Ovarian cysts are common. Many women develop them during their reproductive years. Most cysts cause no symptoms and disappear without treatment.
Some cysts can cause pain, changes to your periods or other symptoms. Others may need monitoring or treatment.
Understanding the types of ovarian cysts, their causes and treatment options can help you know when to seek advice.
What Is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is one of the fluid-filled sacs that can develop on or inside an ovary.
Your ovaries play an important role in the menstrual cycle. Each month, a follicle develops and prepares to release an egg.
Sometimes the follicle does not release the egg as expected. It can continue to grow and form a cyst.
Doctors call these functional ovarian cysts. They often disappear on their own within a few weeks.
Other cysts develop for different reasons. Some may need closer monitoring or treatment.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can develop in different ways, and each type of cyst has a different cause.
Follicular Cysts
A follicle normally grows during the menstrual cycle. It then releases an egg during ovulation.
Sometimes the follicle does not release the egg. It continues to grow and forms a follicular cyst.
Follicular cysts are a common type of functional cyst. They usually cause no symptoms and often disappear without treatment.
Corpus Luteum Cyst
After the ovary releases an egg, the follicle becomes the corpus luteum. Sometimes, fluid builds up inside it and forms a corpus luteum cyst. These cysts can grow larger and may cause pelvic pain.
Dermoid Cysts
Dermoid cysts develop from cells that are present from birth. They can contain different types of tissue, such as hair, skin or fat. These cysts do not usually disappear on their own.
Your specialist may recommend monitoring the cyst or treating it. In some cases, surgeons may surgically remove the cyst.
Simple Cysts
Simple cysts contain fluid and usually have thin, smooth walls.
Many simple cysts do not need immediate treatment. Your doctor may recommend follow-up scans instead.
Other Types of Cysts
Some ovarian cysts develop because of other conditions.
Endometriosis can cause cysts to develop on the ovaries. Doctors call these cysts endometriomas. Your doctor can assess the cyst and your symptoms. This helps identify the likely type and guide treatment.
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms. You may only discover one during a routine examination or scan.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Bloating
- Pain during sex
- Pain during periods
- Changes to your menstrual cycle
- Irregular periods
- A feeling of fullness
- Frequent urination
Symptoms can vary depending on the cyst's size and type.
Some women experience mild discomfort. Others may have persistent or worsening pain.
Sudden and severe pelvic pain needs urgent medical assessment. A cyst can sometimes rupture or cause the ovary to twist around its blood supply.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts causes vary, but several factors can contribute. Normal ovulation is one of the most common. During the menstrual cycle, a follicle develops and prepares to release an egg. Sometimes, it continues to grow and forms a cyst instead.
Other possible causes include:
- Hormonal changes
- Endometriosis
- Pregnancy
- Pelvic infections
- A previous history of ovarian cysts
Doctors cannot always identify one clear cause.
An assessment can still help your doctor understand the cyst and rule out other possible conditions.
Ovarian Cysts and the Menstrual Cycle
Ovarian cysts often develop during the menstrual cycle.
Your ovaries produce follicles as part of normal ovulation. A follicle usually releases an egg. Sometimes it continues to grow and forms a cyst.
A cyst can affect your normal cycle. You may notice spotting between periods or changes in bleeding.
Some women also experience heavier or lighter periods.
Not every change in your cycle means you have an ovarian cyst. However, repeated changes are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Keeping a record of your symptoms can also help. Note when pain or bleeding occurs. This can help your doctor understand how your symptoms relate to your cycle.
How Are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also do a pelvic exam to check for any tenderness or changes. An ultrasound scan can then help look at your ovaries and check the cyst's size, shape and appearance.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound gives a clearer view of the ovaries.
During the scan, a specialist gently guides an ultrasound probe into the vagina. The probe creates detailed images of the pelvic organs.
An ovarian cyst ultrasound can show whether a cyst is simple or complex. It can also determine its size and location. Your doctor may recommend blood tests if needed. They will consider your symptoms, age, medical history and scan results when deciding the next step.
Do Ovarian Cysts Affect Fertility?
Many ovarian cysts do not affect fertility.
Functional cysts often form as part of normal ovulation. They usually disappear without treatment.
Some conditions linked to ovarian cysts can affect fertility. Endometriosis is one example.
If you are trying to conceive and have an ovarian cyst, speak to your doctor. They can assess the cyst and explain whether it may affect your fertility.
