Hearing that you have an ovarian cyst can be unsettling, especially if it showed up during a routine exam and you never noticed a single symptom. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own without treatment. Some, however, need a closer look, and a few require prompt medical care.
At Cedar Rapids OB Gyn Specialists, our providers help women understand what their ovarian cysts mean and which next step makes sense. Here’s what you should know about when watchful waiting is appropriate and when it’s time to call your provider.
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside an ovary. They’re very common during the reproductive years, and many women develop at least one at some point without ever knowing it.
The most common type is a functional cyst, which forms as part of your normal menstrual cycle. Each month, your ovary grows a follicle that releases an egg. If the follicle doesn’t release the egg, or if it seals over after releasing it, fluid can collect and form a cyst. Functional cysts usually shrink on their own within one to three menstrual cycles.
Other types of ovarian cysts are less common and don’t come from the menstrual cycle, including:
- Dermoid cysts, which can contain tissue such as hair, skin, or teeth
- Endometriomas, which form when endometriosis affects the ovary
- Cystadenomas, which develop on the surface of the ovary and can grow large
- Multiple small cysts associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Most of these cysts are benign (not cancerous), but they’re less likely to resolve on their own, so your provider may recommend monitoring or treatment.
Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, often on one side
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness or pressure
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder if the cyst presses on it
Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, an exam is the best way to learn what’s causing them.
When to Watch Ovarian Cysts
If your ovarian cyst is small, looks simple (fluid-filled with thin walls) on ultrasound, and you’re still having periods, our providers will often recommend watchful waiting. This typically means a follow-up pelvic ultrasound in several weeks to confirm the cyst is shrinking or gone.
During this time, you can manage mild discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and a heating pad. In some cases, your provider may suggest hormonal birth control to help prevent new functional cysts from forming. It won’t shrink a cyst you already have, but it can reduce how often new ones develop.
Watchful waiting is a common, evidence-based approach, not a sign that your concerns are being dismissed. Keep track of any symptoms between visits, and let our team know if anything changes.
When to Worry About Ovarian Cysts: Signs You Need Care Right Away
Occasionally, an ovarian cyst can rupture or cause the ovary to twist (ovarian torsion), which cuts off its blood supply. Both situations can require urgent treatment. Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis
- Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
- Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
- Cold, clammy skin or rapid breathing
You should also schedule an appointment with our team if your symptoms last more than a few weeks, your pain is getting worse, or a cyst is found after menopause. Ovarian cysts after menopause are less likely to be functional, so they usually call for closer evaluation.
How Our Providers Diagnose and Treat Ovarian Cysts
Diagnosis usually begins with a pelvic exam and a review of your symptoms and menstrual history. A transvaginal ultrasound shows the cyst’s size and location and whether it’s filled with fluid, solid material, or both. Depending on your age and the cyst’s appearance, your provider may also order a pregnancy test or blood work, such as a CA-125 test.
If a cyst is large, persistent, or causing symptoms, or if it has features that need a closer look, your provider may recommend surgery. Many ovarian cysts can be removed laparoscopically through a few small incisions, often while preserving the ovary. Recovery from minimally invasive surgery is typically shorter than with traditional open surgery, and your provider will discuss which approach best fits your health and your future family plans.
Get Answers About Ovarian Cysts
Not knowing what an ovarian cyst means for your health can be stressful. At Cedar Rapids OB Gyn Specialists, our providers take the time to explain your results, answer your questions, and build a care plan that fits your needs, whether that’s monitoring, medication, or surgery.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ovarian cyst or have questions about a recent diagnosis, schedule a consultation with one of our providers at Cedar Rapids OB Gyn Specialists today. Call (319) 363-2682 or contact our Cedar Rapids office online to request your appointment.