Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that can form in one or both ovaries. They are very common. Most are harmless and go away without needing treatment.

Ovarian cysts are not related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Most ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they can include:

• pain in your belly or pelvis that comes and goes
• ongoing or worsening pelvic pain
• difficulty doing a poo
• needing to wee often
• periods that are heavy, lighter or irregular
• painful sex
• bloating, pressure or heaviness in your belly
• feeling very full after only eating a small amount.

Most ovarian cysts form as part of the normal menstrual cycle. Each month, small sacs called follicles grow on the ovaries to release eggs. Sometimes a follicle can swell and form a functional cyst.

Functional cysts are usually harmless. But they can cause symptoms, especially if they grow large, burst or twist.

Some ovarian cysts can be cancerous, but this is rare – especially before menopause.

To diagnose an ovarian cyst, your doctor will usually ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical examination.

They may also recommend other tests, including:

• a pregnancy test
• a transvaginal ultrasound
• blood tests.

Most ovarian cysts go away without treatment. Some may just need to be monitored with follow-up ultrasounds.

Cysts may need to be removed if they:

• keep growing
• are large
• cause symptoms
• might be cancerous.

Ovarian cysts are usually removed via a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is keyhole surgery performed through small cuts in your belly (abdomen).

Talk to your doctor if symptoms, such as pelvic pain, stop you from things you normally do.

You should get urgent medical care if you have a sudden sharp or stabbing pain in your side, back or groin, especially if you vomit. These can be signs of a:

• burst cyst
• growing cyst
• twisted ovary.