Ovarian cysts are common among women of reproductive age. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop inside one or both ovaries and often on the outer edge of the ovaries. The size can be different. They are generally harmless and hardly bear any symptoms. However, sometimes it creates serious outcomes when it is filled with blood or solid mass instead of normal fluid. Early and proper treatment can help to manage symptoms and other problems.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Small cysts generally don’t cause any trouble, as you may not have any symptoms but larger cysts do hamper your health. However, when they occur, symptoms can vary from person to person. Those symptoms include:
- Painful periods
- Severe pelvic pain
- Bloating
- Irregular periods
- Extreme heavy or light bleeding
- Infertility
- Painful intercourse
- Pee frequently or have trouble pooping
- Weakness
- Depression
Ovarian Cysts Types
We know that ovaries are a part of the reproductive system. Women have two ovaries and they are in the lower abdomen on both sides of the uterus. Cyst can form one or both of the ovaries. Sometimes it can be found in the ovaries and sometimes on the ovaries. Depending on the location of the cyst and its cause, the two types of cysts are – 1. Functional cyst & 2. Pathological cyst.
- Functional Cyst: It develops during ovulation. These types of cysts are not related to any disease and it’s a sign that your ovaries are functioning well. They shrink over time without treatment, mostly within 60 days. We can generalize functional cysts into two types, they are:
- Follicular cyst: During your menstrual cycle, a follicle, which is a small sac in the ovary, releases an egg. However, if the follicle fails to release the egg, it can fill with fluid and transform into a cyst, known as a follicular cyst.
- Corpus luteum cyst: After releasing an egg, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a structure that produces hormones. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum breaks down. However, in some cases, it fills with fluid and forms a cyst.
- Pathological cyst: Pathological cysts are related to other serious health conditions. This type of cyst includes:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: When the ovaries generate more androgen (male hormone) than normal, the elevated androgen levels promote ovarian follicle growth, but the follicles fail to release mature eggs. As a result, fluid accumulates inside the follicles and forms cysts.
- Endometriomas: This type of ovarian cyst forms when endometrial tissue (the same tissue of the uterus lining that a woman bleeds every month) develops on the ovaries. The fluid inside it is dark and thick.
- Dermoid Cyst: Dermoid ovarian cysts are formed from the abnormal growth of cells during fetal development. This cyst is a fluid-filled sac and contains the cells that can form tissues like teeth, hair and skin.
- Ovarian Cancer Cyst: Some abnormal growth on the ovaries can be cancerous. Ovarian cancer cysts are not fluid-filled sacs, they are solid masses made up of cancer cells.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
The causes of ovarian cyst formation depend on various factors. The main cause behind this cysts is ovulation, which is a natural procedure of the menstrual circle. Other causes are:

Hormonal imbalance
A woman can develop ovarian cysts due to the imbalance of hormones that regulate your periods. Common hormonal imbalances that lead to ovarian cysts include:
- PCOS: PCOS can cause ovarian cysts due to hormonal imbalance and ovulation dysfunction. Women diagnosed with PCOS have the risk of developing many cysts on their ovaries.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can also increase the risk of ovarian cysts because of hormonal imbalance and ovulation dysfunction. Low thyroid hormone levels disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, leading to cyst formation.
Endometriosis
Women who have a severe condition of endometriosis (Endometriosis is when the tissue that forms in the uterus lining grows in other places, like the ovaries, fallopian tubes or intestines) can develop an ovarian cyst. We name it as endometrioma cysts or we can say chocolate cysts.
Serious pelvic infections
People who have severe pelvic infections can have problems with their ovaries and fallopian tubes. The infections can spread to the areas by forming cysts.
Pregnancy
A corpus luteum cyst forms in the ovary to support the pregnancy by producing progesterone until the placenta takes over. Sometimes the corpus luteum becomes overstimulated and it leads to cyst formation.
Genetics
Genetics can be a reason to develop ovarian cysts. Women who have a family history of this, increase their chances of getting affected by it.
How is an Ovarian Cyst Diagnosed?
At first, your healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms and other health issues. The next steps to diagnose ovarian cyst are:
- Pelvic Exam: Your healthcare provider will perform a pelvic exam to check any abnormalities in the cervix or uterus.
- Ultrasound Test: Ultrasound test will help to identify cysts and their location in your reproductive organs, like your ovaries, uterus or fallopian tube.
- MRI Scan: In some cases, an MRI is also required to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Ovarian Cysts
Treatment of ovarian cysts depends on the condition of the cyst, symptoms and your age. The process includes:

- Observation: Most ovarian cysts in reproductive-age of women are harmless and resolve on their own within 2-3 months. If the cyst is functional, then your doctor may recommend you observe regular monitoring.
- Pain management: To manage the pain of an ovarian cyst, the doctor may recommend Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotic analgesics. These are helpful to reduce the pain and discomfort.
- Medicine: There is such particular medicine for ovarian cysts, but your doctor may prescribe you medications such as birth control pills. It will not eliminate the existing cysts, but it can prevent other cysts from forming by stopping ovulation.
- Lifestyle changes: Drinking enough water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, not taking stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can help you in real.
Surgical Procedures
If your cysts are enlarging and the signs are getting worse, then to address the issue your doctor may suggest surgery. Removing the cysts can disrupt the risk of developing cancer further. The type of surgery is depends on the size of the cyst. Which include:
- Laparoscopic surgery: In this surgery, a laparoscope, equipped with a camera, is inserted through a small incision in the lower belly to check the reproductive organs and pelvis area. As the laparoscope allows the doctor to visualize the cyst’s location, they get access to it. Once it is located, the cyst is carefully removed from the ovary.
- Laparotomy: The laparotomy process is more serious than laparoscopy. In case of severe cysts, the doctor may recommend you opt for this surgery. By making a large incision in your abdomen, your doctor got access to the ovaries and fallopian tubes and then they removed the cysts. This process is only recommended for larger cysts or if your doctor suspects cancer.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ovarian cyst?
Answer: Ovarian cysts is a fluid-filled sac that develop in ovaries.
- What are the common symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Answer: Pelvic pain, bloating, heavy bleeding and infertility are the common symptoms of ovarian cysts.
- Can ovarian cyst occur during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes, it can occur during pregnancy.
- What are the causes of ovarian cysts?
Answer: Hormonal imbalance, endometriosis, serious pelvic infections, pregnancy and genetics can cause ovarian cysts.
- What are the treatment of ovarian cysts?
Answer: Birthcontrol pills, Surgeries are the treatment of ovarian cysts.
- Can ovarian cyst affect your period cycle?
Answer: Yes, it can affect your period cycle.