Ovarian
Cysts

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that form inside or on the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are very common and often don’t have any symptoms. They are usually harmless and may disappear without treatment.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst, which are formed during the menstrual cycle. Functional cysts are usually benign. The two most common types of benign cysts include:

Follicular Cysts: The follicle is the sac in which an egg grows and matures. Upon maturation, the follicle breaks and releases an egg every month. Follicular cysts form when the follicle does not break open to release the egg.

Corpus Luteum Cysts: When the follicle sac does not dissolve after the egg is released, additional fluids accumulate inside the sac. This results in the formation of corpus luteum cysts.

Some women develop polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which the ovaries contain multiple cysts. Polycystic ovarian syndrome may contribute to infertility.

Malignant cysts are rare and are more common in older women.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Common causes of ovarian cysts include:

 

  • Endometriosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Hormonal problems
  • Severe pelvic infections
  • Genetics

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Most ovarian cysts don’t cause any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may include:

  • Pressure
  • Bloating
  • Swelling
  • Pain in the lower abdomen

Other less common symptoms include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain in the lower back and thighs
  • Trouble emptying the bladder completely
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Weight gain
  • Pain during your period
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Breast tenderness
  • Urinary urgency

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose ovarian cysts by performing a pelvic examination to identify any swelling on the ovaries. Additionally, ultrasound may be ordered to help detect the location, shape, size, and mass of the cyst. A pregnancy test helps rule out pregnancy, and hormone levels are tested for any hormone-related problems. Your doctor may also order a blood test to help identify cysts that have a particularly increased risk of cancer.

Treatment

In many cases, ovarian cysts disappear without treatment. Treatment is recommended when cysts do not go away on their own or grow larger. Often birth control pills are the first line of treatment recommended by your doctor. Oral contraceptive pills are prescribed to stop ovulation and the formation of new cysts. They may also reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Surgery

If conservative treatment options are not successful, your doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove the cyst. This procedure involves making a tiny incision near your navel and removing the cyst by inserting a small instrument into your abdomen.

If a high suspicion for cancer is present, your doctor may refer you to gynecologic oncologist.

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In Office Proceedures

> LEEP Proceedure

> Colposcopy

> Cryosurgery

> Hydro-Thermal Ablation (HTA)

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Patient Info

Doctor
Angela Intili M.D.

About

Dr. Intili delivered both of my children and hopefully will deliver any future children! We have always felt heard, cared for and important in Dr. Intili’s care. She is thorough and personal in her care, remembering our concerns and needs whether in the office or on the labor & delivery floor at the hospital! She goes above & beyond for her patients and I am always happy to be in her care!

Elizabeth

Frequently asked
questions

What Insurance does your practice take?
Some insurance companies we accept: BlueCross Blue Shield PPO, BlueCross Blue Shield Presence EPO, BlueCross Blue Shield Presence St. Joe’s HMO, BlueCross Blue Shield Silver Cross HMO, Aetna PPO (Choice POS), Cigna PPO (Open Access), United Health Care PPO (Choice Plus) and Humana PPO (Open Access)
What office procedures do you perform in the office?
The following are performed at our office: Leep Procedure, Colposcopy Procedure, Cryosurgery  and  Endometrial  ablation  via  novasure ,  and  hysteroscopy
Is your practice able to do OB Ultrasound at the office?
We  perform  obstetrical  ultrasounds  and  gynecological
Which hospital(s) are you affiliated with?
Silver  Cross  Hospital  and  Adventist  St  Joseph  Hospital
Which hospitals do Dr Angela Intili deliver at?

Silver  Cross  Hospital  and  Adventist  St  Joseph  Hospital

Is Dr Angela Intil a Sole Practitioner?

Yes  ,  I have  been  solo practitioner  since  1994

Do you perform Gynecological Ultrasounds?

Yes

How often do I need a pap smear?
New guidelines  are 3-5  years,  however  a  pelvic  exam  may  be  needed  every year
At what age do I need a pap smear?
21  years  old
What age is menopause?
A median  age  of  menopause  is  54 years  old.  Perimenopause  may  begin 5-7 years earlier  ,  presents  with  irregular menses,  hot  flashes,  irritability    due  to  the  lack  of  progesterone ,  at  times  progesterone  supplement  may  improve  some of  these  symptoms
Are there conservative measures for hot flashes?

At  times  over  the  counter  supplement  may help,  however  some  contains  soy  which  should  be  avoided  in  women with  hormonal  related  cancers

How safe is hormonal replacement therapy?
There are  clear  benefits  to  hormonal  replacement  therapy ,  decreasing  the  risk of  cardiac  heart  disease,  osteoporosis,  and cognition. These  benefits are  present  within  the first  5  years of menopause.