If you’ve been dealing with pelvic pain, heavy periods, or bloating, you might be wondering what’s going on inside your body. Ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids are common causes of these symptoms, with cysts diagnosed in around 24% of American women and fibroids in 19%.
Although they’re different conditions, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids can have similar symptoms. At Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, we help women understand their bodies and find relief from uncomfortable symptoms caused by these growths.
Here’s what you need to know about ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that sometimes develop on or inside the ovaries. Many women get them at some point, especially during their childbearing years. Often, they don’t even know they have them.
There are different types of ovarian cysts, but most are functional. These cysts typically form during your menstrual cycle and usually resolve on their own.
Common symptoms of ovarian cysts include:
Some cysts don’t cause any symptoms at all. Others can grow large or even rupture, causing sudden, sharp pain.
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in or around the uterus. They’re made of muscle and tissue and vary in size from tiny and barely noticeable to large enough to cause considerable pressure. Fibroids are especially common in women in their 30s and 40s.
Common symptoms of fibroids include:
Some women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, especially if the fibroids are small.
If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Helard Ballon-Hennings, will ask about your medical history and perform a pelvic exam.
To get a closer look, he may recommend an ultrasound. This painless imaging test uses sound waves to show the size, shape, and location of any cysts or fibroids. In some cases, patients may need more detailed MRI or CT imaging. Blood tests can also be useful for checking hormone levels and ruling out other conditions.
At Desert Hills Care Center, we use advanced tools and a gentle approach to help you get clear answers quickly.
The treatment we recommend depends on several factors, including your symptoms, the size and type of cyst or fibroid, the rate of growth, and whether you’re hoping to become pregnant in the future. We always aim for the least invasive option that provides real relief.
Treatments for ovarian cysts include:
Many ovarian cysts — especially the small, functional ones — go away on their own within a few weeks or months. If your cyst isn’t causing pain or other problems, we may recommend monitoring it with regular ultrasounds.
Hormonal birth control helps prevent new cysts from forming by stopping ovulation. It’s not a cure, but it’s a helpful option for women who get cysts often.
If a cyst is large, painful, growing quickly, or doesn’t go away on its own, you may need surgery. We usually remove just the cyst (cystectomy), but in rare cases, we may take the entire ovary (oophorectomy), especially if there’s concern about cancer. We’ll discuss all the pros and cons with you.
Treatments for fibroids include:
Certain drugs can help shrink fibroids or reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding. These include hormone therapies such as GnRH agonists, which temporarily stop your menstrual cycle, or newer options like oral medications that block estrogen and progesterone.
Minimally invasive uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) blocks the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. This option can be a good choice for women who want to avoid surgery.
This procedure employs high-frequency sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue without the need for incisions.
Myomectomy removes your fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. It’s often the best option for women who want to preserve their fertility.
In severe cases, when other treatments haven’t worked, we may recommend removing the uterus (hysterectomy). This is a permanent solution that we only suggest when there are no alternatives.
We’ll take the time to discuss each option, address your questions, and help you choose a plan that aligns with your health needs, lifestyle, and future goals.
Contact Desert Hills Care Center by phone or message to get an accurate diagnosis and the right care for ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
