Natural Remedy for Ovarian Cysts

Surgery is generally the treatment method of last resort for ovarian cysts.  It is done for cysts that are especially large, cysts that are made of solid materials, or cysts that are suspected to be cancerous.  Whenever possible, surgery is performed through laparascopy.  However, if the cyst is solid and bigger than 2.5 inches in diameter, a more invasive surgery is necessary.

Cysts that Require Surgery

The majority of cysts do not require surgical treatment.  However, a few do.  Of those that are surgically removed, only 10% turn out to be cancerous.

Cysts that are made up of solid material, such as a dermoid cyst, or cysts that are septated (have more than one section divided by a wall) are removed through surgery.  Solid or septated cysts are considered to be a higher risk of cancer than fluid filled cysts.

Laparascopy

A laparascopy usually involves two to four incisions about 1 inch in length.  One is through your belly button, where the laparascope is inserted.  The others are in the lower abdomen, and used to insert tools to move your organs around as necessary.

After the incisions are made, a lighted tube is inserted through your belly button.  The doctor guides this to the ovary with the cyst.  If possible, only the cyst is removed.  However, if the cyst is large or solid, the ovary is removed as well.  If the cyst is large but fluid filled, it is drained, then removed.

Afterwards, it takes about a week to recover enough to go back to work or school.  Most people say the most painful incision is the one through the belly button, so plan on wearing low cut pants.  Also, air is pumped into your abdomen to give the doctor more room to work during the surgery.  Many people will experience gas pains until this air has been reabsorbed in the blood stream (usually in 2 to 3 days).

There is some research into performing this surgery in less invasive way.  One doctor in Germany is experimenting with going in through the uterus, with positive results.

To read some stories of people’s experiences with this type of surgery, please visit this forum post.

Laparatomy

Laparatomy is abdominal surgery for ovarian cysts.  It is generally only done when cancer is suspected, as it allows the doctor to remove all possible cancerous tissue while in the abdomen.  Sometimes, it is even performed after a laparascopy has been started.  If the doctor discovers evidence of cancer during laparascopy, he will make the incision larger in order to remove as much of the cancerous material as possible.

The biggest difference between this surgery and laparascopy is a larger incision and a longer recovery time.  In most cases, the ovary is removed.  Sometimes the uterus and the other ovary are removed as well, especially if cancer is suspected.

Risks of Surgery

All surgery carries risks.  For ovarian cyst surgery, the biggest risk is that the cyst will return.  As long as the ovary is still present, there is a risk for additional cysts unless the underlying cause of the cysts is treated.

Additional risks include infection and the risk of scar tissue forming.  Scar tissue can damage the fallopian tubes and reduce your ability to get pregnant.  Also, there is the remote possibility of the intestines or bladder being damaged during the surgery.

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The traditional method of treating functional ovarian cysts is hormonal therapy.  Basically, this means that you will go on the pill.  The theory behind this is that the cysts are caused by a hormonal imbalance; thus, having a regular dose of hormones will fix the imbalance and clear up the cysts.  However, it does not always work that way.

Which Types of Cysts are Treated This Way?

Hormonal therapy is prescribed for cysts that do not dissolve within two to three months, cysts that are recurrent, and cysts that are functional.  If a cyst is filled with fluid on an ultrasound, this method is generally used.  A cyst with solid material inside is recommended to be removed surgically, in order to test for ovarian cancer.  The two main types of cysts treated with hormonal therapy are follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.

Birth control is usually prescribed when a cyst does not clear up on its own after two to three months.  Also, if you have a lot of cysts or recurring cysts, this will be prescribed.

How Does Hormonal Therapy Work?

If your cysts are being caused by a hormonal imbalance, the birth control pills will help you to keep your hormones at a steady level.  Also, it can help to regulate and lessen your menstrual cycle.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend that you skip the placebo pills.  This will allow your body to stay in a constant state, which may help lessen cyst formation.

What are Some Drawbacks to Hormonal Therapy?

This treatment, although effective in many cases, does not work for everyone.  In some cases, women have reported that their cysts grow worse with the birth control pills.

Also, on the pill, you may experience a range of side effects.  Some of them include break through bleeding, increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to blood clots (especially if you smoke), and not being able to get pregnant.

Pregnant and nursing women cannot use this form of treatment.

Are There Alternatives to Hormonal Therapy?

There are a few being researched now.  The most common prescribed one is surgery.  However, some natural treatments are showing a lot of promise.  Also, some women have found success with using progesterone only therapy.

There are ways to balance your hormones without taking a birth control pill.  This generally involves changing your diet, and exercising regularly.

Some women do not have cysts caused by a hormonal imbalance.  In some cases, it can be caused by problems with the endocrine system or with insulin production.  In these situations, a change in diet can be helpful.