Many women have ovarian cysts without experiencing symptoms. They cannot be prevented and the vast majority are not related to cancer, and go away on their own.
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac, which can be located anywhere in the body.
However, on the ovary the most common type of ovarian cyst is called a functional cyst. These ovarian cysts often form during the normal menstrual cycle.
Under normal conditions, every month during a woman’s childbearing years, their ovaries grow tiny cysts that hold the eggs. Once the egg matures, the sac breaks to release them so they are free to travel down the fallopian tube for fertilization. The empty sac then dissolves.
Sometimes the sac doesn’t break open to release the egg and may continue to grow. This type of cyst usually disappears within one to three months.
In other ovarian cyst situations the sac seals off after the egg is released without dissolving and fluid builds up inside. This type of cyst usually goes away on its own after a few weeks. However, it can grow and it may cause bleeding or twisting of your ovary that creates your pain.
Ovarian cysts may cause you to experience:
- weight gain
- breast tenderness
- nausea or vomiting
- lower back dull ache
- pain during sexual intercourse
- problems passing urine completely
- pressure, fullness, abdominal pain
- painful menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding
If a cyst doesn’t go away after several menstrual periods, has gotten larger, looks unusual on the ultrasound, causes pain, or you’re post-menopausal, it may need to be removed. See your doctor if you notice any changes in your period, pain in the pelvic area, or any other major symptoms.
Functional ovarian cysts usually occur during the childbearing years and are often not cancerous. Women who have ovarian cysts beyond menopause have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
If you think you have a cyst it’s important to inform your doctor no matter your age. A health problem that may involve ovarian cysts is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).