Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sac that develop on the surface or inside the ovary. They are common and usually don’t cause any symptoms. Most cysts are harmless and will disappear without treatment. However, some, especially those that rupture can cause serious complications.

The symptoms of an ovarian cyst are pelvic pain, bloating or a heaviness in the abdomen. The symptoms may increase to a sudden or severe abdominal pain. In this instance you should see a doctor immediately.

In most cases ovarian cysts develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle, these are called functional cysts. This is when the follicle that produces estrogen and progesterone keeps growing beyond its normal size. The first type of functional cyst is when the ovary does not release the egg into the fallopian tube as it should but continues to grow. This is called a Follicular cyst. The second type of functional cyst is when the egg is released as normal, but fluid continues to build inside the follicle resulting in a Corpus luteum cyst.

Functional cysts are harmless, and usually do not cause pain or symptoms. Non-functional cysts are not related to the menstrual cycle, and can be cancerous but can also include:

Dermoid cysts – containing tissues from the embryonic cells, such as skin or hair.

Cystadenomas – usually on the surface of the ovary and contain a watery material

Endometriomas – when the tissue of the endometrial cells grows outside your uterus and form a growth. This is a result of a condition called endometriosis.

These cysts can grow causing the ovary to move out of position.  This can be a very painful condition called Ovary torsion. It can result in the blood supply to the ovary being cut off. If a cyst ruptures, it can cause internal bleeding, which can be very serious.

Regular pelvic exams are key to the diagnosis of ovarian cysts. If a diagnosis is made, your doctor may recommend waiting to see if there are any changes in the cyst, with regular pelvic exams. Oral contraceptives may be prescribed to keep cysts from recurring – however this won’t treat existing cysts. Existing cysts may have to be removed with a surgery. If cancer is discovered, it is likely that the ovary and possible the womb will have to be removed, and you will be referred to a gynaecologist cancer specialist.