Understanding Ovarian Cysts
Clear guidance on what cysts mean, when to monitor, and when treatment makes sense.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are very common. Many are functional and resolve on their own; others are complex and may need closer follow-up. We help you understand your ultrasound, your symptoms, and the next best step.
Fast Facts About Ovarian Cysts
Functional cysts are related to the menstrual cycle and often resolve in 1–3 months
Most cysts are benign; ultrasound features guide follow-up
Pain, sudden worsening, or very large cysts may need sooner evaluation
Birth control can reduce new functional cyst formation
Common Symptoms
- One-sided pelvic pain or pressure
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness
- Cycle changes or spotting
- Pain with intercourse or exercise
- Sudden severe pain with nausea (possible rupture or torsion—seek urgent care)
Why It Matters
Most cysts are harmless, but some can cause pain, bleeding, or rarely twist the ovary (torsion). Understanding cyst type and size helps decide whether to watch and recheck or consider treatment.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Evaluation usually includes history, pelvic exam, and transvaginal ultrasound to characterize the cyst. Depending on your age, symptoms, and ultrasound features, your clinician may recommend watchful waiting with a repeat scan or additional testing. Blood tests are not needed for most simple cysts.
Functional vs. Complex Cysts
Functional Cysts
- Follicular or corpus luteum cysts related to ovulation
- Usually simple, thin-walled, and fluid-filled on ultrasound
- Often resolve within 1–3 cycles
- Management: observation, symptom care, consider birth control to reduce new cysts
Complex Cysts
- Endometrioma, dermoid, or cystadenoma features
- May have solid areas, septations, or internal echoes
- Often need closer follow-up or planned treatment
- Management depends on size, appearance, symptoms, and goals
Treatment Options
Care is individualized. Options include observation with repeat ultrasound, pain management, hormonal contraception to lower the risk of new functional cysts, and surgery when cysts are large, persistent, symptomatic, suspicious on imaging, or if torsion is a concern. We discuss recovery, risks, and fertility considerations for each approach.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- ✓Any prior ultrasound reports or imaging
- ✓A list of symptoms with dates and severity
- ✓Current medications and birth control use
- ✓Pregnancy status or recent test if applicable
- ✓Questions about activity, travel, and follow-up timing
Frequently Asked Questions
1Do ovarian cysts go away on their own?
Many functional cysts resolve within a few menstrual cycles. We typically recheck with ultrasound based on size and features to confirm improvement.
2When should I seek urgent care?
If you have sudden severe pelvic pain, faintness, fever, vomiting, or pain with a known cyst, seek urgent evaluation to rule out rupture or torsion.
3Can birth control help?
Hormonal contraception can reduce the formation of new functional cysts. It does not reliably shrink an existing cyst but may prevent recurrences.
4Will a cyst affect my fertility?
Most simple cysts do not affect fertility. Some complex cysts (such as endometriomas) or surgery may have implications, so we tailor evaluation and treatment to your goals.
Get Clarity on Your Ultrasound
We’ll review your symptoms and imaging and outline a clear plan—whether that’s watchful waiting or treatment.
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