Maybe you had an ultrasound and were told you have an ovarian cyst. Or maybe you have pelvic pain or pressure and are wondering whether a cyst could be the cause. It is easy to dismiss pelvic symptoms as “just a period,” something you have to live with, or something that will go away on its own.
Ovarian cysts are common, and many are harmless and resolve without treatment. But persistent, new, or concerning symptoms deserve attention. You do not have to diagnose yourself. At Diana Health, we are women’s health experts, and we are here to listen, explain what may be happening, and help you decide what comes next.
Ovarian cysts are common
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or on an ovary. The most common ovarian cysts are functional cysts, which develop during ovulation. They often go away on their own.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that ovarian cysts are very common, can occur during the reproductive years or after menopause, and are usually benign, meaning they are not cancer. Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms.
Not every cyst is the same. Some are functional, some are related to endometriosis, and others are benign cysts or tumors. How a cyst looks on ultrasound helps your clinician decide whether it can simply be watched or needs more evaluation.
An ovarian cyst also does not mean that you have PCOS/PMOS. PCOS, now also called Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), is a hormonal and metabolic condition that involves much more than ovarian cysts.
Symptoms can include pain or pressure
Many ovarian cysts never cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, especially with a larger cyst, they may include:
- Pelvic pain, pressure, or a dull ache, sometimes more noticeable on one side
- Bloating, swelling, or feeling unusually full
- Pain with sex or certain movements
- Pressure on the bladder or bowel, including needing to urinate more often
- Changes in bleeding with some types of cysts
These symptoms are not specific to ovarian cysts. Fibroids, endometriosis, bladder or bowel conditions, and other pelvic problems can feel similar. That is why pelvic pain or pressure that keeps occurring, is changing, or is affecting your comfort or daily life is worth discussing with a women’s health clinician.
Some symptoms need urgent care
Most ovarian cysts are not dangerous, but some symptoms should not wait. Seek urgent medical care for:
- Sudden or severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Severe pain with nausea or vomiting
- Pelvic or abdominal pain with fever
- Fainting, significant dizziness, marked weakness, or feeling acutely unwell
A cyst can sometimes rupture and bleed. A larger ovarian cyst can also increase the risk of ovarian torsion, which happens when the ovary twists and its blood supply can be affected. Both can require urgent evaluation.
Evaluation helps identify the cause
At Diana Health, we start by listening. We will want to understand your symptoms, when they started, your menstrual history, whether pregnancy is possible, your menopause status, medications, and how the symptoms are affecting your life.
Depending on your situation, a pelvic exam may be helpful. A pregnancy test may be appropriate if you could be pregnant.
Pelvic ultrasound is often the key test. ACOG explains that ultrasound can show a cyst’s shape, size, and location and whether it looks fluid-filled, solid, or mixed. Those details help your clinician decide whether the cyst can be monitored, needs follow-up imaging, or warrants further evaluation. Sometimes blood tests or other imaging are appropriate based on your age, menopause status, symptoms, and ultrasound findings.
Treatment depends on the cyst and you
Not every ovarian cyst needs treatment.
Watchful waiting
Many functional cysts resolve on their own. Your clinician may recommend treating symptoms and repeating an ultrasound after a period of time to confirm the cyst is shrinking or has resolved.
Pain relief can be individualized to your needs. Hormonal contraception may reduce the chance of forming new functional cysts by suppressing ovulation, but MedlinePlus notes that birth control pills do not decrease the size of a cyst that is already present.
When surgery may be recommended
Surgery may be considered when a cyst persists, grows, causes significant symptoms, has concerning features on ultrasound, or needs more careful evaluation because of your age or postmenopausal status.
If surgery is needed and the cyst appears benign, minimally invasive laparoscopy is often an option. The exact approach depends on the cyst, your symptoms, your overall health, your fertility goals when relevant, and your preferences.
Treatment for ovarian cysts is not one-size-fits-all. You should understand why a test or treatment is being recommended and have the opportunity to talk through your options.
You do not have to figure this out on your own.
If you have been told that you have an ovarian cyst, or you have persistent pelvic pain, pressure, bloating, or another symptom that is affecting your life, we will listen to what you are experiencing, help you understand what may be causing it, explain your options, and make a plan with you.
You have options, and your symptoms do not have to run your life. Book a visit with Diana Health to talk with one of our women’s health experts.
