Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs that develop on the ovary when an egg is released.

Many women develop ovarian cysts in their lifetime. Sometimes, they go unnoticed without pain or symptoms. A cyst may develop in either ovary.

Types of ovarian cysts

Some of the different types of ovarian cysts are:

Many cysts go away on their own after a few weeks.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts

abdominal bloating or swelling
painful bowel movements
problems emptying the bladder or bowel completely
dull aching in the lower back and thighs
pain during sex
pelvic pain before or after the menstrual cycle
pain in the lower back or thighs
unusual (not normal) vaginal bleeding
breast tenderness
needing to urinate more often
breast tenderness
nausea and vomiting
fever
rapid breathing
faintness or dizziness
sharp pelvic pain

Sometimes, a cyst will burst, cause the ovary to twist, or cause heavy bleeding. Seek emergency care if you have intense pain that comes on quickly. If you already know that you have an ovarian cyst and you experience any of the following symptoms, get medical help right away:

Pain with fever and vomiting
Sudden, severe abdominal pain
Faintness, dizziness, or weakness
Rapid breathing

Polycystic ovary syndrome

When the ovaries keep making many small cysts, it is called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause problems like:

missed or irregular menstrual periods
excess hair growth
acne
infertility
unexplained weight gain

Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer.

Treatment for ovarian cysts

Your cyst may need surgery if you are past menopause or if your cyst:

does not go away after several menstrual cycles
gets larger
looks unusual on the ultrasound
causes pain

If your cyst does not need surgery, your doctor may:

recommend over-the-counter medicine or
prescribe stronger medicine for pain relief
prescribe hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control (the pill, vaginal ring, shot, or patch) helps prevent ovulation. This may lower your chances of getting more cysts.