Ovarian Cyst Treatment in Antalya, Turkey
Ovarian cysts are often found by chance on a routine ultrasound, and most are benign. I assess the type, size and any symptoms of the cyst, and we decide together between monitoring, medication or surgery.
- 13 years of experience
- Private clinic in Muratpaşa, Antalya
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What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a sac-like structure, usually filled with fluid, that develops in or on the ovary. In women of reproductive age, cysts can also form as a natural part of the menstrual cycle. Most cysts are benign, but their type, size and appearance directly affect follow-up and treatment decisions.
Cysts linked to the menstrual cycle
Functional cysts that form during ovulation are common and often shrink on their own within a few menstrual cycles.
Cysts that may persist
Non-functional cysts such as endometriomas, dermoid cysts and cystadenomas usually do not disappear on their own and need regular assessment.
A personalized approach
Two cysts of the same size may lead to different decisions. Age, menopausal status, symptoms and pregnancy plans are all considered.
What to know before your appointment
These are the practical tips I give my patients most often. I explain your personal instructions at the consultation.
Previous results
Bring previous ultrasound reports and blood tests; seeing how the cyst has changed over time is key to the decision.
Keep your check-ups
For cysts we decide to monitor, follow-up ultrasounds need to be done on time.
Sudden pain
With sudden, severe pelvic pain, go to the nearest emergency department without waiting.
Pregnancy plans
Tell me about your pregnancy plans; I keep fertility in mind when deciding on treatment.
Main groups of cyst
Ovarian cysts are generally divided into two groups: functional cysts that develop in relation to the menstrual cycle, and non-functional cysts that develop independently of it.
What are the types of ovarian cyst?
The type of cyst is determined by its ultrasound appearance, the person’s age, symptoms and, when needed, additional tests. The type is one of the most important factors in whether a cyst will shrink on its own and which treatment approach is suitable.
Follicular cyst
Forms when the follicle holding the egg keeps growing because ovulation does not occur. It is the most common type of functional cyst and usually shrinks on its own.
Corpus luteum cyst
Develops when the structure left after ovulation closes and fills with fluid or blood. It is usually harmless; rarely, it can cause pain or bleeding.
Endometrioma (“chocolate” cyst)
Develops in the ovary as a result of endometriosis. It may be associated with painful periods, chronic pelvic pain and difficulty getting pregnant.
Dermoid cyst
Also known as a mature cystic teratoma. It may contain different types of tissue such as fat, hair or teeth. It is usually benign but does not shrink on its own.
Cystadenoma
Cysts arising from cells on the surface of the ovary that contain watery (serous) or sticky (mucinous) fluid. Some can grow quite large.
Hemorrhagic cyst
Forms when bleeding occurs into a functional cyst. It can cause sudden pain; most resolve with monitoring.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is different: The many small follicles seen on ultrasound in PCOS are not ovarian cysts in the classic sense. PCOS is a separate condition involving irregular periods and hormonal and metabolic changes, and it requires a different approach.
What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and are found during a routine gynecological examination. Symptoms may appear when a cyst grows, bleeds or presses on surrounding tissues.
Possible symptoms
- One-sided dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen
- Bloating, fullness or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen
- Irregular or painful periods
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination or changes in bowel habits
- Pain spreading to the lower back and thighs
Seek emergency care if you have
- Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Pain together with nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain with fever
- Dizziness, feeling faint or marked weakness
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Cold, clammy skin and paleness
In an emergency: Sudden, severe pain may indicate an emergency such as the ovary twisting on itself (ovarian torsion) or a cyst rupturing and bleeding. If you have these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department without waiting for an online answer.
How is an ovarian cyst assessed in Antalya?
I tailor the assessment to each patient; the process usually follows these steps.
Consultation
We talk about your symptoms, menstrual pattern, previous operations, pregnancy plans and family history.
Examination & ultrasound
I examine the size, contents and appearance of the cyst with a gynecological examination and ultrasound.
Further tests
When needed, I request blood tests, Doppler ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment plan
I choose the suitable option among monitoring, medication or surgery with you and explain it in detail.
How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?
The aim of diagnosis is not only to confirm the cyst but also to identify its type and whether it is benign. This is mostly done with ultrasound and supported by further tests when needed.
