Ovarian Cyst

What are ovarian cysts?

An ovarian cyst is like a small balloon filled with fluid that grows on your ovary. Your ovaries are two small organs (about the size of almonds) that sit on either side of your womb. They make hormones and release eggs each month.

Ovarian cysts are very common - most women will have them at some point. The good news is that most cysts are harmless and go away on their own within a few months.

Do ovarian cysts cause symptoms?

Most of the time, you won't even know you have a cyst because they don't cause any problems. However, you might notice symptoms if the cyst:

• Gets very large
• Bursts open (ruptures)
• Twists and cuts off blood flow to your ovary

What symptoms should I watch for?

If you have a cyst that's causing problems, you might experience:

• Pain in your lower tummy or pelvis (this can feel dull and heavy, or sudden and sharp)
• Pain during sex
• Trouble emptying your bowels
• Needing to pass urine more often
• Changes to your periods (heavier, irregular, or lighter than usual)
• Feeling bloated or your tummy looking swollen
• Getting full very quickly when eating
• Difficulty getting pregnant (though this is uncommon)

When should I see my GP?

You should speak to your GP if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Red flag symptoms - get urgent help

Call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you have:

• Sudden, severe pain in your pelvis
• Tummy pain along with feeling sick or being sick

These could be signs that a cyst has burst or twisted, which needs urgent medical attention.

What types of cysts are there?

There are two main types:

Functional cysts - These are the most common type. They form as part of your normal monthly cycle and usually disappear on their own.

Other cysts - These develop when cells grow abnormally. They're much less common.

Most cysts are not cancerous. Cancerous cysts are rare and more likely to happen after you've been through the menopause.

How are cysts diagnosed?

If your GP thinks you might have a cyst, they'll usually arrange an ultrasound scan. This uses a probe placed inside your vagina to take pictures of your ovaries.

If a cyst is found, you might need:

• Another scan in a few weeks to check if it's getting smaller
• Blood tests to check certain chemical levels
• A referral to a specialist doctor (gynaecologist)

How are cysts treated?

Most cysts don't need any treatment - they just go away by themselves. Your doctor will consider:

• How big the cyst is
• Whether you have symptoms
• Whether you've been through the menopause

If you've been through the menopause, you might need regular scans and blood tests for about a year to keep an eye on the cyst.

Surgery might be needed if the cyst is very large, causing problems, or if there's concern it could be cancerous.

Will a cyst affect my fertility?

Ovarian cysts don't usually stop you from getting pregnant. If you do need surgery, your surgeon will try to protect your fertility by removing only the cyst or just one ovary if possible.

Remember, if you're worried about any symptoms, speak to your GP. They can help you understand what's happening and arrange the right tests or treatment for you.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.