Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside your ovaries. They can form during ovulation if the egg isn't released or if the egg sac doesn't dissolve.
Ovarian cysts are common during your childbearing years and often don't cause symptoms. Most go away on their own without treatment.
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Doctors define ovarian cysts as fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside one or both ovaries.
Ovarian cysts are small egg follicles that didn't grow to ovulation and may result from altered hormone levels. They usually are harmless and don't cause symptoms, which is why many people don't know they have them. Occasionally, ovarian cysts may cause pelvic pain.
Most cysts disappear on their own over time. Any pain, swelling, pressure, or other pelvic issues should be examined by a doctor.
Ovarian cysts are very common during childbearing years.
There are a few types of ovarian cysts, but most are benign (noncancerous).
Ovarian cyst types include:
Ovarian cysts are often linked with the menstrual cycle or menopause.
During ovulation, the ovaries release an egg which travels down the fallopian tube to be fertilized by sperm. Eggs form in the ovaries inside a structure called a follicle. During the menstrual cycle, numerous follicles are produced each month, but only one follicle matures and releases an egg.
A follicle contains fluid that protects the egg as it grows. When the egg is released, the follicle bursts. Occasionally, the follicle either doesn't release an egg or doesn't discharge its fluid and instead bursts after the egg is released. When this happens, the follicle can swell and become a cyst.
Underlying conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome can also cause ovarian cysts.
Age is the most important risk factor for ovarian cysts. Postmenopausal people are at higher risk of an ovarian cyst being malignant (cancerous).
Other risk factors include:
The most common complications of ovarian cysts are:
There often are no symptoms with ovarian cysts smaller than 2 centimeters.
In the case of larger ovarian cysts, some people may experience mild to moderate symptoms, like abdominal pain.
Other symptoms of larger ovarian cysts include:
If an ovarian cyst ruptures or you have ovarian torsion, the symptoms may include severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. You should call your doctor right away if you have these symptoms.
Ovarian cysts most often are diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor may notice swelling on one of your ovaries and order an imaging test.
They may first do a urine pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant.
If your doctor sees evidence of a cyst on an ovary, they order:
If a cyst is found to be larger than 10 centimeters or has irregularities, it may be an indication of malignancy (cancer). Your doctor may do urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, and collect endocervical swabs to rule out pelvic inflammatory disease.
Because most ovarian cysts are functional and benign, 70% to 80% will go away on their own after a few weeks or months.
Since cysts often resolve without treatment, your doctor may take a watchful waiting or “wait and see” treatment approach. In this case, they may also order repeat ultrasounds to monitor the cyst.
This approach is a common treatment option for women who:
If your ovaries continue to form functional cysts, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills or shots to stop ovulation and prevent new cysts from forming.
If your cyst doesn't go away on its own after several menstrual periods, grows larger, or causes pain, your doctor may want to treat your cyst.
Treatments for ovarian cysts at UPMC include:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.
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