Treatment and Food for Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts generally resolve by themselves in two to three months and don’t require any treatment. But for the ovarian cysts, which don’t resolve themselves treatment is required. Treatment for ovarian cyst varies with the age of a woman. Treatment for ovarian cyst also depends on the type of the cyst, size of the cyst, symptoms of the cyst and the location of the cyst. Given below are some of the treatments for ovarian cysts.

Non-Surgical treatments for Ovarian Cyst

Watchful waiting: Watchful waiting along with regular ultrasound monitoring is considered to be one of the common treatments for postmenopausal women. What you have to do is just wait and re-examine the size of your cyst for two to three months. To see the status of your ovarian cyst that is, whether its size has changed or not you have to follow pelvic ultrasounds at regular periodic intervals. This treatment is mostly used in case of functional cysts since they dissolve by their own and hardly requires any treatment.

Birth control pills: Birth control pills are generally recommended if the cyst comes and goes. These pills reduce the chance of development of new cyst by reducing the hormones that promote the growth of cysts. Further the consumption of these pills for a longer time decreases the risk of ovarian cancer.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help to reduce pelvic pain caused by ovarian cyst.

Surgical treatments for Ovarian Cyst

Surgical treatments for ovarian cyst involve removal of the cyst that causes pain. It is recommended when the cyst becomes larger in size and keeps on growing through two or three menstrual cycles. There are several surgical methods available for treatment of ovarian cyst. They include:

Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a surgical treatment, which involves examination of ovaries. In this method a woman’s abdomen is filled with a gas and a small incision is made in it. A thin tube (laparoscope), which has a small light at the end, is then inserted through the incision. Because of the light the abdominal space is lighted up and ovarian cysts to be removed are easily visible. The surgeon may then take a sample of tissue from the cyst or remove the cyst depending upon the condition of cyst.

Laparotomy: laparotomy method is generally used when there is possibility of bursting and spilling of cyst during removal. In this method a much larger incision is made through the abdominal wall so that the cyst is easily accessible. The cyst is then removed and sent for diagnosis to check whether it is cancerous.

Cystectomy: This method involves the removal of cysts without removing the ovary. If you are in your childbearing years, this method may allow you to maintain the fertility.

Oophorectomy: This method also involves removal of cysts but by removing only the affected ovary leaving the other intact. Another method called Salpingo-oophorectomy involves removal of the cyst, ovary and fallopian tube. Since one of the ovaries is kept intact the source of estrogen production is also maintained.

Hysterectomy: This method involves removal of both the ovaries and uterus. This method is used only if the surgeon feels that the cyst is cancerous.

Foods for treatment of Ovarian Cysts

The food that we eat also plays an important role in the development of ovarian cysts. Some foods may worsen the condition while some may be beneficial in controlling the recurrence of the cysts. Foods that are beneficial include:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Raw fruits
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Garlic

Foods that may worsen the condition include:

• Alcohol
• Beef
• Caffeine
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Fat
• Red meats
• White sugar
• Refined foods