Diagnosis and Treatment for Ovarian Cysts
Pelvic pain, pressure, pain during sex, sudden cycle changes, or a heavy ache are all symptoms that can interrupt your work, sleep, exercise and family life. If a cyst has been found on your ultrasound, you’re possibly waiting to find out if it needs treatment.
Dr Holden helps women understand what type of ovarian cyst they have, what it may mean and helps guide next steps, from monitoring through to minimally invasive surgery.
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr Jessica Holden at Coastal Women’s Healthcare for specialist gynaecology care across the Bass Coast and Phillip Island.
Ask your GP for a referral to Coastal Women’s Health or contact our friendly team to arrange your appointment.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form within or on the surface of an ovary.
Most ovarian cysts are benign and settle on their own, and many are linked to normal ovulation that never cause symptoms. Others can grow, persist, cause pain, affect fertility planning or need further assessment to rule out more serious causes.
Your next step will depend on your symptoms, age, ultrasound findings, cyst size and the type of cyst suspected.
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts removed with keyhole precision — less trauma, faster healing, better outcomes.
Common symptoms of ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are sometimes found by chance during a pelvic ultrasound and others can cause symptoms that are hard to ignore. You may notice:
Dull or sharp pelvic pain, usually on one side
Bloating, fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen
Pain during sex, especially deep pelvic pain
Changes in your period pattern or flow
Pain that comes and goes across your cycle
A heavy dragging feeling in the pelvis
If your symptoms are affecting work, sleep, intimacy, exercise or day-to-day planning, ask your GP for referral to Dr Jessica Holden for specialist advice and management.
Ovarian cysts are grouped by how they form and what they contain. This helps guide monitoring and treatment.
Functional ovarian cysts
Functional cysts are the most common type and are linked with your menstrual cycle.
A follicular cyst can form when the follicle that holds an egg does not release it as expected and continues to grow. A corpus luteum cyst can form after ovulation when the follicle seals and fluid builds up inside.
These cysts can settle without surgery, but follow-up may be needed if they are large, painful or still present on repeat imaging.
Dermoid cysts
Dermoid cysts, also called teratomas, can contain tissue such as skin, hair or fat. They are usually benign but may grow over time and can increase the risk of ovarian torsion.
Cystadenomas
Cystadenomas grow from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. Some can become very large and cause pressure, bloating or pelvic discomfort.
Endometriomas
Endometriomas are ovarian cysts linked with endometriosis. These are sometimes called chocolate cysts because they contain old blood.
Cysts of this type are linked with pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex and fertility concerns. If an endometrioma is suspected, Dr Holden will likely recommend investigation for other signs of endometriosis.
Sudden, severe pelvic pain should not be ignored. Please seek urgent medical care or attend your nearest emergency department if you have:
Sudden severe pelvic pain
Pain with nausea or vomiting
Fainting, dizziness or feeling very unwell
Shoulder tip pain or signs of heavy internal bleeding
Fever or worsening abdominal pain
These symptoms can occur when a cyst ruptures or when the ovary twists around its blood supply, known as ovarian torsion, which needs urgent assessment.
When is ovarian cyst pain urgent?
What types of ovarian cysts are there?
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Consultation with Dr Holden starts by talking through your symptoms, cycle pattern, pain, bleeding, fertility plans, previous imaging and medical history. Assessment, imaging or further testing may be requested to inform a tailored treatment plan.
Pelvic ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound is the main test used to assess ovarian cysts. It can show the cyst’s size, structure and contents, including if it appears simple, complex, fluid-filled, solid or mixed.
Pelvic examination
A pelvic examination may be discussed if it could help assess tenderness, pelvic masses or other causes of pain. This is always discussed with you first.
Blood tests
Blood tests may be recommended if a cyst looks complex, if you are post-menopausal or if further risk assessment is needed.
Treatment is based on the type of cyst, your symptoms, cyst size, ultrasound findings, fertility plans and risk profile.
1. Monitoring
Monitoring is often suitable for simple cysts that are likely to resolve naturally. This may involve repeat ultrasound and review of your symptoms.
2. Medication
Hormonal contraception, such as the oral contraceptive pill, may reduce the chance of new functional cysts forming by preventing ovulation. It does not usually shrink an existing cyst that has already formed.
Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication may also be discussed for symptom management.
3. Laparoscopic ovarian cyst surgery
Surgery may be recommended if a cyst is large, painful, persistent, complex or at risk of causing torsion.
Dr Jessica Holden performs minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole surgery, to remove the cyst and preserve healthy ovarian tissue where possible.
A laparoscopic cystectomy removes the cyst from the ovary.
An oophorectomy, or removal of the ovary, may be needed in certain situations, such as when the ovary is badly damaged, the cyst cannot be separated from the ovary, or post-menopausal risk assessment supports removal.
Dr Holden will always take the time to talk you through the reasons for surgery, possible risks, expected recovery, fertility considerations and any alternatives.
Ovarian cyst care on the Bass Coast
Dr Jessica Holden provides ovarian cyst assessment and management for patients across Wonthaggi, Newhaven, Cowes, Phillip Island, Inverloch, San Remo, Cape Paterson and surrounding Bass Coast areas.
Consultations are available through several local locations, to help reduce travel for regional patients needing specialist gynaecology care.
Treatment for ovarian cysts
Surgery, if needed, may be performed at Dr Holden’s operating locations, including Waverley Private, Peninsula Private and Bayside Health.
Frequently Asked Questions About PMOS
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No. Many simple ovarian cysts settle on their own or only need monitoring with repeat ultrasound to check if the cyst has reduced, resolved or stayed the same.
Treatment may be discussed if the cyst is large, persistent, painful, complex on imaging, growing, or causing concern because of your age or symptoms.
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Some cysts do not affect fertility at all. Dr Holden will discuss fertility planning, goals and concerns with you where endometriomas, large cysts, previous ovarian surgery or cysts that affect healthy ovarian tissue are present.
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Book a review with your GP or ask for a referral to a specialist gynaecologist if the cyst is painful, large, complex, persistent or causing anxiety. Bringing your ultrasound report to your appointment helps Dr Holden explain what the findings may mean.
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A GP referral is preferred and may help you access Medicare rebates. Referrals can be sent through HealthLink, Medical Objects or by email.
If you have been told you have an ovarian cyst, or you are dealing with pelvic pain, bloating, pain during sex or cycle changes, you do not need to keep guessing.
Dr Jessica Holden provides specialist ovarian cyst diagnosis, monitoring, medical treatment and surgical care for women across the Bass Coast and Phillip Island including Wonthaggi, Newhaven and Cowes.
If your symptoms are affecting your life, ask your GP for a referral to Dr Jessica Holden, or contact our team to arrange your appointment.
Phone: (03) 5642 6600
Referrals: HealthLink drholden or Medical Objects. Referrals may also be emailed to the clinic.