Diagnosing Ovarian Cyst
The first step your healthcare provider will take is to rule out pregnancy as the cause of your symptoms. Then, they may undergo the follow tests to diagnose an ovarian cyst:
- A pelvic exam: Your provider will feel inside your pelvis to check for any lumps or changes.
- Ultrasound: This imaging procedure uses sound waves to create images of your body’s internal organs. It can detect cysts on your ovaries, including their location and whether they’re primarily fluid or solid.
- Laparoscopy: This is a procedure performed in an operating room. Your provider inserts a camera through an incision (cut) in your abdomen and can view your reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. If your provider diagnoses a cyst at this time, they can remove it. [3]
Treatment for Ovarian Cyst
Your age, your symptoms, and the likely cause of your cyst will all influence the course of treatment.