Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on an ovary. The ovaries are small organs that produce eggs in women. Various types of cysts can form on the ovaries. Some may cause symptoms and require treatment. Most ovarian cysts go away on their own, are not cancerous (are benign), and do not cause problems.

What are the causes?

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This is a condition that can develop from taking fertility medicines. It causes multiple large ovarian cysts to form.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a common hormonal disorder that can cause ovarian cysts to form, and can cause problems with your period or fertility.
• The normal menstrual cycle.

What increases the risk?

• Being overweight or obese.
• Taking fertility medicines.
• Taking certain forms of hormonal birth control.
• Smoking.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• Pelvic pain or pressure.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Pain during sex.
• Abdominal swelling.
• Abnormal menstrual periods.
• Increasing pain with menstrual periods.

How is this diagnosed?

• Ultrasound.
• CT scan.
• MRI.
• Blood tests.

How is this treated?

Many ovarian cysts go away on their own without treatment. Your health care provider may want to check your cyst regularly for 2–3 months to see if it changes. If you are in menopause, it is especially important to have your cyst monitored closely because menopausal women have a higher rate of ovarian cancer.

• Medicines to help relieve pain.
• A procedure to drain the cyst (aspiration).
• Surgery to remove the whole cyst (cystectomy).
• Hormone treatment or birth control pills. These methods are sometimes used to help keep cysts from coming back.
• Surgery to remove the ovary (oophorectomy).

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Ask your health care provider if any medicine prescribed to you requires you to avoid driving or using machinery.
• Get regular pelvic exams and Pap tests as often as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your periods are late, irregular, painful, or they stop.
• You have pelvic pain that does not go away.
• You have pressure on your bladder or trouble emptying your bladder completely.
• You have any of the following:
  • A feeling of fullness.
  • You are gaining weight or losing weight without changing your exercise and eating habits.
  • Pain, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Pain and pressure in your back and pelvis.
• You think you may be pregnant.

Get help right away if:

• You have abdominal or pelvic pain that is severe or gets worse.
• You cannot eat or drink without vomiting.
• You suddenly develop a fever or chills.
• Your menstrual period is much heavier than usual.

Summary

• An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on an ovary.
• Some ovarian cysts may cause symptoms and require treatment.
• These cysts are commonly found during a routine pelvic exam.
• Many ovarian cysts go away on their own without treatment.