Ovarian Cyst Treatment Singapore: What are my Options?

Lewis Michaelson 1 year ago 5 min read

If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to suffer from an ovarian cyst, and seen a doctor to help you treat ovarian cyst, you probably understand how much it can affect your day-to-day activities. Aside from the pain and discomfort associated with having an ovarian cyst, it can also have a negative impact on your social life.

These cysts are tiny sacs filled with liquid or semi-solid material that has formed on the ovary or somewhere nearby. It is common for women of childbearing age to have them, as they develop whenever an egg fails to be released from one of the ovaries during a woman’s monthly period.

If left untreated, these sacs will grow in size and usually rupture. If this happens, the fluid inside the cyst will spill out into the abdomen and may cause pain and pressure as well as nausea and vomiting.

Why is it Important to Treat an Ovarian Cyst Right Away?

The earlier you address the cyst, the lesser the chance it will rupture. And if it does rupture, it will likely be smaller and less painful.

A ruptured cyst is more likely to cause internal bleeding, which could lead to severe complications if left untreated. This is why it is important to seek treatment right away. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it is best to see your doctor right away to rule out the possibility of ovarian cysts:

Sudden and/or significant pain in the lower abdomen that may increase with movement and/or bowel movements
Pain in the lower back
Intense abdominal pressure that could happen throughout the day
Significant bloating in the abdomen
Increased urination or thirst
Sharp pain in the lower back on one or both sides
Nausea or vomiting
Sudden weight gain or loss

How to Decide the Best Treatment Option for Ovarian Cyst

There are two factors to keep in mind while deciding on the best option for ovarian cyst treatment in Singapore. These include the size of the cyst and the stage of development.

Although some cysts go away on their own in about two to three months, others will not go away and/or may grow larger. You may need surgery if the cyst is large and growing, if it is very painful, or if it has ruptured.

Depending on the size of the cyst, you may be able to have it removed with the help of medication. Your doctor will be able to determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If the cyst is small enough, you can also let it go away on its own. However, if it is large enough to cause you pain and discomfort, you should get it treated as soon as possible. Here are some options your doctor may suggest for ovarian cyst treatment in Singapore;

Pain Relief: Painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help with the pain and swelling associated with ovarian cysts. However, it is important to note that these may not be as effective if the cyst is ruptured. In this case, you may need stronger medications such as opioids, which may have unwanted side effects such as nausea and constipation.
Rest: As much as possible, try to rest as this will help ease the pain and discomfort associated with ovarian cysts.
Eat a Healthy Diet: This will help ease the pain as well as prevent any complications such as blood clots, infections, and/or a ruptured cyst.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help flush out any toxins in your system and prevent infections.

Surgery for Treating an Ovarian Cyst

Surgery to remove the cyst is the most common treatment for ovarian cysts. If a cyst is large enough, it will need to be removed.

If the cyst is small enough, your doctor may be able to remove it from inside your ovary through your vagina. This procedure is called a Laparoscopic cystectomy and can be done using a small incision in your lower abdomen.

If the cyst is too large to remove through the vaginal opening, a larger incision may be needed to remove it. While this incision can be closed with stitches, the cyst removal incision will likely be left open to heal on its own.

Following surgery to remove the cyst, you will need to rest and take it easy for a few days. Depending on the method used to remove the cyst and the extent of the surgery, you may experience pain and discomfort, as well as swelling and/or bleeding.

You may also experience some short-term side effects from surgery, including reduced sexual desire, difficulty urinating, and abdominal cramps. These side effects are common and should go away within a few weeks.

Chemotherapy may be Recommended for Treating Ovarian Cysts

If you have a large cyst that cannot be removed by surgery, you may be given chemotherapy to shrink the cyst and prevent it from rupturing. The cyst may then be removed a few months later.

Chemotherapy is usually administered as an intravenous (IV) injection in a medical centre or doctor’s office. You will be required to make several follow-up visits to the doctor during the course of treatment.

Estrogen Blockers may also be prescribed for Tending to and Managing Ovarian Cysts.

If the cyst is hormone-related, you may be prescribed estrogen blockers. These medications work by suppressing the production of estrogen in the body.

This is important as overproduction of estrogen is one of the main causes of ovarian cysts. You will likely be prescribed oral contraceptives to take daily or an estrogen-receptor modulator to take periodically.

The type of drugs and dosage will depend on your individual situation. Ovarian cysts usually go away on their own within a few weeks. However, you should see a doctor if you have any concerns. These cysts rarely become cancer, but you should know your risk.

Key Takeaway

Ovarian cysts may not cause any damage to your health, but you may need to have them checked if they are large or cause pain. Explain to your gynaecologist how the cysts are affecting your daily life. They will be able to offer you the best treatment options depending on the size, type and symptoms of your cysts.

At PKWomen’s Specialist Clinic, we understand that every woman is different. We offer tailored treatment options to ensure that you’re getting the best possible care. To book an appointment, please call us on +65 6636 9909 or visit our website.

PK Women’s Specialist Clinic @ The Venue

2 Tai Thong Cres, #01-12 The Venue Shoppes, Singapore 347836

+65 6636 9909