Ovarian Cysts And Diagnostic Medical Imaging

September 28, 2018 North Pittsburgh Imaging Specialists

What Diagnostic Medical Imaging Can Tell You About Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are very common, especially for women with regular periods. And, even if you don’t have regular periods while on an advanced form of contraception, like an IUD, you can still develop cysts on your ovaries. But, why does this happen? How can you tell if there is a cyst?

In this blog, we will discuss how diagnostic medical imaging, such as ultrasounds, can help medical professionals take images of your ovaries. From this technology, your doctor can confirm if there are cysts present, how large they are, and the effects of blood flow around your ovary.

WHAT ARE CYSTS?

Cysts are small sacs, filled with fluid, attached to your ovaries. As stated, cysts are very common and occur all the time in women. For instance, women make one corpus luteum cyst (period) every month. “Simple” ovarian cysts, however, aren’t the typical cysts that you create naturally every month. These masses can grow on your ovary and cause discomfort and pelvic pain. But, not all cysts will cause pain, so there is a chance that you may have a cyst present on your ovary and not even notice it.

If you are feeling pain in your pelvic area, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about scheduling an ultrasound. Though many people assume ultrasonic technology is reserved for only assessing the abdomen and fetal development, vaginal ultrasounds are also common. If you and your healthcare professionals are concerned with your pelvic pain, a technician will have to do a vaginal ultrasound.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THIS SORT OF ULTRASOUND?

During a vaginal ultrasound, a slender ultrasound instrument will be inserted into your vagina. The sounds waves will then bounce off of the interior of your vagina to offer the technician a clear, black and white image. With this type of medical imaging, your healthcare provider will be able to take digital photographs of your cervix, your ovaries, and the interior walls of your vagina. With these images, the technician will be able to gather whether there is an obstruction or mass attached to your ovaries.

HOW TO TREAT A CYST

A cyst on your ovaries isn’t always a terrible diagnosis. Even in the cases of larger cysts, medication can be administered to help remove the cyst. Of course, large obstructions or massive cysts that don’t respond to traditional treatments may need to be surgically removed. If you have a small ovarian cyst, your doctor will most likely prescribe you hormonal pills, such as birth control tablets, to help eradicate the cyst. It is accustomed that after being prescribed medication for a cyst, that you book another appointment at least two months later. This check-up appointment will observe the cyst to ensure it has responded to the medication.

NORTH PITTSBURGH IMAGING SPECIALISTS

At North Pittsburgh Imaging Specialists, we are able to provide affordable imaging services to the residents of north Pittsburgh. If you are looking for incredible care and quality medical imaging, contact North Pittsburgh Imaging Specialists today!