Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovaries. The ovary is the part of a woman’s body that produces eggs. There are several types of ovarian cysts. The most common type of ovarian cyst is a functional cyst, which often forms as a result of the normal function of the menstrual cycle.

Many ovarian cysts don't cause symptoms and cause no harm. Others can cause a variety of symptoms including: pressure, swelling, or pain in the abdomen; pelvic pain; a dull ache in the lower back and thighs; and changes in menstruation.

Ovarian cysts are most often found during routine pelvic exams, although some may need further testing.

Sometimes ovarian cysts are simply watched for a period of time to see if they disappear on their own. However, some ovarian cysts are treated with birth control pills or surgery.

No one knows exactly what causes an ovarian cyst. Some experts think that common ovarian cysts come from a hormonal imbalance. If a woman has a hormonal imbalance, her body will not make eggs (ovulate). In most cases, this imbalance does not last long. The doctor may want to just watch you until the cyst goes away.

The most common type of ovarian cyst is a functional cyst.

Functional cysts often form during the menstrual cycle. The two types are:

• Follicle cysts. These cysts form when the sac doesn't break open to release the egg. Then the sac keeps growing. This type of cyst most often goes away in 1 to 3 months.
• Corpus luteum cysts. These cysts form if the sac doesn't dissolve. Instead, the sac seals off after the egg is released. Then fluid builds up inside. Most of these cysts go away after a few weeks. They can grow to almost 4 inches. They may bleed or twist the ovary and cause pain. They are rarely cancerous. Some drugs used to cause ovulation, such as Clomid® or Serophene®, can raise the risk of getting these cysts.

Other types of ovarian cysts are:

• Endometriomas. These cysts form in women who have endometriosis. This problem occurs when tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. These cysts can be painful during sex and during your period.
• Cystadenomas. These cysts form from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. They are often filled with a watery fluid or thick, sticky gel. They can become large and cause pain.
• Dermoid cysts. These cysts contain many types of cells. They may be filled with hair, teeth, and other tissues that become part of the cyst. They can become large and cause pain.
• Polycystic ovaries. These cysts are caused when eggs mature within the sacs but are not released. The cycle then repeats. The sacs continue to grow and many cysts form. For more information about polycystic ovaries,

Many cysts go away on their own. See your doctor for ongoing pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular periods, and seek emergency care for sudden, severe pelvic pain with fever or vomiting, which can signal a twisted or ruptured cyst.