This will need to be discussed with specialists at a centre that specialises in assisted reproduction techniques. However, it may still be possible to have a baby by having a donated egg implanted into your womb. This triggers an early menopause and means you no longer produce any eggs. Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove both ovaries, even if you have not been through the menopause. Your fertility should not be affected, although you may find it slightly harder to get pregnant. If 1 of your ovaries needs to be removed, the remaining ovary will still release hormones and eggs as usual. It's often possible to just remove the cyst and leave both ovaries intact, which means your fertility should be unaffected. If you have not been through the menopause, your surgeon will try to preserve as much of your reproductive system as they can. These symptoms may indicate an infection. severe pain or swelling in your abdomen.If the cyst is sent off for testing, the results should come back in a few weeks and your consultant will discuss with you whether you need any further treatment.Ĭontact a GP if you notice the following symptoms during your recovery: The time it takes to recover from surgery is different for everyone.Īfter the ovarian cyst has been removed, you'll feel pain in your tummy, although this should improve in a few days.Īfter a laparoscopy or a laparotomy, it may take as long as 12 weeks before you can resume normal activities. You may need to stay in hospital for a few days after the procedure.
Stitches or staples will be used to close the incision. The whole cyst and ovary may be removed and sent to a laboratory to check whether it's cancerous. If your cyst is particularly large, or there's a chance it could be cancerous, a laparotomy may be recommended.ĭuring a laparotomy, a single, larger cut is made in your tummy to give the surgeon better access to the cyst. Most people are able to go home on the same day or the following day. The surgeon then removes the cyst through the small cuts in your skin.Īfter the cyst has been removed, the cuts will be closed using dissolvable stitches.Ī laparoscopy is preferred because it causes less pain and has a quicker recovery time. This is a type of keyhole surgery where small cuts are made in your tummy and gas is blown into the pelvis to allow the surgeon to access your ovaries.Ī laparoscope (a small, tube-shaped microscope with a light on the end) is passed into your abdomen so the surgeon can see your internal organs. Most cysts can be removed using laparoscopy. These are usually carried out under general anaesthetic. There are 2 types of surgery used to remove ovarian cysts:
Surgery is also normally recommended if there are concerns that the cyst could be cancerous or could become cancerous. Large or persistent ovarian cysts, or cysts that are causing symptoms, usually need to be surgically removed. Surgery may be recommended if the cyst is still there. If the scans show that the cyst has disappeared, further tests and treatment are not usually necessary. If you have been through the menopause you may be advised to have ultrasound scans and blood tests every 4 months for a year, as you will have a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer. This means you will not receive immediate treatment, but you may have an ultrasound scan a few weeks or months later to check if the cyst has gone. In most cases, a policy of "watchful waiting" is recommended.