Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and resolve by themselves. See a doctor for persistent pelvic pain or bloating, and seek urgent care for sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially with fever, vomiting or faintness.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in the ovary. They are extremely common, and most are harmless, cause no symptoms, and disappear on their own without treatment.
Still, it helps to know which symptoms are normal, which point to a cyst, and which are warning signs that need prompt medical attention. In this guide, Op. Dr. Ayşet Jane Özcan explains what to look out for.
What Is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or within an ovary. The most common types are functional cysts, which form as a normal part of the menstrual cycle and usually disappear within a few weeks or months.
Other types, such as those linked to conditions like endometriosis, may need closer follow-up. The great majority of ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancer.
Common Symptoms
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are found by chance during a scan. When they do cause symptoms, these can include:
- A dull ache or pressure on one side of the lower abdomen
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in your usual period pattern
- Needing to pass urine more often
These symptoms can overlap with other common conditions, so they are worth assessing rather than self-diagnosing.
Warning Signs: When to Worry
Occasionally a cyst can rupture or cause the ovary to twist (torsion), which needs urgent attention. Seek medical care promptly if you have:
- Sudden, severe or sharp pelvic or abdominal pain
- Pain together with fever or vomiting
- Feeling faint, dizzy or very weak
- Rapid breathing or a racing heartbeat with pain
These symptoms do not always mean something serious, but they should be checked urgently to rule out a complication that may need treatment.
How Ovarian Cysts Are Diagnosed
Ovarian cysts are usually diagnosed with a pelvic ultrasound, which shows the size, location and type of cyst. Your symptoms and examination help guide the assessment.
Depending on the findings, your age and your symptoms, blood tests or a follow-up scan after a few weeks may be recommended to see whether the cyst changes or resolves.
Treatment and Follow-up
Because most cysts resolve on their own, many simply need a repeat scan to confirm they have gone. This watchful-waiting approach avoids unnecessary treatment.
Cysts that are large, persistent, causing symptoms or that look unusual on ultrasound may need surgery, often by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). Where possible, treatment aims to remove the cyst while preserving healthy ovarian tissue.
When to See a Doctor
Book an appointment if you have ongoing pelvic pain, bloating that does not settle, changes in your periods, or any symptom that worries you. Regular gynaecological check-ups also help pick up cysts early.
Op. Dr. Ayşet Jane Özcan offers assessment and, where needed, laparoscopic treatment of ovarian cysts in Bahçelievler, Istanbul. Seek urgent care for sudden, severe pain, and book an appointment for any persistent concerns.
References
This article was prepared with reference to the following independent health sources.
- NHS. Ovarian cyst
