If cysts do not cause any symptoms, and have features of functional cysts, they can be monitored for 4-6 months before other measures are taken. Most functional cysts go away on their own over one or two menstrual cycles. If cysts are large or cause symptoms, treatment may be necessary to start earlier.
The type of treatment depends on several factors:
- The woman’s age
- Size and characteristics of the cyst
- The symptoms
- Fertility requirements of the woman.
Birth control pills may help to treat functional ovarian cysts. They contain hormones which stop ovulation and prevents follicles developing into cysts. In other cases surgery may be required. In young women with benign cysts, laparoscopic surgery can be applied to remove them, while leaving the ovary intact. In some other occasions an incision on the tummy is required, in order to perform a more extended operation.