Ovarian Cysts – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on a woman’s ovaries. Women have two ovaries, almond-sized reproductive organs positioned on either side of the uterus. These are where eggs develop and mature for release during monthly cycles.
These cysts are quite common and typically harmless. Most women experience no symptoms, and the cysts often disappear without treatment within a few months.
However, certain situations require medical attention. Cysts can sometimes twist or rupture, causing serious symptoms that need immediate care. For this reason, regular pelvic examinations are important for women’s health.
Key facts about ovarian cysts:
- Form in or on the ovaries
- Usually fluid-filled
- Most are harmless and resolve naturally
- May cause no symptoms in many cases
- Can occasionally cause complications if twisted or ruptured
Regular check-ups help detect any potential problems early, allowing for timely treatment when necessary.
Signs and Symptoms
Most ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms and disappear without treatment. However, a large cyst might cause:
- Pain in the pelvic area that comes and goes
- A sharp or dull ache below your belly button, usually on one side
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen
- Bloating
When Medical Care Is Needed
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
- Severe, sudden pain in your abdomen or pelvic area
- Pain, along with fever or vomiting
- Signs of shock include cold and clammy skin, fast breathing, feeling lightheaded, or weakness
These symptoms may indicate a serious complication that requires immediate treatment.
Causes
Ovarian cysts develop for various reasons. The most common cysts form during the normal menstrual cycle, while other types occur less frequently.
Ovarian cysts commonly form as a result of monthly hormonal cycles. During each cycle, the ovaries grow small sacs called follicles that produce hormones and release eggs.
Sometimes these normal processes don’t work as expected. When follicles don’t open properly or close too quickly, fluid can build up and create cysts.
There are two main categories of ovarian cysts:
- Those related to monthly cycles (functional cysts)
- Those unrelated to monthly cycles (other types)
Functional Cysts
Functional cysts develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle. They typically disappear on their own within 2โ3 months without treatment.
There are two main types of functional cysts:
Follicular Cysts
- Forms when a follicle doesn’t rupture to release its egg
- The follicle continues growing instead of breaking open
- The trapped egg and surrounding fluid create a cyst
- Usually harmless and resolve without treatment
Corpus Luteum Cysts
- Form after an egg has been released
- The emptied follicle (corpus luteum) normally produces hormones
- If the opening seals shut too quickly, fluid builds up inside
- Can sometimes grow larger than follicular cysts
This table shows key differences between these cyst types:
Type | When It Forms | Typical Size | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Follicular | Before ovulation | 2-3 cm | 4-8 weeks |
Corpus Luteum | After ovulation | 3-4 cm | 2-3 weeks |
Most functional cysts cause no symptoms and go away without treatment.
Other Cysts
Some ovarian cysts aren’t related to the menstrual cycle. These include:
Dermoid Cysts
- Develop from egg-producing cells in the ovary
- Can contain various tissues like hair, skin, or teeth
- May grow slowly over years
- Rarely become cancerous
- Sometimes it needs surgical removal
Cystadenomas
- Form from cells on the ovary’s outer surface
- May contain watery or thick, sticky fluid
- Can grow quite large (some reach 12+ inches)
- Often needs surgical removal
- Rarely become cancerous
Endometriomas
- Also called “chocolate cysts” due to their dark fluid
- Forms when tissue similar to uterine lining grows on the ovaries
- Part of a condition called endometriosis
- Can be painful, especially during periods
- May affect fertility
- Often needs medical treatment
Both dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can grow large enough to move the ovary out of position. This increases the risk of a painful condition called ovarian torsion, where the ovary twists.
This twisting can cut off blood flow to the ovary and requires immediate medical attention.
While most ovarian cysts are harmless, it’s important to have unusual symptoms checked by a healthcare provider. Regular gynecological exams help detect ovarian cysts before they cause problems.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chances of developing ovarian cysts:
- Hormone issues – Taking fertility medications like clomiphene or letrozole that trigger ovulation.
- During pregnancy – The follicle that releases an egg may remain on the ovary and grow larger.
- Endometriosis condition – Tissue can attach to ovaries and form cysts.
- Serious pelvic infections – Infections spreading to the ovaries can cause cyst formation.
- Past history of cysts – Having had ovarian cysts before increases your likelihood of developing more in the future.
Complications
Ovarian cysts rarely cause problems, but when they do, the issues can be serious.
Ovarian torsion happens when a large cyst causes the ovary to twist. This twisting can lead to sudden, intense pelvic pain, along with nausea and vomiting.
The condition may reduce or completely cut off blood flow to the ovary, creating a medical emergency.
Cyst rupture occurs when a cyst breaks open inside the body. This rupture can create severe pain and internal bleeding in the pelvic region.
Larger cysts have a higher chance of rupturing. Certain activities that affect the pelvic area, like sexual intercourse, can increase the risk of a cyst breaking.
Preventing Ovarian Cysts
While most ovarian cysts cannot be prevented, regular pelvic exams are essential for early detection of ovarian changes.
Pay attention to your menstrual cycle:
- Track your periods and symptoms
- Note any unusual pain or irregularities
- Document changes that persist for multiple cycles
For those with recurring cysts, hormonal birth control may sometimes be prescribed to prevent new cysts from forming. This approach works mainly for functional cysts rather than other types.