What Is the Treatment for an Enlarged Ovary?

The treatment for an enlarged ovary depends on the specific cause. Many medical conditions can result in an enlargement of the ovaries including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and ovarian cancer. Ovarian cysts may also cause the ovaries to become enlarged. Patients should work with their doctors to develop a treatment plan, which may range from allowing the issue to resolve on its own to surgical removal of one or both ovaries.

Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs when a woman has an imbalance of hormones, which may result in an enlarged ovary, ovarian cysts, and other symptoms. It may also cause fertility problems and unexplained weight gain. Women who are overweight can benefit from losing weight to help balance the hormones. PCOS may also be treated with medications, such as birth control pills, hormone drugs, and metformin, which works with insulin to alleviate symptoms. Women who have problems becoming pregnant may also undergo a surgery to stimulate ovulation.

An enlarged ovary may also be caused by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome due to fertility drugs. When the ovaries become overstimulated, OHSS can occur, which also causes gastrointestinal issues, nausea, and abdominal pain. Since this medical condition often goes away on its own within one to two weeks, the doctor will likely recommend no treatment. If symptoms persist, the doctor may prescribe medications to ease symptoms, such as anti-nausea drugs.

Lifestyle modifications can also help treat OHSS. Patients should drink plenty of fluids and stay active. Those who have severe cases of OHSS may require hospitalization. In some cases, the doctor may notice an ovarian cyst along with an enlarged ovary, which may require surgical removal.

An ovarian cyst is another possible cause of an enlarged ovary, which may also resolve on its own. If the cyst appears normal and small, the doctor will likely recommend that the patient waits for it to go away, which may take a few months. Surgery may be required if the cyst appears abnormal or large. The doctor may be able to remove only the cyst, or he may also need to remove the affected ovary. If cancer is detected, the patient may need both ovaries and her uterus surgically removed.

Surgery is also frequently used for those whose cause of an enlarged ovary is ovarian cancer. One or both ovaries are removed, along with any other cancerous tissues. If the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, the patient may need to undergo a hysterectomy. Additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are also used following the surgery.