Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can grow on the ovaries. Most cysts are harmless and disappear without treatment.
Some ovarian cysts can cause symptoms, such as pain in your tummy, bloating and irregular periods.
Most ovarian cysts disappear in a few months without treatment. Large cysts or cysts causing symptoms may need to be surgically removed.
Most ovarian cysts are a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Some can be caused by abnormal cell growth or a condition such as endometriosis.
Read more on the NHS website.
Some ovarian cysts can cause symptoms, such as pain in your tummy, bloating and irregular periods.
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst usually only causes symptoms if it splits (ruptures), is very large or blocks the blood supply to the ovaries.
In these cases, you may have:
- pelvic pain – this can range from a dull, heavy sensation to a sudden, severe and sharp pain
- pain during sex
- difficulty emptying your bowels
- a frequent need to urinate
- heavy periods, irregular periods or lighter periods than normal
- bloating and a swollen tummy
- feeling very full after only eating a little
- difficulty getting pregnant – although fertility is unaffected in most women with ovarian cysts
Read more on the NHS website.
Most ovarian cysts disappear in a few months without treatment. Large cysts or cysts causing symptoms may need to be surgically removed.
Medical treatments
Whether an ovarian cyst needs to be treated will depend on:
- its size and appearance
- whether you have any symptoms
- whether you have been through the menopause
In most cases, the cyst often disappears after a few months. A follow-up ultrasound scan may be used to confirm this.
As postmenopausal women have a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer, regular ultrasound scans and blood tests are usually recommended over the course of a year to monitor the cyst.
Surgical treatment to remove the cysts may be needed if they're large, causing symptoms or potentially cancerous.
Read more on the NHS website.
Most ovarian cysts are a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Some can be caused by abnormal cell growth or a condition such as endometriosis.
Read more on the NHS website.