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Physiologic ovarian cysts; Functional ovarian cysts; Corpus luteum cysts; Follicular cysts
Last reviewed: February 26, 2012.
An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms on or inside of an ovary. This article is about cysts that form during your monthly menstrual cycle, called functional cysts. Functional cysts are not the same as cysts caused by cancer or other diseases. For more information about other causes of cysts on or near the ovaries, see also: Dermoid cyst Ectopic pregnancy Endometriosis Ovarian cancer Polycystic ovary syndrome
Symptoms
Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are typically pain or a late period. An ovarian cyst is more likely to cause pain if it: Becomes large Bleeds Breaks open Interferes with the blood supply to the ovary Is bumped during sexual intercourse Is twisted or causes twisting (torsion) of the Fallopian tube
Bloating or swelling in the abdomen Pain during bowel movements Pain in the pelvis shortly before or after beginning a menstrual period Pain with intercourse or pelvic pain during movement Pelvic pain -- constant, dull aching Sudden and severe pelvic pain, often with nausea and vomiting, may be a sign of torsion or twisting of the ovary on its blood supply, or rupture of a cyst with internal bleeding
Changes in menstrual periods are not common with follicular cysts, and are more common with corpus luteum cysts. Spotting or bleeding may occur with some cysts.
The following blood tests may be done: Ca-125 test, to look for possible cancer if you have an abnormal ultrasound or are in menopause Hormone levels (such as LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone) Pregnancy test (Serum HCG)
Treatment
Functional ovarian cysts often don't need treatment. They usually go away on their own within 8 - 12 weeks. If you have frequent cysts, your doctor or nurse may prescribe birth control pills (oral contraceptives). These medicines may reduce the risk of new ovarian cysts. Birth control pills do not decrease the size of current cysts. Surgery to remove the cyst or ovary may be needed to make sure it isn't ovarian cancer. Surgery is more likely to be needed for: Complex ovarian cysts that don't go away Cysts that are causing symptoms and do not go away Simple ovarian cysts that are larger than 5 - 10 centimeters Women who are menopausal or near menopause
Types of surgery for ovarian cysts include: Exploratory laparotomy Pelvic laparoscopy to remove the cyst or the ovary
Other treatments may be recommend if you have polycystic ovary syndrome or another disorder that can cause cysts.
Expectations (prognosis)
Cysts in women who are still having periods are more likely to go away. There is a higher risk of cancer in women who are postmenopausal.
Complications
Complications have to do with the condition causing the cysts. Complications can occur with cysts that: Bleed Break open Show signs of changes that could be cancer Twist
Also call for an appointment if the following symptoms have been present on most days for at least 2 weeks: Getting full quickly when eating Losing your appetite Losing weight without trying
Prevention
If you are not trying to get pregnant and you often get functional cysts, you can prevent them by taking hormone medications (such as birth control pills), which prevent follicles from growing.
References