What to Expect at Your First Visit to an Ovarian Cyst Clinic

If you have recently been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst or are experiencing symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular periods, it might be time to visit an ovarian cyst clinic. To help ease any anxiety or uncertainty, here is what you can expect at your first visit.

When Should You Visit an Ovarian Cyst Clinic?

Not all ovarian cysts require medical intervention or removal. Many are discovered incidentally during routine pelvic exams or ultrasounds and may not cause symptoms.

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent pelvic pain or pressure
• Bloating or swelling in your abdomen
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel

Additionally, seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially if it is accompanied by nausea or vomiting. These could be signs of a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion, both of which are medical emergencies.

How Do You Choose the Right Ovarian Cyst Clinic in Singapore?

Selecting the right clinic is important for effective diagnosis and treatment. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing an ovarian cyst clinic in Singapore:

• Specialisation and Experience Choose a gynaecologist experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cysts, particularly those proficient in minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic cystectomy.
• Diagnostic Capabilities Choose a clinic that utilises up-to-date imaging technology. This ensures accurate assessment of the cyst’s size, type and complexity, which is key to effective treatment planning.
• Treatment Options Ensure that the clinic provides a spectrum of treatment options tailored to individual cases. This should include watchful waiting for small, asymptomatic cysts, hormonal therapies and surgical intervention for larger or symptomatic cysts.
• Location and Accessibility Consider the clinic’s location, proximity to public transport and ease of making appointments (e.g., online bookings or WhatsApp).

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Here is what you can expect at your visit for suspected ovarian cysts:

• Medical History and Symptom Review The gynaecologist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, menstrual cycles as well as family history of gynaecological conditions.
• Physical Examination The doctor might perform a pelvic examination to check for any visible or palpable abnormalities in the pelvic area.

What Tests Are Commonly Done During the First Visit?

Besides a physical exam and a review of your medical history, sometimes additional tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. These tests also help to determine the cyst's size, characteristics, and potential nature. Common tests include:

• Pelvic Ultrasound: This is the primary imaging test used to visualise the cyst. It helps determine the cyst’s size, location, shape and whether it is fluid-filled or solid.
• Pregnancy Test: Since some cysts (like corpus luteum cysts) are related to early pregnancy, a pregnancy test is often conducted to rule out pregnancy as a cause or related condition.
• Blood Tests: If the cyst appears complex or solid, especially if there is a higher risk of malignancy, blood tests such as tumour markers may be done.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?

Consider asking the following questions during your consultation:

• What type of ovarian cyst do I have, and is it likely benign or malignant?
• Do I need further tests?
• Does the cyst need to be removed now?
• What are my treatment options and what are the risks and benefits of each?
• If surgery is recommended, what type will it be and what is the recovery process like?
• Will this cyst affect my fertility?
• Are there lifestyle changes or medications to manage my symptoms?

What Happens After the Initial Consultation

Based on the cyst’s characteristics and your symptoms, your doctor might recommend any of the following management options:

• Watchful Waiting: If the cyst is small, benign and asymptomatic, your doctor may recommend monitoring with follow-up ultrasounds. Many functional cysts resolve within a few months.
• Medication: For cysts related to conditions like endometriosis, hormonal treatments may be prescribed to regulate cycles and prevent new cysts; though these do not resolve existing ones.
• Surgery: Large, symptomatic, or potentially cancerous cysts may require surgical removal. In many cases, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is used as it offers shorter recovery times compared to open surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms indicative of an ovarian cyst, seek professional care promptly. For more information, schedule an appointment with a trusted gynaecologist at our ovarian cyst clinic in Singapore today.