Ovarian Cysts
Ovaries are two small organs which form part of the female reproductive system. They’re positioned on each side of the womb (uterus) and release an egg every 28 days or so as part of the menstrual cycle. They also release sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone which are important hormones for reproduction.
An ovarian cyst is simply a little sac of fluid (picture a tiny water balloon) that forms on or inside an ovary.
Most women are thought to experience at least one ovarian cyst in our lifetime – and most of the time, we won’t even notice we have one. That’s because the vast majority of cysts are harmless, symptom-free and disappear on their own within a few months. In this blog we’ll explain what ovarian cysts are, what causes them and which symptoms to look out for. Our goal? To replace uncertainty with clear, practical information that helps you feel confident and in control of your health.
Types of ovarian cysts
There are two main types of ovarian cyst:
● Functional cysts – develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle. Follicular cysts appear when a follicle doesn’t release its egg, and corpus luteum cysts pop up after ovulation. Both are very common, usually painless and often disappear within a few months.
● Pathological cysts - result from abnormal cell growth (e.g. dermoid cysts, cystadenomas) or conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS. These are much less common but can grow larger or cause complications, and a small proportion may be cancerous.
Don’t stress - according to the NHS, most ovarian cysts don’t cause problems, and many people won’t even know they have one. Symptoms are usually only seen when the cyst is either very large, or if it ruptures or twists. So, it’s good to be informed about certain signs and symptoms to look out for when you might want to seek advice from a doctor.
What causes ovarian cysts?
Normal hormonal cycles
Every cycle, your ovaries nurture microscopic follicles so an egg can mature. If that follicle doesn’t release the egg, or if the follicle seals up afterwards and fills with fluid, a cyst forms. These routine cysts often vanish within two or three periods.
Underlying gynaecological conditions
Certain gynaecological or hormonal issues can make cysts more likely:
- Endometriosis – endometrial tissue on an ovary can form blood-filled “chocolate” cysts
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – a hormone imbalance means many tiny harmless cysts can collect around the edge of each ovary
- Severe pelvic infection – if an infection spreads to the ovaries it can sometimes lead to cyst formation
Ovarian cysts symptoms
Most cysts cause no symptoms at all and are picked up incidentally on an ultrasound. When symptoms do occur, they tend to include:
- Dull or sharp pain low in the abdomen or pelvis, often on one side
- Bloating or a lingering feeling of fullness
- Pelvic pressure or backache
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
- Needing to wee more often, or struggling to empty your bladder completely
- Heavier, lighter or irregular periods.
Heavy periods
A heavier-than-usual period (or bleeding that flips between extra-light and extra-heavy) can be one of the ways an ovarian cyst makes itself known. Doctors think this happens because:
● the cyst’s own hormones can disrupt your usual cycle, or
● the cyst may bleed into itself, adding to the overall blood loss each month.
The NHS lists heavy or irregular periods alongside pelvic pain and bloating as perfectly normal cyst-related symptoms, so it’s nothing to panic about, just something to be aware of. If any of the symptoms mentioned are impacting on your day-today life, your doctor will be able to advise on next steps.
IMPORTANT to know:
A cyst that bursts, bleeds or twists the ovary (torsion) can trigger sudden, severe pain, nausea, vomiting or dizziness. That’s your cue to call 999 or get to A&E straight away.
Remember, plenty of everyday issues can mimic these symptoms, but it never hurts to double-check and put your mind at ease.
Diagnosis & next steps
● A quick, painless scan to get a close-up look at the cyst; the test takes only a few minutes and you can head straight home afterwards.
● Watch-and-wait: If the cyst is small and looks simple, doctors often keep an eye on it for 6–8 weeks, repeating the scan later to check it’s shrinking.
● If a cyst is large, persistent or uncomfortable, surgeons can remove it via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). Tiny cuts mean less pain and most people go home the same day, getting back to normal quickly.
● On the rare occasion a cyst is very big or looks concerning, a slightly larger cut (laparotomy) lets surgeons remove it safely. Even then, decisions are made with you, taking your symptoms, age and fertility wishes into account.
Bottom line: for the vast majority of ovarian cysts, a simple scan and a little patience are all that’s needed – and when treatment is required, tried-and-tested options are ready and waiting.
Final thoughts
Ovarian cysts can sound intimidating, yet in reality they’re usually just another quirk of the amazing (and sometimes mysterious) female body. By staying curious, tuned-in and proactive about your health, you’re already doing the best thing for yourself. If something feels off, reach out to your GP – a quick conversation can bring huge peace of mind.
