An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of the ovaries. Females have two ovaries, and each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. Most ovarian cysts are small and don’t cause any problems, and they are usually harmless and short-lived. Ovarian cysts can be categorized into two types: functional cysts and pathological cysts.
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and are related to the menstrual cycle. They occur as a result of ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. These cysts can be a sign that the ovaries are functioning as they should. Functional cysts generally shrink over time, usually within 60 days, without specific treatment. There are two types of functional cysts: follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
Pathological cysts, on the other hand, form as a result of abnormal cell growth and are much less common than functional cysts. They include cystadenomas, dermoid cysts, and endometriomas.
Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and go away on their own. However, a large ovarian cyst can cause pelvic pain, bloating, swelling, or pressure in one side of the lower belly. In some cases, a cyst may split (rupture), be very large, or twist and then block the blood supply to the ovaries, causing severe symptoms. If you experience sudden, severe belly pain, pain with fever and vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or feeling faint, you should seek medical attention immediately.
