Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting, or observation, is a non-invasive approach to managing ovarian cysts, particularly functional ones, which often resolve spontaneously within a few menstrual cycles. This method involves regular monitoring through ultrasounds to track the cyst’s size and characteristics without immediate intervention.

The primary benefit is avoiding unnecessary medical procedures, reducing risks like surgical complications or anesthesia-related issues. It’s cost-effective, as it minimizes healthcare expenses, and preserves ovarian function, which is crucial for fertility. For asymptomatic or small cysts, this approach allows the body to naturally resolve the issue, with studies showing 65-70% of functional cysts disappear within 2-3 months. It also spares patients from medication side effects or recovery downtime.

However, watchful waiting has significant drawbacks, making it less ideal for many cases. It requires frequent doctor visits and imaging, which can be inconvenient and anxiety-inducing for patients awaiting results.

There’s a risk of missing complications like cyst rupture, torsion, or, rarely, malignancy, especially if monitoring is inconsistent. Symptoms like pain or irregular periods may persist, impacting quality of life. For larger, persistent, or suspicious cysts, delaying treatment could worsen outcomes.