An ultrasound for period pain, a fertility check or a routine pregnancy scan, and the report mentions an ovarian cyst. It is natural to worry, and to search for words like "tumour" or "surgery" at midnight. The reassuring fact is that most ovarian cysts are harmless and many disappear on their own within a few weeks or months.
This guide explains what an ovarian cyst is, the common types, the symptoms to watch for, and how doctors decide between waiting, medicine and surgery, so you can have a calmer, better-informed conversation with your gynaecologist in Vizag.
Quick answer: An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac on or in an ovary. Most are "functional" cysts linked to the menstrual cycle, cause no symptoms and go away on their own. Doctors usually recheck with a scan; surgery, often by laparoscopy, is considered if a cyst is large, persistent, causing symptoms or looks unusual.
The ovaries are two small organs on either side of the womb. Every month, an egg grows inside a tiny fluid-filled sac called a follicle. Normally the follicle releases the egg and then shrinks. Sometimes it keeps filling with fluid instead, and a cyst forms.
According to the NHS, ovarian cysts are very common, most do not cause symptoms, and most are not cancerous. They can happen at any age, but are most frequent during the years when you have periods.
These are linked to the normal menstrual cycle. A follicular cyst forms when the follicle does not release the egg. A corpus luteum cyst forms when the follicle releases the egg but then seals up and fills with fluid or blood. ACOG notes that functional cysts often go away without treatment within a few menstrual cycles.
No. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the "cysts" are many small follicles that have not matured, along with hormone changes such as irregular periods or extra hair growth. It is a hormonal condition, managed differently from a single ovarian cyst. Our post on common female fertility disorders (padmasrihospitalsandivfcentre.com/common-female-fertility-disorders-and-their-treatments) covers PCOS.
Many women find out about a cyst only by chance on a scan. When a cyst does cause symptoms, they may include:
These symptoms are not specific to cysts. Fibroids, infections, endometriosis and bowel problems can cause similar complaints, so a proper examination and scan are important.
Occasionally a cyst can burst (rupture), bleed, or twist the ovary on its blood supply (ovarian torsion). These need prompt medical attention. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have:
Ovarian torsion is uncommon, but it is time-sensitive because the ovary's blood supply can be cut off. Prompt assessment improves the chance of saving the ovary.
Key points so far
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and periods, examine you, and usually arrange:
Treatment depends on your age, symptoms, whether you have reached menopause, the type and size of the cyst, and your plans for pregnancy.
| Situation | What doctors commonly suggest |
|---|---|
| Small simple cyst, few or no symptoms, before menopause | Watchful waiting with a repeat scan after a few weeks or cycles |
| Pain from a functional cyst | Pain relief; your doctor may discuss hormonal pills to reduce new cysts (they do not shrink existing ones) |
| Large, persistent or symptomatic cyst | Surgery to remove the cyst, usually by laparoscopy |
| Dermoid cyst or endometrioma | Individual plan; surgery is often discussed, keeping fertility in mind |
| Cyst after menopause or with unusual scan features | Closer evaluation, blood tests and further specialist assessment |
ACOG notes that many simple cysts can be safely monitored. A repeat ultrasound shows whether the cyst has shrunk or gone. This avoids surgery that is not needed.
When surgery is advised, it is usually done by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), through small cuts in the tummy. The aim is usually a cystectomy, removing only the cyst and preserving the ovary, which matters for women who wish to conceive. Sometimes, depending on the cyst and your age, removing the ovary (oophorectomy) may be discussed. Larger or suspicious cysts may need open surgery. Your surgeon will explain the options, recovery and possible risks before you decide.
There is no single cut-off. Many simple cysts under about 5 cm are simply monitored, while larger cysts, those that persist over several scans, cause symptoms, or look complex are more likely to be removed. Your doctor will weigh size alongside appearance, age and symptoms.
Most functional cysts do not affect fertility. Endometriomas and some surgeries on the ovary can affect egg reserve, so if you plan to conceive, discuss fertility-sparing options before treatment. Cysts are also sometimes seen on early pregnancy scans; most are corpus luteum cysts that support the pregnancy and settle by the second trimester.
Most functional cysts are part of the normal cycle and cannot be fully prevented. For women who get painful cysts again and again, doctors sometimes discuss hormonal contraceptive pills, which stop ovulation and so reduce new functional cysts. Managing endometriosis can lower the chance of endometriomas returning. Regular gynaecology check-ups mean a cyst is more likely to be found early and followed calmly.
Questions to ask at your appointment
Padmasri Hospitals & IVF Centre in Akkayyapalem provides gynaecology consultations, pelvic scans and laparoscopic surgeries (padmasrihospitalsandivfcentre.com/laparoscopic_surgeries.php), which include treatment for ovarian cysts. You can also read about our gynaecology services (padmasrihospitalsandivfcentre.com/gynecology/). Please bring any earlier scan reports with you; comparing scans over time is often the most useful step.
To discuss a scan report or arrange a gynaecology consultation, call +91 80083 36677 or use our contact page. Padmasri Hospitals & IVF Centre, 49-48-16/5, NH16, NGGOS Colony, Akkayyapalem, Visakhapatnam 530016.
Yes. Functional cysts, the most common type, often disappear without treatment within a few menstrual cycles. Your doctor may suggest a repeat scan to confirm. Dermoid cysts and endometriomas usually do not go away on their own.
Many cysts cause no signs at all. When they do, common symptoms are a dull ache on one side of the lower tummy, bloating, pain during sex, needing to pass urine often, or changes in periods.
Size alone does not decide this. Many simple cysts under about 5 cm are monitored, while larger, persistent, symptomatic or complex-looking cysts are more likely to need removal. Sudden severe pain at any size needs urgent care.
Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous, especially in women who still have periods. The chance is higher after menopause or when a scan shows unusual features, which is why doctors may order further tests in those situations.
Many women with functional cysts conceive normally. Endometriomas and some ovarian surgeries can affect fertility, so if you are planning a pregnancy, discuss fertility-sparing treatment with your gynaecologist.
Recovery varies, but many women go home the same day or the next day and return to light routine activities within one to two weeks. Your surgeon will give advice based on your surgery.
Written by Padmasri Hospitals & IVF Centre Editorial Team · Updated 26 October 2026
This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a qualified doctor.