About Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms inside or on an ovary. Ovarian cyst are very common, with studies indicating that around 10% to 30% of women will experience them at some point in their lives. While most ovarian cysts are benign and functional, they can cause symptoms like pelvic pain and bloating. 

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a small sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of your ovaries. There are different types of ovarian cyst, most of which are painless and noncancerous (benign). Ovarian cyst don’t always cause symptoms. You likely won’t know you have one unless your healthcare provider finds one during a pelvic exam or pelvic ultrasound.

Rarely, ovarian cysts can cause complications. Scheduling regular pelvic exams and speaking with your provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing can help troubleshoot any problems with an ovarian cyst.

Ovarian cysts are extremely common, especially if you haven’t gone through menopause yet.

Types of Ovarian Cyst

Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts. They form in response to your body’s changes during your menstrual cycle. Less commonly, ovarian cysts form for reasons unrelated to your period.

Functional Ovarian Cyst

Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and aren’t disease-related. They occur as a result of ovulation. These cysts can be a sign that your ovaries are functioning as they should. Functional cysts generally shrink over time, usually within 60 days, without treatment. Sometimes, functional cysts are called simple cysts. They include:

• Follicular cysts. A small sac in your ovary, called a follicle, releases an egg each month as part of your menstrual cycle. A follicular cyst forms when the follicle doesn’t release an egg. Instead, the follicle fills with fluid and forms a cyst.
• Corpus luteum cysts. After the follicle releases an egg, it forms a hormone-producing structure called the corpus luteum. If conception doesn’t take place, the corpus luteum dissolves. But sometimes, instead of breaking down, it fills with fluid and forms a cyst.

Other Ovarian Cyst

Not all ovarian cysts form in response to your menstrual cycle. They aren’t always signs of disease, but your provider may want to monitor them to ensure that they don’t cause complications. Other types of ovarian cysts include:

• Cystadenomas. These cysts form on the surface of your ovary. They can be filled with fluid that’s thin and watery or thicker and mucous-like.
• Dermoid cysts (teratomas). Dermoid cysts contain cells similar to the tissue in your hair, teeth or skin. They’re smooth, rubbery and noncancerous.
• Endometriomas. These cysts are filled with menstrual blood and are typically a sign of having endometriosis.
• Ovarian cancer cysts. Unlike the conditions above, ovarian cancer cysts are solid masses of cancer cells. This can happen at any age, but is more common after menopause.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst

Some smaller cysts cause no symptoms. In these cases, you may not even know you have a cyst. Larger cysts may cause:

• Pelvic pain or a dull ache in your back
• A feeling of fullness (bloating in your lower belly) — it may feel more pronounced on one side of your body
• Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
• Painful periods and/or irregular periods
• Trouble pooping or needing to pee frequently

Symptoms that linger could indicate a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that causes irregular menstrual cycles and an increase in androgens that may cause cystic acne, difficulty with conception and weight gain.

Ovarian Cyst Causes

Ovulation is the leading cause of ovarian cysts. It’s a natural process that happens during your menstrual cycle. Other causes include:

• Abnormal cell reproduction. Unusual cell reproduction can cause dermoid cysts or cystadenomas to form.
• Endometriosis. Endometriomas (or chocolate cysts) often form on your ovary if you have advanced endometriosis.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause multiple small cysts to form on your ovaries.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Severe pelvic infections can spread to your ovaries, causing cysts.

Ovarian Cyst Risk factors 

Anyone with ovaries can develop an ovarian cyst. Your chances increase based on your:

• Age. Ovarian cysts are more common if you haven’t gone through menopause.
• Pregnancy status. Cysts are more likely to form and remain during pregnancy.
• History of ovarian cysts. You’re more likely to have an ovarian cyst if you’ve had one before.
• Current medical conditions. You’re more likely to get an ovarian cyst if you have endometriosis, PCOS or another hormone disorder.
• Fertility medication. You’re more likely to get a cyst if you’re taking medications to help with ovulation, like clomiphene.

Ovarian Cyst Complications 

Most cysts don’t cause any serious complications. Your healthcare provider can let you know if they think an ovarian cyst is likely to lead to complications. Some of the most common complications are:

• Cancer. Ovarian cysts that develop after menopause are more likely to be cancerous than cysts that form before menopause.
• Ruptured ovarian cyst. Functional cysts commonly rupture (break open) without causing any symptoms. But sometimes, a ruptured cyst can cause severe pain, dizziness or weakness. The larger it is, the greater likelihood it has of breaking.
• Ovarian torsion. Cysts can grow so big that they distort the shape of your ovary, increasing the likelihood that it’ll twist. The twisting can prevent blood flow to your ovary, causing it to die. Extreme pain, nausea and vomiting are all signs of ovarian torsion.

Seek medical assistance right away if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cyst

• Pelvic Exam: A routine pelvic exam is often the first step. The doctor checks for enlarged ovaries, lumps, or areas of tenderness that might suggest the presence of a cyst. While not always definitive, it can raise initial suspicion.
• Ultrasound: This is the most common and reliable imaging test for ovarian cysts. A transvaginal ultrasound provides detailed images to confirm the size, location, shape, and whether the cyst is fluid-filled, solid, or complex. It helps differentiate between benign and potentially concerning cysts.
• MRI or CT Scans: These advanced imaging techniques are used when a cyst appears unusual, is very large, or if more information is needed beyond what an ultrasound can show. They provide high-resolution images to better assess structure and surrounding tissues.
• Blood Tests: These may include checking for the CA-125 marker, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer — although it can also rise due to non-cancerous conditions. Pregnancy tests are also done to rule out ectopic pregnancy or confirm early pregnancy-related cysts (like corpus luteum cysts).

Ovarian Cyst Treatment management:

• Watchful waiting: Most functional cysts resolve in 1–3 months.
• Pain management: NSAIDs or heat therapy for discomfort.
• Hormonal birth control: Prevents new cysts in recurrent cases.

Note: Medication is only advisable under Doctors advice.

Minimal invasive management:

• 3D Laparoscopic Cystectomy: This is a minimally invasive surgery to remove an ovarian cyst while preserving the healthy ovarian tissue. Using 3D laparoscopic technology, the surgeon gets enhanced depth perception and precision, which is especially helpful when dealing with delicate structures or complex cysts. It’s ideal for women who want to retain fertility or ovarian function. Recovery is quicker, scars are smaller, and pain is minimal compared to open surgery.
• 3D Laparoscopic Oophorectomy: This procedure involves the surgical removal of one or both ovaries, using advanced 3D laparoscopy. It's typically done for large or suspicious cysts, ovarian torsion, endometriosis, or cancer risk. The 3D view helps surgeons navigate more safely and accurately, especially around nearby blood vessels and tissues. Depending on the case, it may be combined with removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy). Patients benefit from less bleeding, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays.