Will I Lose Weight When They Remove Ovarian Cyst?
Ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure performed on a woman’s ovaries to remove fluid-filled sacs known as cysts. These cysts can disrupt the menstrual cycle and even result in infertility.
These cysts can grow quite large at times, causing the stomach to protrude and causing weight gain. There are several methods for removing ovarian cysts, but it’s important to first understand what it means to have ovarian cysts, including the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention.
What Causes Ovarian Cyst?
Ovarian cysts are common during the menstrual cycle. A cyst can form on one of your ovaries when they release eggs and produce hormones. However, cysts can form in your ovaries for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons are as follows:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Pregnancy
- Severe pelvic infections
- An underlying medical condition called endometriosis
If you suspect you have an ovarian cyst, it’s important to consult with a doctor to determine the cause and receive proper medical advice.
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst
Ovarian cysts do not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the cyst grows, symptoms may develop. Some cysts release hormones that can have an impact on your health, including your weight. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can also cause metabolic problems and weight gain. You may also notice the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lower back or thigh pain
- Pelvic pain before or during your menstrual cycle
- Breast tenderness
- Painful intercourse
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Painful bowel movements
If you have severe symptoms of an ovarian cyst, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may include:
- Rapid breathing
- Fever
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Intense or sharp pelvic pain
Will I Lose Weight When They Remove Ovarian Cyst?
The effect of ovarian cyst removal on weight loss is proportional to the size of the cyst. If the cyst in your ovary is large and heavy, you may lose weight after surgery to remove it.
A 50-pound cyst was removed from a woman named Kayla Rahn in Alabama in a rare case in 2018. Her condition was initially misdiagnosed as pregnancy, but it turned out to be a benign cystic tumor called mucinous cystadenoma.
This unusual situation of significant weight loss due to a cyst is extremely rare and unlikely to occur in most people. When you go through an examination, your doctor will tell you whether the cyst is small or large.
The cyst on a woman’s ovary is usually small. It should be noted that removing a small cyst does not always result in weight loss. If you are concerned about your weight, you should consult with your doctor. Your doctor will answer all of your questions following a thorough examination.
Removal of cyst from ovaries
Your doctor can detect an ovarian cyst during a routine pelvic examination by noticing swelling on one of your ovaries. They may order an ultrasound test to confirm the presence of a cyst.
Cysts usually disappear on their own after a few weeks or months. As a result, immediate treatment may not be required. Instead, your doctor may advise you to repeat the ultrasound test after some time has passed to monitor any changes in your condition.
If your symptoms do not improve or if the cyst grows bigger, your doctor may order additional tests to identify what is causing it. If it is determined that the ovarian cyst must be removed, your healthcare team will go over the risks and benefits of surgery with you and walk you through the recovery process.
Removal of Laparoscopic Ovarian Cyst
- Laparoscopic Ovarian Cyst Removal: A laparoscope (a camera tool) is inserted through a small incision in your lower abdomen during this minimally invasive procedure. The cyst will be removed and the incision will be closed by your surgeon. This method, in most cases, allows for cyst removals up to 20 centimeters in size. You can usually go home the same day as the procedure, but you will need someone to drive you.
- Open Ovarian Cyst Surgery: Larger cysts (greater than 20 centimeters) may necessitate open surgery. This requires a larger incision in your abdomen, which may lead to a longer recovery time. If you have open surgery, you may need to spend one or two nights in the hospital.
If you had laparoscopic surgery, you will have a small scar ranging in length from five to twelve millimeters. In open procedures, the incision is made along the bikini line to conceal it.
How to Diagnose Ovarian Cyst
A doctor’s pelvic exam is typically used to diagnose ovarian cysts. A pelvic ultrasound, on the other hand, is frequently required to confirm the diagnosis.
Although not as common as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used for diagnosis in some cases.
These imaging tests offer important information about the cyst’s size, location, and other important characteristics, allowing doctors to make an accurate diagnosis.
Conclusion
Additional imaging tests are usually unnecessary once an ovarian cyst has resolved and your symptoms have subsided.
Certain types of ovarian cysts, however, are more likely to recur. Endometriomas and functional ovarian cysts are examples of these.
If you are premenopausal and concerned about recurring cysts, consult your doctor about preventive measures. To help prevent the development of ovarian cysts, one option is to use the birth control pill or other hormonal birth control methods as recommended by your healthcare provider.
