Ovarian Cysts: Everything You Need to Know About Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
If you have recently been told you have ovarian cysts, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. It is a diagnosis that sounds far more intimidating than it usually is. In reality, most women will develop at least one cyst during their lifetime, often without even realising it.
Essentially, an ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside one of your ovaries. Your ovaries are a vital part of the female reproductive system, responsible for producing eggs and key hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. While the word “cyst” can be scary, the vast majority are a benign growth and part of your body’s natural processes.
What Are the Different Types of Ovarian Cysts?
Understanding the type of cyst you have is the first step toward feeling in control. Doctors generally categorise them into two main groups: functional cysts and complex cysts.
1. Functional Cysts
These are the most common type and are directly related to your menstrual cycle. They are usually harmless and disappear on their own within a few months.
- Follicle Cysts: During a normal cycle, your ovary releases an egg from a small sac called a follicle. If the follicle doesn’t burst to release the egg, it can continue to grow into a cyst.
- Corpus Luteum Cysts: Once an egg is released, the empty follicle sac is called the corpus luteum. If fluid builds up inside this sac, it becomes a cyst.
2. Complex Cysts
These are less common and are not related to your period. They may be caused by an overgrowth of cells or underlying conditions like endometriosis.
| Cyst Type | Primary Characteristics | Typical Action |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Cyst | Fluid-filled, develops during ovulation. | Watchful waiting; usually self-resolves. |
| Dermoid Cyst | Contains tissues like hair or skin. | Surgical removal if large. |
| Endometrioma | Caused by uterine tissue growing outside the womb. | Medical management or surgery. |
| Cystadenoma | Filled with watery or mucous material. | Monitoring or removal. |
Recognising the Symptoms
In many cases, ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all. However, as a cyst grows, you might begin to notice changes in your body. It is important to listen to these signals and discuss them with a healthcare professional.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent pelvic pain or a dull ache in the lower back and thighs.
- A heavy, uncomfortable feeling of bloating in the abdomen.
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Changes in your period, such as unusually heavy or irregular bleeding.
- Frequent need to urinate if a large cyst presses against your bladder.
According to the NHS, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain accompanied by fever or vomiting, as this could indicate a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts to Form?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing cysts. For many, a simple hormonal imbalance is the culprit. This can happen naturally or as a side effect of fertility drugs that stimulate ovulation.
Other significant causes include:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition involves many small, harmless cysts on the ovaries, often linked to hormone levels. You can find more details via Verity.
- Endometriosis: When tissue that lines the womb grows elsewhere, it can attach to the ovary and form a “chocolate cyst.” Learn more at Endometriosis UK.
- Pelvic Infections: Severe infections that spread to the ovaries can cause abscesses that appear as cysts.
- Pregnancy: In early pregnancy, a cyst may stay on the ovary to support the pregnancy until the placenta forms.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
If your doctor suspects a cyst, they will likely perform a pelvic exam. However, the most definitive way to identify ovarian cysts is through an ultrasound scan. This painless procedure uses sound waves to create an image of your ovaries, helping the doctor determine the size, location, and composition of the cyst.
In some cases, your doctor might recommend a CA-125 blood test, particularly if you are postmenopausal. While this test is often used to screen for ovarian cancer, it is important to remember that elevated levels can also be caused by benign conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. More guidance on these tests is available from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Treatment Options: From Monitoring to Surgery
The treatment plan depends entirely on your age, the type of cyst, and your symptoms. Many doctors prefer “watchful waiting,” which involves another ultrasound in a few weeks or months to see if the cyst has changed. For more persistent cases, other options include:
Medication
While birth control pills cannot shrink an existing cyst, they can prevent new ones from forming by regulating your hormones and stopping ovulation. This is a common strategy for those with recurring functional cysts.
Laparoscopic Surgery
If a cyst is large, causing pain, or looks suspicious, laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery) may be recommended. This is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon removes the cyst through a small incision in the abdomen. For more information on surgical procedures, visit the Mayo Clinic.
Ovarian Cysts and Your Fertility
A common worry for many women is whether a cyst will impact their fertility. The good news is that most cysts do not interfere with your ability to conceive. Functional cysts are a sign that your reproductive system is active. However, conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can make falling pregnant more challenging. If you are planning a family, it is worth consulting a specialist or viewing the WHO guidance on infertility.
When to See a Professional
While most cysts are benign, it is vital to stay proactive about your gynaecological health. Regular check-ups and being mindful of your body’s rhythms are your best tools. If you are over 50 or have a family history of ovarian issues, regular screening is even more crucial. You can find detailed patient resources at Patient.info.
Other authoritative sources for research include:
- Guidelines on managing cysts from NICE.
- Research on ovarian health at Nature.com.
- General health advice at Healthline.
- Information on ovarian cancer screening at Cancer Research UK.
- In-depth medical articles from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Anatomy and condition overviews at Cleveland Clinic.
- Diagnostic imaging details at WebMD.
- Private care options and second opinions via Bupa.
- Information on hormonal health from The Hormone Health Network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can ovarian cysts turn into cancer?
Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous (benign). However, a small number can be malignant. The risk increases as you get older, especially after menopause. Your doctor will use scans and tests to monitor any suspicious growths closely.
Do I need surgery for every cyst?
No, surgery is usually the last resort. Most cysts are monitored through “watchful waiting” because they often resolve themselves within two or three menstrual cycles. Surgery is only considered if the cyst is very large, growing, or causing significant pain.
Can I prevent ovarian cysts from forming?
You cannot completely prevent them, but you can lower the risk of functional cysts by using hormonal contraceptives that stop ovulation. Regular pelvic exams are the best way to ensure any new cysts are caught and managed early.
Will an ovarian cyst affect my period?
Yes, it can. Some cysts produce hormones that can cause your periods to become heavier, lighter, or more irregular than usual. If you notice a significant change in your cycle, it is worth booking a chat with your GP.
