Cysts are abnormal, benign, fluid-filled sacs that may cause pain. A cyst present within your ovaries is known as an ovarian cyst. 

Contemporary Women’s Care comprises experienced women specialists who provide comprehensive gynecological care, and cyst management through innovative techniques and state-of-the-art practices. 

Ovarian cyst-overview

An ovarian cyst is a sac that is filled with semisolid material or fluid that forms on or within one or both ovaries. Ovaries are small organs that are an important part of your reproductive system. These organs contain eggs within them and are responsible for producing female hormones- estrogen and progesterone. 

Different types of ovarian cysts

Most often ovarian cysts are formed in response to your body’s changes during your menstrual cycle. 

Different types of ovarian cysts include:

Follicular cysts

These develop when your follicles fail to release mature eggs during ovulation. These usually do not cause symptoms and resolve on their own within 1 to 3 months.

Corpus luteum cyst

Normally when your follicles release eggs, they shrink into a mass of cells known as corpus luteum. If this does not shrink it leads to cyst formation. These cysts usually go away within a few weeks.

Cystadenomas

These are fluid-filled sacs that develop on your ovaries and can abnormally enlarge in size. 

Endometriomas

Endometriomas usually develop as a result of endometriosis, a condition caused due to abnormal growth of the uterine lining outside your womb. 

Dermoid cyst

Dermoid cysts are formed from remnant cells left over after birth, without any obvious symptoms. 

Clinical features indicating an ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts are usually harmless without any obvious symptoms. Thus you may not even know you have one. These are most often detected during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound scan for other health issues. 

Clinical manifestations that may indicate an ovarian cyst include:

• Pelvic pain
• Dull lower back pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Heavy and painful menstrual bleeding 
• Abnormal weight gain
• Feeling like you can’t empty your bladder

Seek medical help if you notice any symptoms, for further evaluation through a pelvic exam and ultrasound. 

Managing ovarian cyst

Ovarian cyst management depends on factors like your age, type of cyst, and severity of your symptoms. This includes:

• Waiting and periodic monitoring to check if the cyst resolves on its own
• Oral contraceptives to halt ovulation and prevent future cyst formation
• Surgical removal of the ovarian cyst through a laparoscopic procedure called ovarian cystectomy
• Surgical removal of the ovary for larger cysts, through a procedure called oophorectomy

Ovarian cysts are common and harmless that usually resolve on their own. However, cysts that are concerning require medical attention, since early treatment can prevent complications.