What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside one of the ovaries. Ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and play an important role in hormone production and ovulation.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and temporary, forming as part of the normal menstrual cycle. These cysts often go away on their own within a few months without treatment. However, some cysts may grow larger, cause pain, or be linked to underlying conditions and may require medical care.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

  • Functional cysts: Follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts (most common, usually benign)
  • Dermoid cysts: Contain tissue like hair, skin, or teeth
  • Cystadenomas: Develop from ovarian surface cells
  • Endometriomas: Result from endometriosis ("chocolate cysts")
  • Simple vs. complex: Simple contain only fluid; complex have solid components or septations
  • Size classification: Small (<5cm), moderate (5-10cm), large (>10cm)

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Many ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms, especially when they are small. When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Pelvic or lower abdominal pain (dull or sharp)
  • Bloating or abdominal swelling
  • Feeling of heaviness or fullness
  • Painful or irregular periods
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea or vomiting

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts may develop due to:

  • Normal ovulation process
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic infections
  • Pregnancy (corpus luteum cyst)
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Use of fertility medications
  • Rarely, benign or cancerous tumors

Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if you:

Are of reproductive age

Have hormonal problems

Are pregnant

Have endometriosis

Have endometriosis

Have had ovarian cysts before

Have PCOS

Have a family history of ovarian cysts or ovarian cancer

Use fertility drugs

Benefits of Treating Ovarian Cysts

Prevents cyst rupture and internal bleeding
Avoids ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary)

  • Protects ovarian function
  • Preserves fertility
  • Treats underlying conditions like PCOS or endometriosis
  • Detects rare cancer early
  • Prevents complications

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek Emergency Care If You Have:

  •  Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
  •  Pain with fever or vomiting
  •  Dizziness, fainting, or signs of shock
  •  Persistent pelvic pain
  •  Painful or irregular periods
  •  Unusual bloating
  •  Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Frequent urination