An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac on an ovary. Ovarian cysts are very common. Most ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. In fact, you may not know you have one unless it’s noticed on an imaging study (s)uch as an ultrasound ordered for another reason. In many cases, the cysts go away without treatment.
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The most common signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts are:
Most ovarian cysts are the result of ovulation, the process by which an ovary releases an egg. Normally, eggs develop in cyst-like structures called follicles. During ovulation, the follicle bursts and releases the egg.
Sometimes, the follicle does not release the egg but continues to grow. This is called a functional cyst. Another type of functional cyst is a corpus luteum cyst. This type of cyst occurs when the follicle continues to grow after releasing the egg. Functional cysts are harmless, but they can cause pain.
Other causes of ovarian cysts include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. The use of fertility drugs also increases the risk of developing ovarian cysts. An ovarian cyst is rarely cancerous.
Treatment depends upon the size of the cyst, the type of cyst, and whether or not the cyst is causing pain or other problems.
The most common treatment strategies include:
There is not yet a known way to prevent ovarian cysts.
Dignity Health provides dedicated women’s health services, including diagnosis of ovarian cyst symptoms and ovarian cyst treatment, in Arizona.