Ovarian Cysts and Menopause
Ovarian cysts can also occur after menopause.
Functional cysts become less common after menopause because the ovaries no longer release eggs regularly.
Doctors may assess ovarian cysts more carefully after menopause. They may recommend further tests or follow-up scans based on the cyst's appearance.
If you develop a cyst after menopause, arrange an assessment. Your doctor can explain the findings and whether you need further investigation.
Ovarian Cyst Treatment
The right ovarian cyst treatment depends on several factors.
Your doctor will consider:
- The type of cyst
- Its size
- Its appearance
- Your symptoms
- Your age
- Whether the cyst changes over time
Not every cyst needs treatment.
Watchful Waiting
Your doctor may recommend watchful waiting when a cyst looks harmless and does not cause significant symptoms.
This means monitoring the cyst rather than treating it immediately.
You may need a repeat ultrasound scan after a set period. This allows your doctor to check whether the cyst has changed or disappeared.
Many functional cysts resolve during this time.
Medication
Your doctor may recommend medication depending on your symptoms.
Hormonal contraception can reduce the chance of developing some new functional cysts. It does not usually make an existing cyst disappear.
Your doctor will explain whether medication is suitable for you.
Surgery
- Causes persistent pain
- Becomes large
- Does not disappear
- Looks complex on an ultrasound scan
- Causes complications
- Creates a risk of ovarian torsion or rupture
The decision depends on your individual circumstances.
Your specialist will explain the benefits and risks before recommending treatment.
When Is Surgery Needed to Remove a Cyst?
When surgery is appropriate, surgeons can remove a cyst while preserving healthy ovarian tissue.
The surgical approach depends on the cyst's size, location and appearance.
Many procedures use a minimally invasive approach.
Laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts in the abdomen. A camera and surgical instruments pass through these openings.
This approach can reduce the size of the incisions and may support a faster recovery.
Larger or complex cysts may require a different surgical approach.
Your surgeon will recommend the safest option based on your individual case.
What Happens After Cyst Removal?
Recovery depends on the type of surgery you have.
Recovery after minimally invasive surgery is often quicker than recovery after open surgery.
You may experience some discomfort or bloating after the procedure. These symptoms often improve as you recover.
Your surgeon will explain when you can return to normal activities. They will also tell you when to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Contact your healthcare team if your pain becomes worse or you develop symptoms that concern you.
When Should You Worry About an Ovarian Cyst?
Most ovarian cysts do not cause serious problems.
However, some symptoms need urgent attention.
Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop:
- Sudden and severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Severe pain with vomiting
- Pain with fever
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid breathing
- Cold or clammy skin
These symptoms can occur when a cyst ruptures or when the ovary twists.
Ovarian torsion can affect the blood supply to the ovary. It requires urgent assessment. For milder but ongoing symptoms, arrange a routine appointment.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cysts?
You cannot prevent every ovarian cyst. Many develop as part of normal ovulation. This makes them difficult to prevent.
Hormonal contraception may reduce the risk of some functional cysts. However, it does not prevent every type of ovarian cyst.
If you have had cysts before, tell your healthcare professional. They can advise whether you need monitoring.
When Should You See a Specialist?
Consider a specialist assessment if your symptoms continue or keep returning.
This is especially important if you have ongoing pelvic pain, changes to your menstrual cycle or pain during sex.
A specialist can review your symptoms and medical history. They can also arrange appropriate investigations when needed.
An ultrasound scan can provide a clearer view of the ovaries and help assess the cyst.
Early assessment can also provide reassurance when a cyst does not require treatment.
Ovarian Cyst Assessment in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Aylesbury
If you have concerns about an ovarian cyst, Bloom Health offers specialist gynaecology assessment in Milton Keynes. Women travelling from Northampton and Aylesbury can also access the service, both a short drive from our hospital.
The service supports women with ovarian cyst symptoms and related gynaecological concerns.
On-site diagnostic services, including ultrasound scans, can help your clinician assess the ovaries when appropriate.
Conclusion
Ovarian cysts are common and often cause no problems. Many disappear without treatment. Others may need monitoring or specialist care.
Pay attention to persistent symptoms. Pelvic pain, irregular periods and pain during sex are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
If you have concerns about an ovarian cyst, book an appointment with our ovarian cyst specialist in Milton Keynes.
Quick note :
This article provides general health information and does not constitute medical advice. For personalised guidance, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
