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Ovarian Cysts
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that typically form during ovulation; while most are harmless and resolve on their own, they require medical attention if they cause persistent pain or complications.

Overview

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system, responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs located in or on an ovary. They usually form during ovulation, the process by which the ovary releases an egg. These cysts are generally harmless and resolve without intervention, and most women will experience them at some point in their lives.

Symptoms

Most ovarian cysts are small and asymptomatic, often discovered only during a routine pelvic exam. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Pressure
  • Bloating
  • Swelling
  • Pain in the lower abdomen, specifically on the side where the cyst is located

Treatment & Management

If a health care provider identifies a cyst, they may recommend a "wait and see" approach to determine if it increases in size. Surgical intervention may be necessary if the cyst causes pain, does not resolve, or if the patient is past menopause. Immediate medical attention is required if a cyst bursts or causes bleeding. Additionally, birth control pills can be used to help prevent the formation of new cysts.

Risks

While rare, ovarian cysts can become cancerous, and this risk increases with age. A related health condition is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by high levels of male hormones, irregular or absent menstrual periods, and the presence of small ovarian cysts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The presence of a new cyst after menopause is a significant red flag because functional cysts are rare in postmenopausal women. While most postmenopausal cysts are still benign, the risk of malignancy is higher than in premenopausal women. Consequently, providers usually recommend more aggressive monitoring, including CA-125 blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds, and may suggest surgical removal to rule out cancer.
Birth control pills do not shrink or treat an existing ovarian cyst. Their primary role in this context is preventive; by suppressing ovulation, they stop the formation of new functional cysts. If you already have a cyst, your provider will likely monitor it while you continue or start hormonal therapy to prevent additional cysts from forming during the monitoring period.
Most functional cysts, such as follicular or corpus luteum cysts, resolve spontaneously within one to three menstrual cycles. Doctors often recommend a follow-up ultrasound after this period to confirm the cyst has shrunk or disappeared. If the cyst persists beyond three cycles or grows in size, further evaluation or intervention may be necessary.
ruptured cyst often causes sudden, sharp, and severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Ovarian torsion, where the ovary twists and cuts off its blood supply, presents with intense, constant pain, often with fever and vomiting. Both conditions are medical emergencies that require immediate evaluation to prevent internal bleeding or tissue death.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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