Ovarian Cyst Treatment Perth

Expert advice

Minimally invasive treatment for ovarian cysts

Ovarian Cyst Treatment

Expert advice and minimally invasive treatment for ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are extremely common and are often found incidentally during ultrasound scans performed for pelvic pain, bloating, irregular bleeding or fertility concerns.

The good news is that most ovarian cysts are benign and many will resolve naturally without requiring surgery. However, some cysts can cause ongoing symptoms, complications, or occasionally require surgical management.

As a gynaecologist with advanced training in minimally invasive surgery, my approach focuses on accurate ovarian cyst diagnosis, careful monitoring where appropriate, and minimally invasive ovarian cyst surgery when needed.

There are many different types of ovarian cysts, ranging from simple functional cysts through to dermoid cysts, endometriomas and cystadenomas. Understanding which type of cyst you have is important because treatment recommendations can vary significantly.

My goal is to help you understand your diagnosis clearly, minimise unnecessary surgery where possible, and provide safe, effective treatment when intervention is required.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled or solid-filled sac that develops on or within the ovary.
Some ovarian cysts form as part of the normal menstrual cycle and disappear on their own. Others may persist, enlarge or cause symptoms over time.

Common types of ovarian cysts include:

  • Functional ovarian cysts
  • Dermoid cysts
  • Endometriomas (“endometriosis cysts”)
  • Cystadenomas
  • Haemorrhagic cysts
  • Polycystic ovaries associated with PCOS

Some cysts are completely harmless, while others may require monitoring or ovarian cyst surgery depending on their size, appearance and symptoms.

“Many ovarian cysts are benign and don’t require surgery, but careful assessment is important to determine which cysts can simply be monitored and which need treatment.”

Dr Sean Copson

Ovarian Cyst Specialist Perth

“Not all ovarian cyst pain is constant. Some women experience intermittent discomfort, while others develop sudden severe pain if a cyst ruptures or twists.”

Dr Sean Copson

Ovarian Cyst Pain Perth

What happens with ovarian cysts over time?

The behaviour of ovarian cysts varies considerably depending on the type of cyst.
Functional cysts often resolve naturally over several weeks or months. Other cysts, such as dermoid cysts or endometriomas, are less likely to disappear spontaneously and may slowly enlarge over time.

Ovarian cyst symptoms women commonly see me about:

Some women experience no symptoms at all, while others develop significant ovarian cyst pain or pressure symptoms.

Common ovarian cyst symptoms include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Bloating or abdominal fullness
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Pain associated with periods
  • Sudden severe pain from ovarian cyst rupture or torsion
  • Difficulty falling pregnant

Larger cysts are more likely to cause symptoms and occasionally complications such as ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary) or rupture.

A ruptured ovarian cyst can sometimes cause sudden severe pain and may require urgent assessment.

What causes ovarian cysts?

There are many different causes of ovarian cysts depending on the cyst type.

“Ovarian cyst ultrasound is usually the most important first step in determining whether a cyst appears benign or requires further investigation.”

Dr Sean Copson

Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis Perth

What to be aware of with ovarian cysts

Functional cysts occur as part of the normal ovulation process. Other cysts develop from different ovarian tissue types or underlying conditions such as endometriosis.

Risk factors for ovarian cysts may include:

  • Ovulation and reproductive age
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Hormonal factors
  • Previous ovarian cysts
  • Family history of ovarian or breast cancer

Most ovarian cysts are benign, particularly in premenopausal women. However, some complex ovarian cysts require more detailed assessment to exclude malignancy.

This may involve:

  • Ovarian cyst ultrasound
  • Repeat imaging
  • Ca-125 blood test for ovarian cyst assessment
  • MRI in selected cases

How I diagnose ovarian cysts

Making an accurate ovarian cyst diagnosis involves assessing:

  • The appearance of the cyst
  • Whether it is simple or complex
  • Your age and symptoms
  • Whether the cyst is changing over time

Pelvic ultrasound is usually the best initial investigation and can provide important information about:

  • Cyst size
  • Internal structure
  • Blood flow
  • Complexity
  • Whether both ovaries are involved

In some women, MRI, CT scan or tumour marker blood tests such as Ca-125 may also be appropriate.

“Most ovarian cysts can be safely monitored, but good imaging and follow-up are important to identify the smaller group of cysts that require surgery.”

Dr Sean Copson

Complex Ovarian Cyst Perth

Treatment

How do I treat ovarian cysts?

Treatment depends on:

  • The type of ovarian cyst
  • Symptoms
  • Size and appearance
  • Age and menopausal status
  • Fertility goals

Some cysts can simply be monitored with repeat ultrasound scans, while others require surgical management.

Monitoring ovarian cysts

Many ovarian cysts do not require immediate surgery and can be monitored safely over time.

This is particularly common for:

  • Simple ovarian cysts
  • Functional cysts
  • Small asymptomatic cysts

 

Medical management

There is limited medication specifically designed to “shrink” ovarian cysts, however hormonal treatments may help reduce the formation of some functional cysts and assist symptom management.

