Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy
MBBS · DGO · Diploma in ART — Kiel University, Germany
Founder & Medical Director — Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal
TGMC Registration: 50624 · 19+ Years · 5000+ IVF Cycles
Functional cysts · Endometrioma · Dermoid cyst · PCOS-related cysts — accurate diagnosis and laparoscopic cystectomy with ovarian preservation. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy, Boduppal.
Not all ovarian cysts are the same — accurate classification guides the right management
The most common type. Follicular cysts (when an egg follicle doesn't release) and corpus luteum cysts (after ovulation). Benign and usually resolve within 1–3 cycles without treatment.
Also called 'chocolate cysts', these form when endometrial tissue grows on the ovary. Filled with dark old blood. Do not resolve on their own and can damage ovarian reserve and fertility if untreated.
Contain hair, skin, teeth or fatty tissue. Grow slowly and are almost always benign. Do not resolve spontaneously. Laparoscopic removal recommended when >5 cm or symptomatic.
Thin-walled, fluid-filled cysts with no solid components. Usually benign. Managed conservatively if small; surveillance with serial ultrasound is recommended.
Multiple small follicles (2–9 mm) arranged around the periphery of the ovary, seen in PCOS/PMOS. These are not true cysts — they are small immature follicles. Treated with hormonal management, not surgery.
Serous or mucinous cysts arising from the outer lining of the ovary. Can grow very large. Usually benign but require removal and pathological examination to exclude malignancy.
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are discovered incidentally during a pelvic ultrasound for an unrelated reason. When symptoms do occur, they typically include:
Book a consultation if you have been told you have an ovarian cyst, if you experience recurrent pelvic pain, if you are trying to conceive and have a known cyst, or if a cyst has been found and you are unsure about next steps. Early evaluation prevents complications and guides appropriate treatment.
Not every ovarian cyst needs surgery — Dr. Prashanthi's approach is evidence-based and individualised
Appropriate for: simple functional cysts under 5 cm with no symptoms, simple thin-walled cysts without solid components in premenopausal women, cysts that appear to be resolving on serial ultrasound. Typically monitored with repeat ultrasound at 6–12 weeks. No treatment is needed in the majority of functional cysts.
Minimally invasive surgery to remove the cyst while preserving healthy ovarian tissue
Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is performed through 3–4 small incisions in the abdomen. A fine camera (laparoscope) allows Dr. Prashanthi to visualise the cyst and carefully separate it from the surrounding ovarian tissue. The cyst is then extracted in a bag (to avoid spillage) and sent for pathological examination.
The key principle is maximum ovarian preservation — every effort is made to conserve healthy follicle-bearing ovarian tissue, protecting future fertility. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours and can return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks.
Functional cysts usually resolve and do not impair natural conception. Endometriomas reduce ovarian reserve (AMH levels) and impair egg quality — both of which reduce natural fertility. PCOS-related cysts (which are actually follicles, not true cysts) affect ovulation, and treatment is directed at restoring ovulatory cycles. Dermoid cysts do not directly affect egg quality but can cause torsion and structural damage if left untreated.
Small functional cysts do not prevent IVF — they often resolve after a period of down-regulation with GnRH analogues before stimulation begins. Endometriomas require careful consideration: for cysts under 3–4 cm with good ovarian reserve, IVF can often proceed with careful monitoring. Larger endometriomas may need surgical drainage or cystectomy first to improve access to follicles and optimise egg quality. Dr. Prashanthi will review your AMH, antral follicle count, and cyst characteristics before advising.
MBBS · DGO · Diploma in ART — Kiel University, Germany
Founder & Medical Director — Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal
TGMC Registration: 50624 · 19+ Years · 5000+ IVF Cycles
No. The vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign and harmless. Functional cysts — which develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle — are extremely common and usually resolve on their own within 1–3 menstrual cycles without any treatment. The type of cyst, its size, and your symptoms determine whether treatment is needed.
A functional cyst develops as a normal part of ovulation and almost always resolves without treatment. An endometrioma ('chocolate cyst') forms when endometrial tissue grows on the ovary, creating a cyst filled with dark, old blood. Endometriomas do not resolve on their own and usually require laparoscopic surgery, especially if they affect fertility.
Surgery is recommended when: the cyst is large (>5–6 cm) and not resolving, there are suspicious features on ultrasound, the cyst is causing significant symptoms, there is concern for ovarian torsion, the cyst is an endometrioma affecting fertility, or the cyst is a dermoid which does not resolve spontaneously.
Functional cysts and dermoid cysts generally do not affect fertility. Endometriomas can reduce ovarian reserve and impair egg quality, particularly when large or bilateral. PCOS-associated cysts affect ovulation. Cysts that cause ovarian torsion can damage the ovary if not treated promptly.
In many cases, yes. Simple functional cysts usually do not prevent IVF and often resolve after down-regulation. Endometriomas require careful evaluation — small ones may be monitored during IVF, while larger ones (>4 cm) may need surgical drainage or cystectomy before treatment. The decision is made individually based on cyst size, your ovarian reserve, and previous treatments.
Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists on its ligament, cutting off its blood supply. It is a gynaecological emergency. Symptoms include sudden, severe one-sided pelvic pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, go to the emergency department immediately. Early laparoscopic surgery can save the ovary and preserve fertility.
A dermoid cyst (mature cystic teratoma) is a benign ovarian cyst containing tissues normally found elsewhere in the body — such as hair, skin, teeth, or fat. They grow slowly and are very rarely malignant. They are removed by laparoscopic cystectomy when symptomatic, large (>5 cm), or causing fertility concerns.
Most women can attempt conception 1–3 months after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. After endometrioma cystectomy, Dr. Prashanthi typically advises a 3-month recovery period before fertility treatment, as ovarian reserve may temporarily decrease after surgery. A follow-up AMH and antral follicle count scan helps assess ovarian function post-operatively.
Don't ignore an ovarian cyst — early assessment prevents complications and protects your fertility. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy, 19+ years experience, Boduppal, Hyderabad.
Mother Hospitals, Boduppal, Hyderabad · OPD: Mon–Sun 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624