What are Ovarian Cysts? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside your ovaries. Most of these cysts are completely harmless and disappear on their own without any treatment. Think of them as small, temporary bubbles that naturally form as part of your monthly cycle.

While the word "cyst" might sound scary, the vast majority of ovarian cysts are functional cysts that simply come and go as your body does its normal work. Understanding what they are and when to pay attention can help you feel more confident about your reproductive health.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are small, fluid-filled pouches that form on your ovaries. Your ovaries are two small organs on either side of your uterus that release eggs each month during your reproductive years.

Most ovarian cysts develop as a normal part of your menstrual cycle. During ovulation, your ovary releases an egg from a small sac called a follicle. Sometimes, this process doesn't go quite as planned, and a cyst forms instead.

The good news is that most ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they're not cancerous. They often resolve themselves within a few menstrual cycles without causing any problems or requiring treatment.

What are the types of ovarian cysts?

There are two main categories of ovarian cysts: functional cysts and non-functional cysts. Functional cysts are by far the most common and are directly related to your menstrual cycle.

Functional cysts include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Follicular cysts form when the follicle that should release an egg doesn't open properly. Corpus luteum cysts develop when the follicle releases the egg but then doesn't shrink back down as it should.

Non-functional cysts are less common and aren't related to your menstrual cycle. These include dermoid cysts, which can contain tissue like hair or teeth, and cystadenomas, which develop from ovarian tissue itself.

Some rare types include endometriomas, which form when endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where multiple small cysts develop due to hormonal imbalances.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Many ovarian cysts don't cause any symptoms at all, which is why they're often discovered during routine pelvic exams or ultrasounds. When symptoms do occur, they're usually mild and manageable.

Here are the symptoms you might experience with ovarian cysts:

• Pelvic pain or aching, especially on one side
• Bloating or feeling full in your lower abdomen
• Changes in your menstrual cycle, like heavier or lighter periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Frequent urination if the cyst presses on your bladder
• Difficulty emptying your bladder completely
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea or vomiting

Most of these symptoms are quite common and can have many different causes. The key is paying attention to changes in your body and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider.

What causes ovarian cysts?

The most common cause of ovarian cysts is your normal menstrual cycle. Every month, your ovaries go through a complex process of preparing and releasing eggs, and sometimes this process creates cysts.

Hormonal imbalances can also lead to cyst formation. Conditions like PCOS involve irregular hormone levels that prevent normal ovulation, leading to multiple small cysts on the ovaries.

Some other factors that can contribute to ovarian cysts include:

• Pregnancy, which can cause the corpus luteum to persist longer than usual
• Severe pelvic infections that spread to the ovaries
• Endometriosis, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus
• Previous ovarian cysts, which slightly increase your chances of developing more

In rare cases, genetic factors may play a role, particularly with certain types of non-functional cysts. However, most ovarian cysts develop without any underlying genetic predisposition.

When should you see a doctor for ovarian cysts?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially if it's accompanied by fever or vomiting. These could be signs of a cyst rupture or ovarian torsion, which need immediate medical attention.

Regular check-ups are also important for monitoring any known cysts. Your doctor might want to track the size and characteristics of cysts over time to ensure they're resolving naturally.

Other reasons to see your doctor include persistent pelvic pain that interferes with your daily activities, significant changes in your menstrual cycle, or symptoms like severe bloating that don't improve.

If you're trying to get pregnant and have been unsuccessful, discussing ovarian cysts with your doctor can be helpful, as some types can affect fertility.

What are the risk factors for ovarian cysts?

Being a woman of reproductive age is the biggest risk factor for developing ovarian cysts, since most are related to the menstrual cycle. Women between puberty and menopause are most likely to develop functional cysts.

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing ovarian cysts:

• Hormonal problems, including taking fertility drugs
• Pregnancy, especially early pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• History of previous ovarian cysts
• Severe pelvic infection

Some rare risk factors include genetic syndromes and family history of ovarian or breast cancer, though these are associated with different types of ovarian growths.

