Ovarian Cysts: What They Are and What You Should Know

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside an ovary. Most are harmless and disappear on their own, but some cause pain or complications. If you notice new pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, or sudden severe pain, don’t ignore it — that’s your cue to check things out.

What symptoms to watch for

Symptoms range from none at all to sharp, sudden pain. Common signs include dull pelvic ache, bloating, pressure, and irregular periods. Watch for red flags: sudden severe one-sided pain, fever, fainting, vomiting, or heavy bleeding. Those could mean a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion (the ovary twisting), which need emergency care.

Smaller cysts often cause no symptoms and get found during a routine pelvic exam or an ultrasound for another issue. If you’re pregnant and have pelvic pain, tell your provider right away — doctors will check for both cysts and ectopic pregnancy.

Treatments and when to see a doctor

Most simple cysts — like follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts — clear up in a few menstrual cycles. Your doctor may recommend monitoring with repeat ultrasounds. For pain, simple measures like over-the-counter NSAIDs and a heating pad help temporarily.

Hormonal birth control can prevent new functional cysts by stopping ovulation, but it won’t shrink an existing cyst quickly. If a cyst is large, persistent, painful, or has suspicious features on ultrasound, doctors may suggest surgery. Laparoscopic cystectomy removes the cyst while keeping the ovary when possible. In rare cases, removal of the ovary is needed.

Older women and postmenopausal patients need closer evaluation because the chance a cyst is not benign rises with age. Doctors may check blood tests like CA-125 and use detailed imaging to decide the next steps.

Fertility worries are common. Many ovarian cysts don’t affect fertility. But certain cyst types — for example, endometriomas — and repeated surgery can have an impact. Talk to your provider about fertility-preserving options if pregnancy is a goal.

At-home care: keep a symptom diary (timing, pain level, triggers), use heat and pain relievers for comfort, avoid heavy lifting during flare-ups, and follow up on scheduled ultrasounds. Seek immediate care for severe pain, fever, or fainting.

Simple summary: most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own. Know the warning signs, get checked if pain or irregular bleeding appears, and ask your doctor about monitoring, birth control options, and surgery only when needed. That way you stay safe without unnecessary procedures.