Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. Most of the time, these cysts resolve on their own. It’s rare for them to become cancerous.
During each menstrual cycle, a follicle in the ovary matures and releases an egg, a process called ovulation. There are different types of ovarian cysts, some of which can result from conditions like endometriosis. Often, ovarian cysts don’t cause any symptoms and disappear within three months, so you might not even know you have one.
However, complications can sometimes arise, leading to symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. On rare occasions, cysts can become cancerous.
For those who have regular periods, there’s no reliable way to prevent ovarian cysts. It’s worth noting that only about 8% of premenopausal individuals with ovarian cysts actually need treatment.
Ovarian cysts can be either functional or non-functional. Functional cysts don’t typically cause symptoms. However, if one grows, bleeds, ruptures, or twists, you might start noticing symptoms.
In some instances, a cyst may cause the ovary to twist, a condition known as ovarian torsion, which cuts off blood supply to the ovary, resulting in sudden, severe pain. This is an emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention to save the ovary’s function.
Endometriosis, a condition marked by pelvic pain often associated with period pain, can also lead to ovarian cysts. The pain usually starts a few days before your period and stops a few days into it.
Dermoid cysts, like functional ones, don’t usually cause symptoms unless they grow or rupture.
Despite the low chance, ovarian cancer can develop from cysts, which may cause additional symptoms.
Ovarian cysts sometimes form when ovulation doesn’t occur. Normally, a follicle matures and releases an egg, but a cyst can form if the egg isn’t released. Hormonal imbalances can play a role, as seen in theca lutein cysts, which may arise from high HCG levels related to pregnancy or certain hormone therapies.
Anyone with ovaries can develop these cysts, but certain risk factors may increase the likelihood. Many cysts are discovered incidentally during routine check-ups. If you experience symptoms or complications, seeing a healthcare provider for assessment is wise. They may recommend treatments like pain relief or addressing any underlying conditions, though most cysts resolve without intervention within eight to twelve weeks.
There’s currently no cure for ovarian cysts, but birth control pills can help regulate ovulation and reduce the chances of cyst formation in those prone to them. They don’t treat existing cysts, however. For symptomatic cysts, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be suggested, and surgery might be considered in certain cases.
Laparoscopy is a common surgical method for examining and possibly removing ovarian cysts. This involves making small incisions into the abdomen to insert a camera-equipped instrument. If cancer is suspected, a tissue sample may be taken for biopsy. In severe cases, such as ovarian cancer, one or both ovaries might need to be removed, though this can lead to side effects like hot flashes, headaches, infertility, and nausea.
Although there’s no foolproof way to prevent ovarian cysts if you have regular periods, oral contraceptives can reduce their occurrence and help regulate ovulation. In most cases, ovarian cysts are noncancerous, resolving on their own without the need for treatment and rarely becoming cancerous. The five-year survival rate for early-stage ovarian cancer is around 86.2%, but this decreases if the cancer is detected later.
Many individuals can wait for cysts to go away naturally, typically within three months. As cysts often don’t cause symptoms, no special measures are usually required. If a cyst ruptures, grows, bleeds, or causes twisting and you notice symptoms like those mentioned, it’s advisable to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
