It is estimated that 10% of U.S. women experience ovarian cysts, the majority of which develop as part of normal menstrual cycles, present no symptoms and go away on their own. For post-menopausal women, women who are at high risk for concerning cysts, or women who experience complications related to cysts, additional monitoring and intervention may be required due to slightly increased cancer risk or to help ensure optimal reproductive health.

Advantia Health Ovarian Cysts Screening

In most cases, ovarian cysts will resolve without you being aware of them. If you are experiencing the symptoms of an ovarian cyst, or have a condition that places you at higher risk for developing them, such as a history of a previous large cyst, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an Advantia Health provider can help screen for these conditions and advise on a personalized treatment plan that considers your personal medical history and lifestyle goals.

Ensuring you have regular well-woman visits with pelvic exams can also help reduce your risk of problems related to ovarian cysts.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Because you may not experience any symptoms with small cysts, you may not even know if you have one. Larger cysts can cause the following:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Persistent lower back pain
  • Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Painful or irregular periods
  • Difficulty with bowel movements or frequent urination
  • A feeling of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen, often more noticeable on one side of your body than the other

You are more likely to experience an ovarian cyst if you have had one before, are pregnant, have not yet gone through menopause or if you are taking some types of fertility medications.

If these symptoms persist, it could also be a sign of a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which may cause enlargement of your ovaries. Irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, weight gain, and increased androgens (sex hormones) that can lead to acne and facial hair, can all be caused by PCOS.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

The most common cysts are “functional,” ones, which occur as part of your menstrual cycle and resolve without intervention within 2 to 3 months. Types of functional cysts include:

  • Follicle cyst: Each cycle, your ovaries release one egg that grows within a small sac called a follicle. When the egg is mature, the follicle breaks open and releases it during ovulation. A sac that fails to resolve, and instead continues to grow, can form a follicular cyst.
  • Corpus luteum cyst: If the released egg is fertilized, resulting in a pregnancy, the empty follicle typically shrinks and starts producing hormones after an egg is released. This follicle is then called the corpus luteum. In a menstrual cycle where successful fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum cyst produces some of  the hormones necessary to support a developing pregnancy until the placenta is ready to take over.  Corpus luteum cysts are normal after ovulation and in early pregnancy, and usually do not require any treatment.  

Less common ovarian cysts, which are not tied to your menstrual cycle, include:

  • Dermoid cyst: These cysts, which are also known as teratomas, result from an accumulation of cells similar to the tissue in your hair, teeth or skin. Dermoid cysts are almost always non-cancerous. Most of the time they are harmless and can be left alone. Sometimes however, they can grow large enough to cause symptoms and may need to be surgically removed. In rare cases they may develop characteristics which are concerning for cancerous changes. These also should be surgically removed.
  • Cystadenoma: Often these fluid or mucus-filled cysts grow larger than other ovarian cysts. They are formed by the cells that line the surface of your ovary. If they become large enough to cause symptoms, they may need to be surgically removed.
  • Endometrioma: Typically, these complex cysts are a sign of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of your uterus, including on your ovaries. They are typically filled with menstrual blood, making them appear dark brown in color.  They do not always need to be surgically removed and may instead be monitored or treated with hormonal suppression.
  • Ovarian cancer: In rare cases, solid masses can form on ovaries that can be cancerous. While they can form at any age, these cysts are more common in post-menopausal women.  Any cyst which appears to develop characteristics concerning for cancer should be surgically removed.

Our Treatments for Ovarian Cysts

Recommended treatments will vary based on factors that include your symptoms, the type of cyst and what’s causing it as well as whether or not there are characteristics concerning for cancer on imaging. Treatment can also depend on your age, fertility plans, and if you’ve reached menopause.

 Treatment options can include:

  • Monitoring: For functional cysts, your provider may recommend closely monitoring your condition, and conducting a follow-up ultrasound to determine if additional action is needed.
  • Medication: Medications with hormones (such as birth control pills) can be used to stop ovulation and prevent the formation of future cysts or encourage the resolution of existing cysts
  • Surgery: When a cyst continues to grow larger, interferes with becoming pregnant (if desired), causes considerable discomfort, is suspected of being cancerous or is a type that will not resolve on its own, it may need to be removed surgically. Depending upon the size of the cyst, your provider can use laparoscopic surgery, which involves small abdominal incisions to insert a small camera and surgical instruments, or laparotomy, where a larger incision is needed, to remove the cyst.

Ovarian Cysts Comprehensive Care

Occasionally, the following complications can occur with ovarian cysts:

  • Cyst rupture: A cyst that bursts open (ruptures) can cause sudden and severe pain and bleeding inside the pelvis. This pain is typically lower and in the abdomen and located to one side, and can also be accompanied by vomiting or nausea. The larger the cyst, the greater the risk of rupture. Vigorous activity that affects the pelvis, such as high impact exercise, abdominal trauma or vaginal sex, also increases the risk of rupture.
  • Ovarian torsion: Large cysts can cause the ovary to move, increasing the chances of painful twisting of the ovary (ovarian torsion). If this happens, you might have sudden, severe pelvic pain and nausea and vomiting. Ovarian torsion can also reduce or stop blood supply to the ovary, causing permanent damage to that organ. Ovarian torsion is an emergency, so if you have reason to suspect that it may be happening to you, please contact your provider or seek emergency care. If not identified and treated promptly, torsion may result in loss of the ovary.
  • Cancer: Ovarian cysts that develop after menopause are more likely to be cancerous than cysts that form before menopause. Less than 1% of ovarian cysts are cancerous.
  •  Infected ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst can develop from a pelvic infection, forming an abscess. If the abscess bursts, dangerous bacteria can spread through your body. This could lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion, fever or other signs of infection (cold and clammy skin, feeling faint or rapid breathing) , seek medical attention right away.

How Ovarian Cysts Can Affect Your Life

Most ovarian cysts are not a cause for concern. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether a cyst requires further attention or if it is harmless. Cysts that cause symptoms or continue to grow may need more frequent monitoring. Be sure to track any symptoms you experience and share them with your provider. Follow their guidance on how often you should schedule appointments to keep an eye on your cysts.

How Advantia Health Can Help

Your Advantia Health provider can diagnose ovarian cysts and provide treatment options based on your condition, help monitor cysts, provide referrals to additional specialists if needed, and intervene if you experience pain, irregular periods, or other signs of complications.