It's worth noting that taking birth control pills actually reduces your risk of developing new ovarian cysts because they prevent ovulation.

What are the possible complications of ovarian cysts?

Most ovarian cysts don't cause complications and resolve on their own. However, it's helpful to know about potential issues so you can recognize when to seek medical care.

The most common complications include:

• Cyst rupture, which can cause sudden, sharp pain but usually heals on its own
• Ovarian torsion, where the ovary twists and cuts off its blood supply
• Large cysts that press on nearby organs, causing discomfort
• Bleeding into the cyst, which can cause pain and swelling

Ovarian torsion is the most serious complication and requires emergency surgery. It causes severe, sudden pelvic pain often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

In very rare cases, what appears to be a simple cyst might be a more complex growth that needs further evaluation. This is why follow-up with your healthcare provider is important for persistent or unusual cysts.

How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

Ovarian cysts are often discovered during routine pelvic exams when your doctor feels an enlarged ovary or unusual mass. Many women are surprised to learn they have a cyst because they haven't experienced any symptoms.

The most common diagnostic tool is a pelvic ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of your ovaries. This painless test can show the size, location, and characteristics of any cysts.

Your doctor might also order blood tests to check hormone levels or tumor markers, especially if the cyst looks unusual on imaging. These tests help rule out other conditions and determine the best course of action.

In some cases, additional imaging like CT scans or MRI might be needed to get a clearer picture, particularly for complex cysts that need more detailed evaluation.

What is the treatment for ovarian cysts?

Most ovarian cysts don't require any treatment beyond watchful waiting. Your doctor will typically recommend monitoring the cyst with follow-up ultrasounds to see if it resolves on its own.

For functional cysts, the wait-and-see approach works well because these cysts usually disappear within one to three menstrual cycles. During this time, you can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Birth control pills might be prescribed to prevent new cysts from forming, though they won't make existing cysts go away faster. This approach works by preventing ovulation.

Surgery is only needed for cysts that are large, persistent, complex in appearance, or causing severe symptoms. The most common surgical approach is laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure done through small incisions.

In rare cases where cancer is suspected or the cyst is very large, more extensive surgery might be necessary. Your doctor will discuss all options and help you make the best decision for your situation.

How can you manage ovarian cysts at home?

Home management focuses on comfort and monitoring your symptoms while your body works to resolve the cyst naturally. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with pelvic discomfort and reduce inflammation.

Applying heat to your lower abdomen or back can provide relief from cramping and aching. A warm bath or heating pad for 15-20 minutes at a time often helps ease discomfort.

Gentle exercise like walking or yoga can help reduce bloating and improve your overall sense of well-being. However, avoid high-impact activities if you're experiencing significant pelvic pain.

Keep track of your symptoms, including when pain occurs and how severe it is. This information helps your healthcare provider monitor your condition and make treatment decisions.

Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated, as this supports your body's natural healing processes. Some women find that reducing caffeine and increasing fiber helps with bloating and digestive discomfort.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Before your appointment, write down all your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse. Be specific about the location and type of pain you're experiencing.

Bring a list of all medications you're taking, including birth control pills, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Your menstrual history is also important, so note the dates of your recent periods.

Prepare questions about your condition, treatment options, and what to expect. Don't hesitate to ask about anything that concerns you, from symptom management to fertility implications.

Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support, especially if you're feeling anxious about the appointment or potential treatment options.

What's the key takeaway about ovarian cysts?

The most important thing to remember is that ovarian cysts are incredibly common and usually harmless. Most women will develop at least one ovarian cyst during their reproductive years without even knowing it.

While it's natural to feel concerned when you hear you have a cyst, the vast majority resolve on their own without treatment. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are your best tools for managing any concerns.

Trust your body and pay attention to changes, but don't let worry about ovarian cysts overshadow your daily life. With proper monitoring and care when needed, most women with ovarian cysts go on to live completely normal, healthy lives.