Ovarian cysts are incredibly common, and most of the time, they're nothing to worry about. They are fluid-filled sacs , which develop on or inside the ovaries, usually as part of your normal monthly cycle. Typically, most disappear on their own without you even knowing they were there. But there are times when they can be a cause for concern, which is probably why you're reading this. Some are normal ovarian cysts that come and go with your monthly cycle, while a few can turn into dangerous ovarian cysts that need quick medical attention. Don’t worry, here’s everything you need to know.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled or semi-solid sacs that form on or inside your ovaries. They're extremely common, especially if you haven't gone through menopause yet.
Here's what you should know:
● They form naturally during your menstrual cycle in most cases.
● Most are painless and harmless.
● Less than 1% of ovarian cysts are cancerous.
Understanding the different types of ovarian cysts helps you identify which are usually harmless and which require follow-up.
Normal ovarian cysts, or Functional cysts, form as part of your regular ovulation process. They're actually signs that your ovaries are working properly.
Functional cysts include:
● Follicular cysts: Form when a follicle doesn't release its egg and keeps growing instead
● Corpus luteum cysts: Develop after ovulation when the opening seals off and fluid builds up
These typically disappear within 2 to 3 menstrual cycles without any treatment. Most often, they don’t cause pain either and are generally not considered concerning.
While most cysts are harmless, if a scan reveals any of these types of ovarian cysts, they may need monitoring or medical interventions:
● Dermoid cysts (teratomas): These can contain tissue such as hair, skin, or teeth. These make up a small percentage of ovarian cysts.
● Cystadenomas: These develop from cells on the ovary's surface and can grow big
● Endometriomas: These form when tissue similar to your uterine lining grows on your ovaries, often called "chocolate cysts". Often accompanied by significant pain during your periods. About 10% of people who menstruate have endometriosis, and roughly 17% to 44% of those develop ovarian endometriomas.
These non-functional cysts don't go away on their own and may require medical or surgical intervention
Most cysts don't cause symptoms, but larger ones might give you:
● Pelvic pain or pressure that comes and goes
● Bloating or feeling full quickly
● Dull ache in your lower back
● Pain during sex or your period
● Frequent need to urinate ( if size if big )
Get immediate medical help if you experience:
● Sudden, severe belly or pelvic pain
● Pain with fever or vomiting
● Dizziness, weakness, or feeling faint
● Fast breathing
● Abnormal bleeding pattern
These could signal a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion (when your ovary twists on itself). Both are signs that you need urgent medical attention for a potentially dangerous ovarian cyst.
While ovarian cysts can occur due to various reasons, you're more likely to develop cysts if you:
● Take fertility drugs that trigger ovulation.
● Are pregnant (the follicle can stay and grow)
● Have endometriosis
● Have had previous ovarian cysts
● Have a severe pelvic infection.
● Have hormonal problems like PCOS.
Most functional cysts need a "wait and watch" approach. Your doctor might:
● Monitor the cyst with follow-up scans over a few weeks or months.
● Prescribe hormone-containing medicines like birth control pills to prevent new cysts from forming.
● Recommend surgery if the cyst is large, causing symptoms, looks suspicious, and/or hasn’t reacted to attempts to treat it with oral medications.
Surgery can be of different types, including laparoscopy (which is typically minimally invasive) for smaller cysts or laparotomy for larger or potentially cancerous ones.
Finding out you have an ovarian cyst can be scary, but remember that they're incredibly common and usually harmless. Most form naturally as part of your menstrual cycle and disappear within a couple of months. If you have a more painful one and are worried about it, the key is to stay alert to your body's signals and keep up with regular pelvic exams so your doctor can catch any concerning changes early. Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience unusual pelvic pain, persistent bloating, or a combination of any of the symptoms mentioned above. Remember, putting up with pain doesn’t help you; treatment does.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or inside your ovaries. They're quite common. Your ovaries naturally grow small follicles each month that produce hormones and release eggs during ovulation. When these follicles don't behave as expected, cysts can form. Between 5% and 10% of women with ovarian cysts will need treatment.
Yes, functional ovarian cysts typically disappear within 2 to 3 menstrual cycles without treatment. These form naturally during ovulation and are the most common type. However, your cyst may be a dermoid cyst, a cystadenoma, or an endometrioma, which may require surgical removal. Your doctor will likely monitor the cyst with ultrasounds to see if it shrinks naturally before considering other treatments.
Most ovarian cysts don't affect your ability to get pregnant. Functional cysts that form during your regular cycle don't cause fertility issues. In fact, getting functional cysts means the key functions leading to fertility are taking place. Cystadenomas also don't affect fertility, though they may need treatment if they grow large. However, endometriomas (cysts from endometriosis) can affect fertility and cause symptoms like pain during sex and periods. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor about fertility treatment options.
No, most ovarian cysts are not cancerous. Less than 1% are caused by cancer. Simple functional cysts that form during your menstrual cycle aren't tied to cancer risk. Complex cysts (those with solid areas) are more likely to need treatment than simple cysts, though most are still benign. Cancer risk increases with age, particularly after menopause. Your doctor can distinguish between benign and potentially cancerous cysts through ultrasounds and blood tests. If a cyst looks suspicious, they may recommend removing and testing it.
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