Transvaginal ultrasound
The main method for assessing ovarian cysts. The size, wall structure and contents of the cyst are examined, along with any internal divisions or solid areas.
Blood tests
A pregnancy test may be done to rule out pregnancy. Markers such as CA-125 are used only in selected cases and interpreted with other findings; they do not make a diagnosis on their own.
Doppler and MRI
For cysts whose ultrasound appearance is unclear, Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess blood flow, or MRI for more detailed imaging.
Important: CA-125 can also be raised by endometriosis, menstruation, pregnancy and some inflammatory conditions. For this reason, I interpret test results together with the examination and ultrasound findings, not on their own.
Weeks to follow-up scan
For cysts thought to be functional, a follow-up ultrasound can usually be planned within a few weeks to a few months to see whether the cyst has shrunk.
How is an ovarian cyst treated?
Ovarian cyst treatment is not the same for everyone. One or more of the options below are planned after considering the type, size and ultrasound appearance of the cyst, symptoms, age, menopausal status and pregnancy plans.
Monitoring
For functional cysts that cause no symptoms and look benign, the first approach is often an ultrasound check at set intervals.
Pain relief
The painkillers I recommend can be used for cyst-related pain. Pain that increases or changes in character needs reassessment.
Hormonal treatment
In some people, hormonal medicines may be recommended to reduce new functional cysts or control endometriosis-related symptoms.
Surgical treatment
Surgery is considered for cysts that persist, grow, cause symptoms or look suspicious. Healthy ovarian tissue is preserved whenever possible.
Do not skip follow-ups: When monitoring is chosen, it is important to have the recommended follow-up ultrasounds on time. Growth of the cyst or a change in its appearance can change the treatment plan.
When is ovarian cyst surgery needed?
I never base the decision for surgery on cyst size alone; I also consider the type and appearance of the cyst, your symptoms, its tendency to grow and your pregnancy plans. In suitable cases, surgery can be performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) through small incisions.
When surgery may be considered
- Cysts that do not shrink or keep growing during monitoring
- Cysts causing significant pain or pressure
- Cysts with suspicious ultrasound features such as solid areas or thick walls
- Situations with a high suspected risk of torsion or rupture
- Cyst types that do not shrink on their own, such as dermoid cysts
- Cysts found after menopause that need detailed assessment
After surgery, watch out for
- Pain that is more severe than your doctor described, or increasing
- Fever, chills or a worsening general condition
- Redness, discharge or noticeable swelling at the incision sites
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting that do not settle
- Shortness of breath or a painful, swollen leg
Cystectomy
Removal of the cyst only, preserving healthy ovarian tissue. It is preferred whenever possible in women of reproductive age.
Oophorectomy
Removal of the ovary. It may be needed depending on the cyst’s features, age and menopausal status; the decision is discussed in detail before surgery.
Ovarian reserve
The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test is one of the blood tests that gives an idea of ovarian reserve and can help guide treatment decisions for people planning a pregnancy.
Ovarian cysts and pregnancy
Most ovarian cysts do not prevent pregnancy on their own. However, some cysts such as endometriomas — and surgery performed for them — can affect ovarian reserve. For people planning a pregnancy, treatment decisions are made with fertility preservation in mind.
Ovarian cysts can also be found during pregnancy. Most of these are corpus luteum cysts that form in early pregnancy and usually resolve on their own. Monitoring of cysts found during pregnancy is planned together with the doctor following the pregnancy.
- Always mention your pregnancy plans during the examination.
- An assessment of ovarian reserve may be considered before surgery.
- Methods that preserve healthy ovarian tissue are preferred whenever possible.
- If IVF is planned, timing should be discussed with your IVF center.
Myths and facts about ovarian cysts
Below are the misconceptions I hear most often in my consultations, and what the medical evidence actually says.
“An ovarian cyst always needs surgery.”
Many cysts are functional and shrink with monitoring. The decision for surgery is based on the type, appearance and size of the cyst together with symptoms.
“An ovarian cyst means cancer.”
The vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign. That is exactly why cysts with suspicious features need a detailed assessment.
“Herbal teas or remedies dissolve cysts.”
