Ovarian Cysts

Usually each month of a woman’s reproductive years an ovary produces a growth called a follicle as part of the process to release an egg (ovulation). Occasionally,   a follicle continues to grow after ovulation and becomes an ovarian cyst. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac, like a blister. Ovarian cysts   are extremely common during a woman's childbearing years. There are many different types of cysts that develop on the surface or within the ovaries. Most are benign (noncancerous) and go away without treatment.

Usually, ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms. A ruptured cyst can cause symptoms, but the symptoms could also be due to other conditions. If you have any of the following symptoms, see your health care provider to determine if they are due to ruptured or intact ovarian cyst or another condition:  

• occasional or constant pain in the pelvic area, the pain can be dull and can radiate to the low   back;,

• pain during intercourse;

• swelling or feeling of fullness in the abdomen;

•   irregular or unusually heavy periods.

Because they generally don’t cause symptoms, ovarian cysts are usually detected during a pelvic exam, and the diagnosis may be confirmed with ultrasound, in which sound waves are used to create an image of structures inside the body, or laparoscopy, in which an instrument is used to look inside the abdomen. Treatment may not be required, because cysts often disappear on their own after two or three menstrual cycles. Your health care provider may prescribe hormones to shrink the cyst.

Surgery may be in order if a cyst:

• doesn't go away after a few menstrual periods

• doesn't respond to hormonal treatment

• is very large

• appears after menopause

• causes severe pain or bleeding

• becomes twisted