Management may include:

  • Pain relief
  • Hormonal therapies

 

Advantages

  • Avoids surgery
  • Many cysts resolve naturally
  • Preserves ovarian tissue

Limitations

  • Repeat imaging may be required
  • Some cysts enlarge over time
  • Persistent symptoms may continue

Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal

When surgery is required, I generally perform minimally invasive ovarian cyst surgery using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques.

Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal, also known as ovarian cystectomy, involves removing the cyst while preserving as much normal ovarian tissue as possible.

This is commonly recommended for:

  • Persistent symptomatic cysts
  • Dermoid cysts
  • Endometriomas
  • Enlarging cysts
  • Complex ovarian cysts
  • Cysts with uncertain diagnosis

As an AGES-accredited laparoscopic surgeon with robotic surgery training, I perform advanced minimally invasive ovarian cyst surgery aimed at reducing recovery time and preserving fertility where appropriate.

Advantages

  • Smaller incisions
  • Faster recovery after ovarian cyst surgery
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Better cosmetic outcomes
  • Preservation of ovarian tissue where possible

Limitations

  • Surgical risks
  • Risk of cyst recurrence depending on cyst type
  • Occasionally removal of the ovary may be required

“Whenever possible, the goal is usually to remove the cyst while preserving normal ovarian tissue, particularly in younger women who wish to maintain fertility.”

Dr Sean Copson

Laparoscopic Ovarian Cyst Removal Perth

Laparoscopic oophorectomy

In some situations, removal of the ovary (oophorectomy) may be recommended instead of cystectomy.

This may be appropriate when:

  • The cyst has replaced most of the ovary
  • There is concern about malignancy
  • Severe damage to the ovary has occurred
  • Postmenopausal ovarian cysts are present

Where appropriate, this can usually still be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. 

Ovarian cyst treatment Perth

Get expert care from a gynaecologist with advanced minimally invasive surgical training

Alongside extensive training in advanced laparoscopic surgery, I completed a two-year fellowship with the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) at King Edward Memorial Hospital.
This is the highest level of laparoscopic surgical training in Australia for complex benign gynaecological surgery.

I have also undertaken formal robotic surgery training, allowing me to offer robotic-assisted surgery for selected women with complex ovarian cysts or challenging pelvic anatomy.

I’m committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that balances avoiding unnecessary surgery with intervening appropriately when needed.

Where possible, I focus on minimally invasive approaches that reduce recovery time and help women return to normal activities sooner.

Don’t ignore ongoing pelvic pain or bloating

Many ovarian cysts are harmless, but persistent pelvic pain, bloating or pressure symptoms should not be ignored.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst or are experiencing symptoms suggestive of one, specialist assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should all ovarian cysts be removed?

No. Treatment depends on the type of cyst, symptoms, ultrasound appearance and whether the cyst changes over time.

Q. What size ovarian cyst requires surgery?

There is no single size threshold. Surgery depends on symptoms, cyst appearance, complexity and whether the cyst persists or enlarges.

Q. Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

Some ovarian cysts, particularly endometriomas or large cysts affecting ovarian function, may impact fertility.

Q. What are the signs of a ruptured ovarian cyst?

A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause sudden severe pelvic pain, sometimes associated with nausea or fainting. Severe symptoms should be assessed urgently.

Q. What is the difference between a simple cyst and a complex cyst?

Simple cysts are fluid-filled and usually benign. Complex ovarian cysts contain solid areas, septations or internal structures and may require closer assessment or surgery.

Q. Can ovarian cysts turn into cancer?

Most ovarian cysts are benign. However, some cysts — particularly in postmenopausal women — require further investigation to exclude ovarian cancer.

Q. How often should ovarian cysts be monitored with ultrasound?

This depends on the cyst type and appearance. Some cysts require repeat imaging within weeks or months, while others may not need ongoing follow-up once stability is confirmed.

Advice to GPs

When to refer a patient for surgical evaluation of an ovarian cyst

Referral is appropriate when:

  • Persistent symptomatic cysts are present
  • Complex ovarian cyst ultrasound features are identified
  • Cysts enlarge over time
  • Fertility concerns exist
  • Postmenopausal ovarian cysts are identified

 

Red flag symptoms in ovarian cyst presentation

Urgent assessment may be required for:

  • Sudden severe pelvic pain
  • Suspected ovarian torsion
  • Ovarian cyst rupture
  • Rapid abdominal distension
  • Concerning ultrasound findings

 

Interpreting ovarian cyst ultrasound reports and tumour markers

Assessment should consider:

  • Simple versus complex morphology
  • Septations or solid components
  • Doppler blood flow
  • Bilaterality
  • Ca-125 results in clinical context

 

Managing ovarian cysts in premenopausal vs postmenopausal patients

Management thresholds differ significantly depending on menopausal status. Persistent or complex cysts in postmenopausal women generally require lower thresholds for specialist referral.

Referral pathways for suspected endometriomas or dermoid cysts

Women with suspected endometriomas, dermoid cysts or complex ovarian masses may benefit from referral to a gynaecologist with advanced minimally invasive surgical expertise.