What should I do if ovarian endometrioma recurs half a year after surgery?

Ovarian endometriomas, commonly known as chocolate cysts, may recur within six months after surgery. Prompt medical evaluation is essential to confirm recurrence and determine appropriate management strategies, including medication, surgical intervention, fertility assessment, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up monitoring, in order to prevent further disease progression. Immediate medical attention is recommended if severe abdominal pain or abnormal bleeding occurs.

1. Evaluation and Examination: Assess the size, location, number of cysts, and presence of pelvic adhesions through gynecological ultrasound and CA125 testing to determine the severity of recurrence and guide treatment planning.

2. Medication: For small cysts with mild symptoms, doctors may prescribe short-term oral contraceptives or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to suppress cyst growth and alleviate symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain.

3. Surgical Treatment: Repeat surgery may be necessary for large cysts (diameter ≥5 cm), ineffective medical therapy, or high risk of cyst rupture. The surgical approach should be individualized based on factors such as patient age and fertility desires.

4. Fertility Assessment: Patients wishing to conceive should undergo evaluation of ovarian function and pelvic conditions. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may be recommended under medical guidance to improve pregnancy rates.

5. Regular Follow-Up Monitoring: Regardless of the chosen treatment, regular follow-up (every 3–6 months) is crucial to monitor changes in cysts and CA125 levels, allowing timely adjustment of treatment plans.

In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late; eat a light diet, reducing intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods; engage in moderate exercise such as walking or yoga, avoiding strenuous physical activity; and maintain emotional well-being by minimizing prolonged anxiety and stress, which can help manage the condition.