Overview
An ovarian cyst is a small sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of your ovaries. There are different types of ovarian cysts, most of which are painless and noncancerous (benign). Ovarian cysts don’t always cause symptoms. You likely won’t know you have one unless your healthcare provider finds one during a pelvic exam or pelvic ultrasound.
Rarely, ovarian cysts can cause complications. Scheduling regular pelvic exams and speaking with your provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing can help troubleshoot any problems with an ovarian cyst.
Ovarian cysts are extremely common, especially if you haven’t gone through menopause yet.
Types of ovarian cysts
Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts. They form in response to your body’s changes during your menstrual cycle. Less commonly, ovarian cysts form for reasons unrelated to your period.
Functional ovarian cysts
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and aren’t disease-related. They occur as a result of ovulation. These cysts can be a sign that your ovaries are functioning as they should. Functional cysts generally shrink over time, usually within 60 days, without treatment. Sometimes, functional cysts are called simple cysts. They include:
- Follicular cysts. A small sac in your ovary, called a follicle, releases an egg each month as part of your menstrual cycle. A follicular cyst forms when the follicle doesn’t release an egg. Instead, the follicle fills with fluid and forms a cyst.
- Corpus luteum cysts. After the follicle releases an egg, it forms a hormone-producing structure called the corpus luteum. If conception doesn’t take place, the corpus luteum dissolves. But sometimes, instead of breaking down, it fills with fluid and forms a cyst.
Other ovarian cysts
Not all ovarian cysts form in response to your menstrual cycle. They aren’t always signs of disease, but your provider may want to monitor them to ensure that they don’t cause complications. Other types of ovarian cysts include:
- Cystadenomas. These cysts form on the surface of your ovary. They can be filled with fluid that’s thin and watery or thicker and mucous-like.
- Dermoid cysts (teratomas). Dermoid cysts contain cells similar to the tissue in your hair, teeth or skin. They’re smooth, rubbery and noncancerous.
- Endometriomas. These cysts are filled with menstrual blood and are typically a sign of having endometriosis.
- Ovarian cancer cysts. Unlike the conditions above, ovarian cancer cysts are solid masses of cancer cells. This can happen at any age, but are more common after menopause.
Are ovarian cysts serious?
Usually, no. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, and they often eventually go away on their own. Some types of cysts are more likely to become cancerous or cause complications, but this is rare. Less than 1% of ovarian cysts are cancerous. Your healthcare provider can closely monitor any concerning cysts to reduce your risk of experiencing complications.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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