Hearing the words “ovarian cyst” can immediately make a woman worry about cancer, infertility or the need for surgery. However, ovarian cysts are very common and most are harmless and disappear on their own.
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in an ovary. The ovaries naturally go through changes during the menstrual cycle, and some cysts form as part of this normal process. These are called functional cysts and are particularly common in women who have not yet reached menopause.
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are discovered incidentally during an ultrasound scan or routine examination. When symptoms do occur, they may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, a feeling of fullness, painful intercourse or changes in the menstrual cycle.
Most simple cysts are not dangerous and may disappear within a few weeks or months without treatment. A doctor may simply recommend monitoring the cyst with another ultrasound scan to see whether it has changed.
However, some cysts can cause complications. A cyst may occasionally rupture, causing sudden pelvic pain and in some cases, internal bleeding. It can also cause the ovary to twist, a condition called ovarian torsion. This can cut off the blood supply to the ovary and is a medical emergency.
Women should seek urgent medical attention if they develop sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, fainting, weakness or heavy bleeding.
Another common concern is fertility. Having an ovarian cyst does not automatically mean that a woman will have difficulty becoming pregnant. Most functional cysts do not affect fertility. However, conditions that cause certain types of cysts, such as endometriosis, can sometimes affect fertility.
Treatment depends on the type and size of the cyst, the symptoms, the woman’s age and whether she has reached menopause. Some cysts require no treatment at all, while others may require medical or surgical treatment.
Women should not rely on herbal remedies or attempt to treat a cyst themselves. If an ovarian cyst is suspected, proper medical assessment and an ultrasound scan are important to determine what is actually happening.
