SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERN

Ovarian Cysts

Also called: ovarian cyst, ovarian cysts, cyst on ovary

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled or partly solid sacs that develop on or within an ovary. Most are benign and many disappear without treatment, but some can cause pelvic pain, bloating, pressure or menstrual changes and may require further assessment.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Ovulation, hormonal changes, endometriosis and ovarian conditions

TREATED BY

Laparoscopic surgery, monitoring and medication

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Many ovarian cysts develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle. During ovulation, an egg develops inside a small structure called a follicle. If the follicle does not release the egg or does not shrink normally afterwards, it can continue to grow and form a functional ovarian cyst. These include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts and are particularly common during the reproductive years. They are usually benign and often resolve naturally over several weeks or menstrual cycles without causing noticeable symptoms.

Not all ovarian cysts are related to normal ovulation. Endometriosis can cause blood-filled ovarian cysts known as endometriomas, while other benign growths such as dermoid cysts and cystadenomas arise from different types of ovarian tissue. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with numerous small follicles within the ovaries, although these are not the same as typical ovarian cysts despite the condition’s name. Cysts can also occur during pregnancy, and ovarian masses can develop after menopause, when functional cysts related to ovulation are no longer expected.

Whether an ovarian cyst causes symptoms depends on its type, size, position and whether complications develop. Larger cysts may produce pelvic pressure, abdominal fullness, bloating, pain during sex or urinary and bowel symptoms by pressing against surrounding structures. Occasionally, a cyst can rupture and cause sudden pain or bleeding. A cyst may also increase the risk of the ovary twisting around its supporting tissues, known as ovarian torsion, which can interrupt its blood supply and requires urgent treatment. Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous, but certain characteristics — particularly in ovarian masses found after menopause — may require further investigation to exclude malignancy.

How far along is it?

Early

A small ovarian cyst is present but causes few or no symptoms. Many functional cysts are discovered incidentally and may disappear naturally over time.

Moderate

The cyst persists, grows or begins causing symptoms such as pelvic discomfort, pressure, bloating, menstrual changes or pain during certain activities. Further monitoring or investigation may be recommended.

Advanced

A cyst becomes large, has complex features or causes significant symptoms. Complications such as rupture, bleeding or ovarian torsion can occur, and more active medical or surgical management may be required.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Ovarian cyst removal→

Medical assessment is worthwhile when pelvic pain or pressure persists, bloating is frequent or unexplained, periods change significantly, or discomfort during sex becomes recurring. A known ovarian cyst may also require follow-up if it is large, persistent, increasing in size or has features that require further investigation.

Ovarian cysts or masses identified after menopause deserve appropriate medical assessment because the causes and level of concern differ from those occurring during the reproductive years. Persistent abdominal bloating, feeling full unusually quickly, unexplained weight loss or ongoing pelvic symptoms should also be assessed rather than automatically attributed to a benign cyst.

Quick Questions:

What are the common symptoms of an ovarian cyst?

Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include pelvic pain or pressure, bloating, abdominal fullness, pain during sex and sometimes changes in menstrual patterns.

What causes ovarian cysts to develop?

Many develop naturally during ovulation. Others may be associated with endometriosis or arise from different types of ovarian tissue. The cause depends on the particular type of cyst.

Can ovarian cysts disappear on their own?

Yes. Many functional ovarian cysts resolve naturally within a few weeks or months. Whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate depends on factors such as the cyst’s size and appearance, symptoms, age and menopausal status.

Are ovarian cysts cancerous?

Most ovarian cysts are benign. However, some ovarian masses require investigation to determine their nature, particularly when they have complex features or develop after menopause. Imaging and, where appropriate, additional tests can help assess them.