Women's Health & OBGYN of University Missouri-Columbia

FOR PATIENTS

find your health care provider

all A - C D - G H - K L - O P - S T - Z

physician by health issue

abnormal bleeding abnormal pap smear adolescent gynecology cancer contraception endometrial ablation endometriosis fetal alcohol syndrome fibroids hormonal problems hysterectomy infertility in vitro fertilization menopause minimally invasive gyn. surgery ovarian cyst painful intercourse painful periods pelvic pain pregnancy recurrent miscarriage routine annual exam STDs tie tubes

schedule an appointment women's health clinics

- Missouri OB/Gyn Associates - Missouri Perinatal Center - Missouri Center for Reproductive
   Medicine and Fertility - Missouri Center for Female Continence
   and Advanced Pelvic Surgery - Missouri Center for Gynecologic Oncology - Missouri OB/Gyn Associates Smiley
   Lane clinic

gynecology

schedule an appointment gynecologic exam Smiley Lane clinic minimally invasive surgery endometriosis and pelvic pain

healthy pregnancy

schedule an appointment healthy pregnancy info prenatal care schedule labor process frequently asked questions family birth center

high risk pregnancy

schedule an appointment high risk pregnancy info what to expect genetic counseling

fertility & endocrinology

schedule an appointment fertility & endocrinology info IVF lab male / sperm lab fertility treatment recurrent pregnancy loss treatment

continence & pelvic health

schedule an appointment pelvic health info urodynamic evaluation urodynamic test using Fleet urinary incontinence urinary incontinence types uterus or bladder falling out surgical options self-catheterization do's & don'ts after surgery

schedule an appointment female cancer info

minimally invasive surgery health information

breast cancer quiz heart disease quiz osteoporosis quiz healthy lifestyle quiz when's your due date family birth center

continuing medical education

upcoming conferences calendar

centers / divisions

- Missouri OB/Gyn Associates - Missouri Perinatal Center - Missouri Center for Reproductive
   Medicine and Fertility - Missouri Center for Female Continence
   and Advanced Pelvic Surgery - Missouri Center for Gynecologic Oncology - Missouri OB/Gyn Associates Smiley
   Lane clinic

calendar residency program

about residency program welcome program highlights benefits research curriculum Columbia accreditation how to apply contact us

medical student education alumni

monetary support in the news

Research Faculty/Staff

faculty list staff list

faculty recruitment administrative staff

Physicians treating - ovarian cyst	clinic

Ovarian Cysts...

Cysts are common and can occur anywhere in the body in persons of any age. Cysts usually contain a gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substance. Cysts vary in size; they may be detectable only under a

microscope or they can grow so large that they displace normal organs and tissues. Most are completely without symptoms, however, some types can cause serious health problems.

Ovarian cysts can cause discomfort during intercourse. They may bleed, rupture, or twist the ovary, causing significant pelvic pain. Sudden or severe pelvic pain, especially with vomiting or a fever, should be treated as a medical emergency.

How Ovarian Cysts are Diagnosed

	Pelvic Exam - an ovarian cyst may be discovered by your doctor during a routine pelvic exam. . If a cyst is suspected, an ultrasound is usually the next step.
	Pelvic Ultrasound - an ultrasound (a painless procedure) displays an image of your ovaries and uterus on a video screen and helps to determine the nature of the cyst.
	Laparoscopy - a Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure performed when your doctor wants to see the cyst. using a laparoscope, (a thin, lighted telescope) The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision into your abdomen and the procedure may be used for treatment as well as diagnosis.

Treatment of Ovarian Cysts could be:

Watchful Waiting - especially if you have no symptoms and the cyst is small. Scheduled pelvic exams and ultrasounds would keep tabs on the cyst for changes in growth or if it does not go away as your hormones change.

Birth Control Pills - may be prescribed i f you have a functional cyst that is larger in size and causing some symptoms. The purpose is to alter your hormone levels so the cyst will shrink and birth control pills will reduce the probability of other cysts growing.

Surgery - if your cyst is large, solid or filled with debris, persistently growing, irregularly shaped, or causing pain or other symptoms may need to be surgically removed. If the cyst is not cancerous, it may be possible to remove it without also removing the ovary.