Fibroid & Ovarian Cyst Management

Personalised Evaluation and Treatment for Uterine Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts

Fibroids and ovarian cysts are common gynaecological conditions. Many cause no symptoms and require only observation, while others may lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, abdominal pressure, fertility concerns or other complications.

Dr. Mukta Seth provides individualised assessment and management, with treatment decisions based on the type and size of the lesion, symptoms, age, fertility plans and overall health.

Understanding Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled or sometimes complex structure arising in or on an ovary. Many cysts in reproductive-age women are functional and disappear naturally without treatment.

However, further evaluation may be needed when a cyst is persistent, large, complex, symptomatic or develops after menopause.

Symptoms That May Occur

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

• Abdominal fullness or bloating

• Menstrual irregularity

• Pain during intercourse

• Pressure on the bladder or bowel

• Sudden severe pelvic pain in complications such as torsion or cyst rupture

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Functional Ovarian Cysts

Common during the reproductive years and frequently resolve spontaneously.

Endometriomas

Ovarian cysts associated with endometriosis that may cause pelvic pain and sometimes affect fertility.

Dermoid Cysts

Usually benign ovarian growths that may require surgery depending upon their size, symptoms and characteristics.

Cystadenomas

Ovarian cystic tumours that require appropriate assessment and follow-up.

Complex Ovarian Cysts

Require careful ultrasound evaluation and, depending on age and imaging characteristics, additional investigations to determine appropriate management.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign growths arising from the muscle of the uterus. They are not cancer, and many women with fibroids do not require treatment.

Depending on their size and location, fibroids may cause:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

• Painful periods

• Pelvic heaviness, pressure or discomfort

• Abdominal enlargement or bloating

• Frequent urination or constipation due to pressure

• Anaemia from excessive menstrual blood loss

• Difficulty conceiving in selected cases

• Pregnancy-related problems in some women

Types of Fibroids

Submucosal Fibroids
Grow towards the uterine cavity and may be associated with heavy bleeding and fertility problems.

Intramural Fibroids
Develop within the muscular wall of the uterus and are among the most common types.

Subserosal Fibroids
Grow towards the outer surface of the uterus and may produce pressure symptoms when large.

Pedunculated Fibroids
Fibroids attached to the uterus by a stalk and growing either internally or externally.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Management should begin with determining what the lesion is and whether it actually requires treatment.

Depending upon the clinical situation, evaluation may include:

Detailed Consultation & Examination
Assessment of menstrual history, pain, pressure symptoms, previous pregnancies, fertility plans and medical history.

Pelvic Ultrasound
Usually the first-line imaging investigation for evaluating uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.

Blood Tests
May include haemoglobin and iron assessment in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Other investigations are selected according to the clinical findings.

Further Imaging or Testing
MRI or selected tumour-marker testing may be considered when clinically indicated; these are not routinely necessary for every fibroid or ovarian cyst.

Treatment Tailored to the Individual Woman

There is no single treatment appropriate for every fibroid or ovarian cyst.

Observation & Follow-Up

Small, asymptomatic fibroids and many simple ovarian cysts can often be monitored rather than treated immediately.

Medical Management

Medicines may be used to control symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding or pain. Hormonal and non-hormonal options can be considered according to the woman's age, symptoms and reproductive plans.

Fertility-Preserving Management

For women planning pregnancy, treatment decisions take fertility into account. Not every fibroid or ovarian cyst interferes with conception, so unnecessary intervention should be avoided.

Surgical Management

Surgery may be considered when symptoms are significant, a lesion is large or persistent, complications occur, or imaging raises concern.

Depending upon the condition, options can include hysteroscopic procedures, myomectomy, ovarian cystectomy, laparoscopic surgery or other appropriate gynaecological procedures.

The aim, whenever clinically appropriate, is to choose an effective treatment while avoiding unnecessary intervention.

When Should You Consult a Gynaecologist?

Arrange a consultation if you experience persistent heavy periods, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, pressure symptoms, menstrual changes or difficulty conceiving, or if a fibroid or ovarian cyst has been detected on an ultrasound.

Sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain—particularly with vomiting, dizziness, fainting or significant bleeding—requires urgent medical assessment.