So many women get diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, and naturally think it's a serious medical problem. But ovaries make cysts for a living--each month your ovary "recruits" microscopic eggs to pick a candidate for ovulation. After the best-looking egg of the bunch is released, a cyst is left behind (kind of like a big pimple on your ovary). The cyst will eventually be absorbed, but may linger for a while, and even get bigger before it gets smaller.
Why do I think this doc was lazy? It's almost impossible to diagnose a cyst without an ultrasound (which G. didn't have), and in general, cysts don't hurt unless they've ruptured. If her doc had talked to her at length, he may have discovered that her pain was due to constipation (which I think it was) and treated her without terrifying her.
If a doctor says that you have an ovarian cyst, please remember:
- Most cysts are considered "functional"--completely normal
- Your doc may want you to have a follow-up visit, but you may not need one
- Most cysts will resolve on their own--no medication or surgery required
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