A cyst ovari (ovarian cyst) is a fluid-filled sac on an ovary; ovarian cysts are very common, usually cause no symptoms, and most disappear on their own within a few months. Most are functional cysts linked to the menstrual cycle and are harmless, and the vast majority of ovarian cysts are not cancerous. Symptoms usually appear only if a cyst bursts, twists or grows large, and include pelvic pain, bloating, pain during sex and period changes. An ultrasound scan confirms the diagnosis, and many cysts are simply monitored; larger or persistent ones may need keyhole surgery. Get urgent help for sudden, severe pelvic pain.
What is a cyst ovari (ovarian cyst)?
According to the NHS, an ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. The ovaries are two almond-shaped organs, one on each side of the womb, which release an egg roughly every 28 days and produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
- Ovarian cysts are very common and usually cause no symptoms.
- Most occur naturally and go away in a few months without treatment.
- They can affect one or both ovaries.
- The vast majority are non-cancerous (benign).
Tanda cyst ovari: what are the symptoms?
An ovarian cyst usually only causes symptoms if it splits (ruptures), is very large, or twists and blocks the blood supply to the ovary. According to the NHS, symptoms may include:
- pelvic pain, from a dull, heavy feeling to a sudden, severe, sharp pain;
- pain during sex;
- difficulty emptying your bowels;
- a frequent need to pee;
- period changes: heavier, irregular or lighter periods than normal; see our guide to period lambat;
- bloating and a swollen tummy;
- feeling very full after eating only a little;
- difficulty getting pregnant, although fertility is usually not affected.
Pelvic pain has many causes, including period pain; see our guide to senggugut.
What are the types of ovarian cyst?
According to the NHS, there are two main types of ovarian cyst:
| Type | What it is | Usual outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Functional cysts (most common) | Linked to the menstrual cycle. An egg grows inside a follicle; if the follicle does not release the egg, or does not shrink after releasing it, it can swell into a cyst | Harmless and short-lived; most disappear within a few months |
| Pathological cysts (less common) | Caused by abnormal cell growth, not linked to the menstrual cycle; can occur before or after menopause | Usually non-cancerous, but a small number are cancerous and are often removed |
Ovarian cysts can also be caused by endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows in other places such as the ovaries. Blood-filled cysts can form in this tissue.
Cyst ovari, PCOS or fibroids?
Ovarian cysts are often confused with two other common conditions:
- PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), now also called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). According to the NHS, the condition causes lots of small, harmless "cysts" on the ovaries, which are actually egg follicles that do not grow to release an egg, caused by altered hormone levels. See our guide to PCOS.
- Fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in or around the womb, not the ovary, and can cause heavy periods; see our guide to fibroids.
How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?
If a doctor thinks you may have an ovarian cyst, you will usually be referred for an ultrasound scan, often using a small probe placed inside the vagina. According to the NHS:
- if a cyst is found, it may be monitored with a repeat scan a few weeks later, or you may be referred to a gynaecologist;
- if there is any concern about cancer, blood tests may look for raised levels of a protein called CA125;
- a raised level does not necessarily mean cancer, as it can also be caused by endometriosis, a pelvic infection, fibroids or your period.
How is an ovarian cyst treated?
Whether a cyst needs treatment depends on its size and appearance, whether it causes symptoms, and whether you have been through the menopause. According to the NHS:
- Watchful waiting is recommended in most cases, as the cyst usually disappears within a few months. A follow-up scan can confirm this.
- After the menopause, scans and blood tests are usually done every 4 months for a year, as there is a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer.
- Surgery is usually needed for cysts that are large, persistent, causing symptoms, or possibly cancerous.
Types of surgery:
- Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery): most cysts can be removed through small cuts in the tummy. It causes less pain and recovery is quicker, and most people go home the same day or the next day.
- Laparotomy: a larger cut is used if a cyst is very large or could be cancerous; the cyst and ovary may be removed and tested.
It can take up to 12 weeks to get back to normal activities. Contact a doctor if you have heavy bleeding, severe tummy pain or swelling, a high temperature, or dark or smelly vaginal discharge during recovery, as these may be signs of infection.
Can you get pregnant with an ovarian cyst?
According to the NHS, ovarian cysts do not usually stop you getting pregnant, although they can sometimes make it harder to conceive. If you need an operation, the surgeon will aim to preserve your fertility whenever possible, for example by removing only the cyst and leaving the ovary, or removing only one ovary. Talk to your surgeon about the possible effects on fertility before your operation.
Ovarian cancer: symptoms you should not ignore
Most ovarian cysts are not cancer, but some symptoms of a cyst overlap with those of ovarian cancer. According to the NHS, see a doctor if you frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) have:
- a swollen tummy or feeling bloated;
- pain or tenderness in your tummy or pelvis;
- no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating;
- an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often.
Other symptoms can include indigestion, changes in bowel habits, back pain, tiredness, unexplained weight loss, and unusual vaginal bleeding, including after the menopause. These symptoms are very common and usually caused by other conditions, but finding cancer early can make it more treatable. Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has had ovarian or breast cancer; see our guide to kanser payudara.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor if you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
Get urgent medical help, according to the NHS, if you have:
- sudden, severe pelvic pain;
- pain in your tummy together with feeling sick or being sick.
These can be signs that a cyst has burst or twisted and needs urgent treatment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is a cyst ovari (ovarian cyst)?
An ovarian cyst (cyst ovari) is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. Ovarian cysts are very common, usually cause no symptoms, and most go away on their own within a few months without treatment. The vast majority are not cancerous.
What are the signs of an ovarian cyst (tanda cyst ovari)?
Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms. Symptoms usually happen only if a cyst splits, is very large or twists. They can include pelvic pain ranging from a dull ache to sudden sharp pain, pain during sex, bloating and a swollen tummy, feeling full quickly, needing to pee often, difficulty emptying your bowels, and changes to your periods.
What causes ovarian cysts?
Most are functional cysts linked to the menstrual cycle: an egg follicle does not release its egg or does not shrink afterwards, and swells with fluid. These are harmless and usually disappear. Less commonly, pathological cysts form from abnormal cell growth, and cysts can also be caused by conditions such as endometriosis.
Is an ovarian cyst cancer?
Usually not. The vast majority of ovarian cysts are non-cancerous (benign), and only a small number are cancerous. Cancerous cysts are more common after the menopause, which is why postmenopausal women with a cyst are usually monitored with scans and blood tests.
Can I get pregnant with an ovarian cyst?
Yes, usually. Ovarian cysts do not usually stop you getting pregnant, although they can sometimes make it harder to conceive. If you need surgery, the surgeon will try to preserve your fertility, for example by removing only the cyst and leaving the ovary.
Is PCOS the same as having ovarian cysts?
No. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), now also called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), is a hormonal and metabolic condition. It causes lots of small, harmless 'cysts' on the ovaries, which are actually egg follicles that do not grow to release an egg, caused by altered hormone levels. These are different from a single larger ovarian cyst.
When is an ovarian cyst an emergency?
Get urgent medical help if you have sudden, severe pelvic pain, or tummy pain together with feeling or being sick. These can be signs that a cyst has burst or twisted and blocked the blood supply to the ovary, which needs urgent treatment.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or gynaecologist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