There is no scientific evidence that herbal products treat ovarian cysts. Skipping follow-ups can cause a cyst that needs treatment to be missed.
“Women who have cyst surgery cannot have children.”
Properly planned surgery that preserves healthy ovarian tissue does not in itself prevent pregnancy. You can discuss fertility concerns with me before surgery.
English-speaking gynecologist in Antalya
Whether you live in Antalya or are here on holiday, you can see me at my clinic in Muratpaşa.
Appointments in English
I speak English, German, Russian and Turkish, so you can explain your symptoms in your own language.
Quick first contact
Send a short message via WhatsApp and we will arrange a suitable appointment time.
Central location
My clinic is in Fener, Muratpaşa, close to the Lara hotel area.
Clear next steps
After the examination I explain the findings and the next steps clearly, so you know exactly what happens next.
Related information pages
I cover related topics on the pages below.
Vaginal Infection
Symptoms, the assessment process and general health information on prevention.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer screening, HPV and the importance of early diagnosis.
Pregnancy Care and Delivery
Check-ups, monitoring and birth planning during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions about ovarian cysts in Antalya
These are the questions my patients ask me most often. We clarify the answer for your own situation together after an examination and ultrasound.
Does an ovarian cyst go away on its own?
A large proportion of functional cysts — follicular and corpus luteum cysts — can shrink on their own within a few menstrual cycles. Non-functional cysts such as endometriomas, dermoid cysts or cystadenomas usually do not disappear on their own. The type of cyst and the follow-up plan are determined by ultrasound.
Does every ovarian cyst need surgery?
No. Many cysts are simply monitored with ultrasound at set intervals. Surgery is considered after assessing factors such as the size and appearance of the cyst, symptoms, continued growth, risk of torsion or suspicion of malignancy.
Can an ovarian cyst turn into cancer?
The vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign. However, cysts with certain ultrasound features may need a more detailed assessment, especially after menopause. That is why it matters to have the cyst’s appearance reviewed by a specialist and not to skip recommended follow-ups.
Can an ovarian cyst prevent pregnancy?
Most functional cysts do not affect the chance of pregnancy on their own. However, conditions such as endometriosis-related “chocolate” cysts or polycystic ovary syndrome can affect fertility. For people planning a pregnancy, treatment options are chosen with ovarian reserve in mind.
Do birth control pills dissolve cysts?
There is not enough evidence that they speed up the shrinking of existing functional cysts. In some people, hormonal medicines may be recommended to reduce the formation of new functional cysts or to control endometriosis-related symptoms. We decide together whether this is suitable for you.
Can cyst surgery be performed laparoscopically?
In many suitable cases, the operation can be performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery). The size and type of cyst, previous operations and any suspicion of malignancy determine the method. Open surgery may be needed in some cases.
Is the ovary removed during cyst surgery?
Especially in women of reproductive age, the priority is to remove only the cyst and preserve healthy ovarian tissue whenever possible. Removing the ovary is considered according to the features of the cyst, age, menopausal status and the findings during surgery, and is discussed in detail beforehand.
Can a cyst come back after surgery?
Some types of cyst, particularly endometriomas, can recur after surgery. The likelihood depends on the type of cyst and the underlying condition. For this reason, the follow-up visits I recommend after surgery are important.
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Graduated from Afyon Kocatepe University Faculty of Medicine and completed specialist training at Antalya Training and Research Hospital. 13 years of experience; speaks English, German, Russian and Turkish. Last updated: 29 September 2026.
Get in touch for a personal assessment
Whether the procedure suits you, which technique to use and when can only be decided together after an examination. Send me your questions on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book your appointment.
The content on this page is for general information only and does not replace a diagnosis, personal medical advice or a treatment plan. The type of cyst, the need for follow-up and the treatment options can only be clarified by a physician’s examination and ultrasound assessment.
This content has been prepared solely for general health information purposes, in accordance with the Turkish Regulation on Promotion and Information Activities in Health Services published in Official Gazette No. 33075 on 12 November 2025. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and no outcome is guaranteed. It contains no prices, campaigns, discounts, patient reviews or before-and-after images. In an emergency, please contact the nearest healthcare facility.
