Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst usually only causes symptoms if it splits (ruptures), is very large or twists and then 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 usually unaffected by ovarian cysts

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 disappears after a few months. A follow-up ultrasound scan may be used to confirm this.

If you are postmenopausal, there is 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.

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 linked to the menstrual cycle. Some can be caused by abnormal cell growth or a condition.

Most ovarian cysts are linked to the menstrual cycle.

Conditions that cause ovarian cysts

In some cases, ovarian cysts are caused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Blood-filled cysts can sometimes form in this tissue.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a condition that causes lots of small, harmless cysts to develop on your ovaries.

The cysts are small egg follicles that do not grow to ovulation and are caused by altered hormone levels.