This last method is a procedure that involves viewing the ovary through a lens attached to the end of a long tube inserted through a small cut in the abdomen. The only way in which a doctor can be certain that a cyst is benign is through surgical removal, which is avoided unless completely necessary. If the cyst is particularly large, has resulted in a twisted ovary, is interfering with normal reproductive or pelvic functioning or is causing persistent discomfort, it may be removed surgically. Laparoscopy may also be used to drain or remove a cyst that is causing a woman problems. Sometimes birth control pills are used to treat cysts that are related to hormonal fluctuation.
Hormone therapy acts to shrink the cyst, and prevent the growth of new cysts.
Ovarian cysts are not always cause for alarm, but they should be diagnosed. If a woman is experiencing pelvic pain, she should consult a doctor as the pain may be related to various conditions besides ovarian cysts.