What can a gynecologist tell you about the different types of ovarian cysts?
A gynecologist in the Atlanta and Alpharetta GA area can help diagnose the different variations of cysts that can be non-cancerous, cancerous, or become cancerous over time. Lots of ovarian cysts will go away on their own, and you may not require any treatment or experience any of its symptoms. But, some of these cysts may need to be removed through surgery.

What is an ovarian cyst?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled or solid pockets that are found in or around your ovary. Cysts are common, especially in women who have not gone through menopause or who are pregnant. Many ovarian cysts are harmless and painless. They can even be a portion of your menstrual cycle every month, and you may never know it. They will usually go away without the need for any treatment.

A cyst can become a problem if it does not go away on its own or becomes more prominent in size. This can make a cyst painful. There is also the possibility that an ovarian cyst can become cancerous. However, this is rare. But the chances of this happening will go up as you age.

Different types of ovarian cysts
At some point in their lives, a lot of women will develop an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst is one of the most common reasons a woman will look for a gynecologist to have a consultation. Different forms of ovarian cysts can occur, including:

Functional cysts:
Most ovarian cysts form as a natural result of the menstrual cycle during your reproductive years. Your ovaries will grow small follicles leading up to ovulation, and these follicles expel the egg and releases hormones during your ovulation. Sometimes, after your menstrual cycle, a normal follicle will continue to retain fluid and grow; this is what’s known as a functional cyst. They typically shrink and fade away on their own between four to eight weeks and are almost always harmless.

Benign neoplastic cysts:
These cysts present themselves in various forms and are rare. They are characterized by an abnormal amount of tissue growth. Cystic teratoma is the most common form of benign neoplastic cysts and is also referred to as a dermoid cyst; and can develop from a germ cell and can contain multiple forms of tissue, including skin cells sebaceous glands, or hair follicles. Occasionally these cysts can cause pelvic pain and other medical complications; however, sometimes, they can cause no symptoms. Benign neoplastic cysts usually do not resolve on their own.

Endometriotic cysts:
These cysts develop as a result of endometriosis and can develop when endometrial like-tissues grow outside of your uterus and can attach themselves to your ovaries. During your menstrual cycle, your hormones will trigger your uterine tissue to start to shed after ovulation and exit your body. However, the endometrial tissues on your ovaries can’t be shed, and this can cause the tissues to build up and form a reddish-brown, dark cyst. This is why endometriotic cysts are referred to as “chocolate cysts.” Endometriotic cysts usually don’t resolve themselves spontaneously, and if they are ruptured, they can cause adhesions, pelvic pain, and infertility.

Top gynecologist in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA for ovarian cysts
A gynecologist will instruct you on the best course of action to treat an ovarian cyst. This remedy will depend on various factors, including your age, if you’re past menopause, the size and appearance of your cyst after an ultrasound, and whether or not you have any symptoms. After a few months, many small cysts will resolve themselves. Your doctor may advise that you have ultrasound scans after a few months to monitor their size. No action will be needed if the cyst goes away.​

Contact your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.

A gynecologist will advise you that once a couple has made the decision to have a baby, many women try to do as much as they can to conceive during their next cycle. But it’s vital to remember that getting pregnant can take time.

A healthy, 30-year-old woman has a 20% chance of getting pregnant each month ONLY. It’s normal for it to take a few months or longer.

If you’re anxious about getting pregnant, there are a few steps you can take to make “your trying” more effective.

Here’s how to safely increase your chances.

Gynecologist tips for higher pregnancy chances
Gynecologists often say that our high school health teacher probably made it sound like we can get pregnant any time we have sex. But in truth, it’s a little more complicated.

Each month, there are a series of hormonal changes in the body that cause an immature egg in the ovary to grow and mature. Each woman’s cycle is different. This process takes about two weeks on average, beginning with a woman’s menstrual period.

Once the egg is mature, it’s released from the ovary in a process known as ovulation. The egg then travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. The egg is only viable for about 24 hours once it’s been released.

If the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell during this time frame, the fertilized egg will keep traveling down toward the uterus. It will then implant into the uterine lining.

The key is to have sex in the days before and during ovulation. That way, the sperm cells are in the fallopian tubes when the egg is released. This makes it easier for fertilization to occur. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to four or five days.

Getting the timing right
Gynecologists say that the best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant quickly is to ensure that you’re having sex at the right time in your cycle.

If you have regular cycles, you will ovulate around two weeks before your period. This means your fertile window will be the seven days before your expected ovulation.

If you have irregular cycles, it can be a little more difficult to predict when you will ovulate and when your fertile window will be.

Gynecologist and obstetrician’s expert in Atlanta
There are a number of techniques that can be used to more precisely pinpoint your ovulation and fertile window. To learn more about these techniques, we are glad to help. Book a consultation with your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care and let's help you become a mother as soon as possible.