Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary. They are common, particularly during the reproductive years, and many ovarian cysts are harmless and disappear without treatment.
However, some cysts can cause pain, bleeding, or other symptoms and may require medical monitoring or treatment. In rare cases, an ovarian cyst can lead to complications that require urgent medical attention.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, types, and treatment options for ovarian cysts can help women know when to seek medical care.
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
An ovarian cyst is a sac that forms in or on an ovary. Cysts can vary in size and may contain fluid, blood, or other tissue.
Many ovarian cysts develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle. These are called functional ovarian cysts and commonly resolve on their own within a few weeks or menstrual cycles.
Other ovarian cysts are related to conditions such as endometriosis or may develop from abnormal growth of ovarian tissue.
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?
Many ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally during a pelvic examination or imaging test.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pain on one side of the lower abdomen
- Bloating or abdominal fullness
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder if a cyst presses on nearby organs
- Constipation or bowel pressure
- Lower back or thigh discomfort
The symptoms can depend on the cyst’s size, location, and type.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts?
There are several possible causes of ovarian cysts. The most common are related to the normal menstrual cycle.
Functional Cysts
Functional cysts develop during ovulation. They include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
These cysts are usually benign and often disappear without treatment.
Endometriomas
Endometriomas can develop when endometriosis affects the ovaries. They may contain old blood and are sometimes called “chocolate cysts.”
Dermoid Cysts
Dermoid cysts, also known as mature cystic teratomas, develop from cells that can produce different types of tissue. They are usually benign but may grow and sometimes require surgical treatment.
Cystadenomas
Cystadenomas develop from the surface of the ovary and may contain watery or mucus-like material. Some can become large and cause pressure or discomfort.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition associated with multiple ovarian follicles and irregular ovulation. Despite the name, PCOS is different from having one or more ovarian cysts.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts can occur at any age, but functional cysts are particularly common in women who are still having menstrual cycles.
The likelihood of developing certain types of ovarian cysts may be influenced by:
- Age
- Menstrual and hormonal factors
- Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Certain medications used to stimulate ovulation
- A history of previous ovarian cysts
The presence of an ovarian cyst does not automatically mean that something is wrong or that cancer is present.
How Are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider may suspect an ovarian cyst based on symptoms and a pelvic examination. Imaging is often used to determine whether a cyst is present and to evaluate its characteristics.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Ultrasound is one of the most commonly used tests for evaluating ovarian cysts. It can provide information about:
- The cyst’s size
- Its location
- Whether it is fluid-filled or contains solid components
- The thickness of its walls
- Whether there are additional structures or findings that require evaluation
In some situations, additional imaging or blood tests may be recommended.
Are Ovarian Cysts Cancerous?
Most ovarian cysts are benign, particularly in younger women. However, certain characteristics may require additional evaluation.
The risk that an ovarian mass is cancerous can vary depending on factors such as age, menopausal status, family history, and the appearance of the mass on imaging.
A healthcare professional can determine whether a cyst requires observation, additional testing, or treatment.
When Do Ovarian Cysts Need Treatment?
Many ovarian cysts do not require immediate treatment. If a cyst is small, appears benign, and is not causing significant symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend monitoring it with follow-up examinations or imaging.
Treatment may be considered when a cyst:
- Causes persistent or significant pain
- Is large or continues to grow
- Does not resolve over time
- Has a complex or concerning appearance
- Causes complications
- Occurs after menopause and requires further evaluation
- Is suspected to be associated with another condition
The appropriate treatment depends on the type and characteristics of the cyst.
How Are Ovarian Cysts Treated?
Treatment varies according to the patient’s age, symptoms, reproductive goals, and characteristics of the cyst.
Observation and Follow-Up
Many functional cysts disappear naturally. In these cases, monitoring may be all that is necessary.
A healthcare provider may recommend a repeat ultrasound or follow-up examination to confirm that the cyst has resolved or remained stable.
Medication
Pain relievers may help manage discomfort associated with some ovarian cysts.
Hormonal contraceptives may sometimes be recommended to prevent new functional cysts from developing, although they generally do not make an existing ovarian cyst disappear more quickly.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended when a cyst is very large, persistent, symptomatic, complex, or concerning.
Depending on the circumstances, a surgeon may perform a cystectomy, which removes the cyst while preserving the ovary when possible.
In other situations, removal of part or all of an ovary may be necessary. The surgical approach depends on the characteristics of the cyst and the patient’s individual circumstances.
What Happens If an Ovarian Cyst Ruptures?
Some ovarian cysts can rupture. A ruptured cyst may cause sudden pelvic or abdominal pain and, in some cases, internal bleeding.
Small ruptures may resolve without extensive treatment, but significant bleeding or severe symptoms require medical evaluation.
What Is Ovarian Torsion?
Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists around the tissues supporting it, potentially reducing or cutting off its blood supply. A large ovarian cyst can increase the risk of torsion.
Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency.
Symptoms can include:
- Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal tenderness
- Pain that may come and go or become severe
If these symptoms occur suddenly, seek emergency medical attention.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for an Ovarian Cyst?
Contact a healthcare professional if you experience persistent pelvic pain, unexplained changes in your menstrual cycle, abdominal swelling, or symptoms that could be related to an ovarian cyst.
Seek emergency medical care for sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, particularly when accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, fainting, fever, or heavy bleeding. These symptoms can indicate complications such as ovarian torsion or significant bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cysts
Do ovarian cysts go away on their own?
Many functional ovarian cysts disappear without treatment within a few weeks or menstrual cycles. Follow-up may be recommended to confirm that the cyst has resolved.
Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?
Most ovarian cysts do not cause infertility. However, certain conditions associated with ovarian cysts, such as endometriosis, or complications involving the ovaries can affect fertility.
Can ovarian cysts cause irregular periods?
Some ovarian cysts can be associated with changes in menstrual bleeding or timing. However, irregular periods can have many possible causes, so persistent changes should be evaluated.
Can an ovarian cyst become cancerous?
Most ovarian cysts are benign. However, some ovarian masses can be malignant, and the risk varies according to age, menopausal status, family history, and imaging characteristics.
Do all ovarian cysts require surgery?
No. Many ovarian cysts can be safely monitored without surgery. Surgery is generally considered when the cyst is persistent, symptomatic, large, complex, or otherwise concerning.
Take the Next Step for Your Women’s Health
Ovarian cysts are common and often harmless, but persistent symptoms or certain cyst characteristics may require medical evaluation and treatment. Identifying the type and characteristics of an ovarian cyst is an important part of determining whether observation or treatment is appropriate.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
