ovarian cyst persists longer than 60 days.

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