With the exception of cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovary, most gynecologic surgery is done to improve quality of life. It's your life and your body, and choices as to how and when you proceed should be discussed thoroughly. Your needs and desires should be understood and respected by your gynecologist.
There are usually multiple ways to approach each particular problem. When surgery is needed, a well informed patient makes the best choices and will be most satisfied with the outcome. Surgical procedures carry risk, and even the best of surgeons will have complications.
Don't enter into a surgical situation without understanding the risks, and understanding your genuine need. Explore your options, question your gynecologist's experience and results. Searching the web is often helpful, but can sometimes be frightening.
Your ovarian cyst is very likely benign, but reading about ovarian cancer can scare anyone. The best solution is to talk to your gynecologist, avoid surgery for small problems and when large problems arise, proceed at your own pace. The patients who are most satisfied are those with genuine problems, who chose the best procedure available at the time, and reap the benefits of feeling better.
The quality of your life can be improved. You can and should be able to enjoy all the days of the month.