What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that develop inside or on the surface of your ovaries. You can have cysts in one or both ovaries. Ovarian cysts are rarely cancerous.

One type of ovarian cyst, called a functional cyst, occurs during your normal menstrual cycle. It develops when a follicle inside the ovary continues to grow rather than break down. This type of cyst shrinks within two or three menstrual cycles without causing health problems.

Other types of cysts can become large, cause pain, or lead to health problems. A few examples include:

• Dermoid cysts: contain tissue such as skin and hair

• Cystadenomas: filled with mucus and may become quite large

• Endometriomas: abnormal growths of uterine tissue on your ovaries

You may have a higher risk of developing cysts if you’re pregnant or you have endometriosis or a pelvic infection.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

You won’t have symptoms if your cysts are small. As they get larger, you’ll experience:

Pelvic pain (in your lower abdomen)

• Bloating

• Feeling of fullness

• Painful intercourse

• Pain during menstrual periods

• Frequent urination

• A backache

A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain or abdominal pain with a fever. When these symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention because ruptured cysts may cause severe internal bleeding.

What is the Difference Between Ovarian Cysts and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Having ovarian cysts doesn’t mean you have PCOS — the two conditions aren’t related and come from different causes.

Women with PCOS produce more androgens (male hormones) than normal, which affects their ovaries and causes symptoms such as ovarian cysts, irregular or absent periods, and excess body or facial hair.