Ovarian Cysts Blog

Ovarian cysts are common growths that develop on or inside your ovaries. There are several types of cysts. The most common kinds are harmless, don’t cause symptoms and eventually go away without treatment. Rarely, cysts can cause complications that require your provider’s attention. Getting regular pelvic exams can help reduce your chances of experiencing problems with a cyst.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of your ovaries. Your ovaries are small organs in your pelvis that hold egg cells and make hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

There are different types of ovarian cysts, most of which are painless and harmless (benign). Usually, ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms. You likely won’t know you have one unless your provider finds one during a routine pelvic exam or imaging procedure.

Rarely, ovarian cysts can cause complications. Scheduling regular pelvic exams and speaking with your provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing can help prevent any problems with a cyst.

Who is affected by ovarian cysts?

Anyone with ovaries can develop an ovarian cyst. Your chances increase based on you’re:

• Age. Ovarian cysts are more common if you haven’t gone through menopause.
• Pregnancy status. Cysts are more likely to form and remain during pregnancy.
• History of ovarian cysts. You’re more likely to have an ovarian cyst if you’ve had one before.
• Current medical conditions. You’re more likely to get an ovarian cyst if you have: endometriosis, hormone problems or if you’re taking medications to help with ovulation, like clomiphene

What causes an ovarian cyst?

Ovulation is the leading cause of ovarian cysts. Other causes include:

• Abnormal cell reproduction.Atypical cell reproduction can cause cysts like dermoids and cystadenomas to form.
• Endometriosis.These cysts often form on the ovary in the advanced stages of endometriosis.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Severe pelvic infections can spread to your ovaries, causing cysts.

What are the signs and symptoms of an ovarian cyst?

Some smaller cysts cause no symptoms. In these cases, you may not even know you have a cyst. Larger cysts may cause:

• Pelvic pain or a dull ache in your back.
• A feeling of fullness (bloating) located in your lower belly that may feel more pronounced on one side of your body.
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).
• Painful periods.

Can you gain weight with an ovarian cyst?

Yes. Cysts can cause bloating, which contributes to weight gain. Some cysts secrete hormones that can cause you to gain weight.

How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will first rule out pregnancy as the cause of your symptoms. Then, they may use the following tests to diagnose an ovarian cyst:

• A pelvic exam: Your provider will feel inside your pelvis for any lumps or changes.
• Ultrasound: This imaging procedure uses sound waves to create images of your body's internal organs. It can detect cysts on your ovaries, including their location and whether they’re primarily fluid or solid.
• Laparoscopy:This is a procedure performed in an operating room. Your provider inserts a camera through an incision (cut) in your abdomen and can view your reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. If your provider diagnoses a cyst at this time, they can remove it.

How is an ovarian cyst treated?

Treatment will depend on factors like your age, your symptoms and what’s likely causing your cyst.

Watchful waiting

Functional ovarian cysts usually go away without treatment. If your cyst is likely functional, your provider may suggest a wait-and-see approach. You may have a follow-up ultrasound within a few weeks or months after your diagnosis to see if your cyst has resolved on its own.

Ovarian cyst medications

Your provider may give you medications containing hormones (such as birth control pills) to stop ovulation and prevent future cysts from forming.

Ovarian cyst surgery

If a cyst is causing symptoms and getting bigger, you may need surgery to remove it. The type of surgery depends on the size of the cyst and how it appears on the ultrasound. The different procedures used include:

• Laparoscopy: This is a procedure where your provider inserts a small camera through a small incision in your abdomen. They view your reproductive organs and pelvic cavity using the device. The ovarian cyst can be removed through tiny incisions (ovarian cystectomy).
• Laparotomy: Your provider may perform this procedure if the cyst is very large or if there are other concerns.

If your provider suspects cancer, they may consult with a cancer specialist, or gynecological oncologist, about the best treatment options for you.