Ovarian Cysts: Types, Symptoms, and When to See a Gynecologist | Dr. Emily Women's Health Center

In the video above, Dr. Vivian Roston — board-certified OB/GYN at Dr. Emily Women's Health Center — explains the most common types of ovarian cysts, how they are detected, and what treatment options are available. Read on for a written summary of what she covers.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. They are extremely common — most women will develop at least one ovarian cyst during their lifetime, often without knowing it. The majority of ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous), cause no symptoms, and disappear on their own within a few menstrual cycles.

However, some cysts grow large, rupture, or cause pain — and certain types require closer monitoring or treatment. Knowing what kind of cyst you have and what to watch for is important.

The Most Common Types of Ovarian Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common type and are directly related to your menstrual cycle. There are two kinds: follicular cysts, which form when a follicle doesn't release an egg and instead continues to grow, and corpus luteum cysts, which form after an egg is released if the follicle seals off and fills with fluid. Both types typically resolve on their own within one to three months and rarely cause problems.

Dermoid cysts (also called teratomas) are cysts that can contain tissue such as hair, skin, or even teeth — because they develop from cells that produce eggs. They are almost always benign but can grow large and may need to be surgically removed.

Cystadenomas develop from ovarian tissue and can be filled with watery or mucous fluid. They can grow quite large and may need treatment depending on their size.

Endometriomas are cysts caused by endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. These cysts are sometimes called "chocolate cysts" because they contain old blood. They can cause significant pain and may affect fertility.

Polycystic ovaries are associated with a hormonal condition called PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), in which many small cysts form on the ovaries. PCOS affects menstrual cycles, hormones, and fertility.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are discovered only during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. When symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic pain or a dull ache on one side, bloating or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, pain during sex, irregular periods, or frequent urination if the cyst is pressing on the bladder.

Seek immediate care if you experience: sudden severe pelvic pain, pain with fever and vomiting, or faintness and rapid breathing. These can be signs of a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), both of which are medical emergencies.

How Ovarian Cysts Are Diagnosed

Ovarian cysts are most commonly found during a pelvic exam or detected on an ultrasound. At Dr. Emily Women's Health Center, we perform on-site ultrasounds at our Bronx clinic — no referral or separate imaging appointment needed. If a cyst is found, we can evaluate its size, type, and characteristics during your visit and discuss next steps right away.

In some cases, additional tests such as blood work (including CA-125, a marker that can be elevated with certain ovarian conditions) may be ordered.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, size, and symptoms of the cyst, as well as your age and overall health.

Watchful waiting is appropriate for most functional cysts. Your doctor will monitor the cyst with follow-up ultrasounds to confirm it resolves on its own. No medication or surgery is needed in most cases.

Hormonal contraception (such as birth control pills) may be prescribed to prevent new functional cysts from forming, though it does not shrink existing ones.

Surgery may be recommended if a cyst is large, growing, causing significant pain, or has characteristics that require further evaluation. The most common approach is laparoscopy — a minimally invasive procedure — though larger cysts may require a more involved surgery.

When to Come See Us

You should schedule a gynecology appointment if you have persistent pelvic pain or pressure, if you notice changes in your menstrual cycle, or if you have been told you have an ovarian cyst and want to have it evaluated. Regular well-woman exams are one of the best ways to catch ovarian cysts early, before they cause problems.

At Dr. Emily Women's Health Center, Dr. Roston and Dr. Park provide comprehensive gynecological care including pelvic exams, on-site ultrasound, and follow-up monitoring for ovarian cysts. We accept Medicaid from all five NYC boroughs and most major insurance plans.

Call 718-585-1010 or book online at www.dremily.net. We are located at 642 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY — one block from the 6 train.