Ovarian cysts

Overview

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Ovarian cysts are common. Many women have no symptoms, others have complaints such as stomach pain or menstrual irregularities. Such complaints should be discussed with your doctor or gynaecologist.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Smaller cysts often don't cause any complaints
• Large cysts can trigger lower abdominal pain
• In some few cases, they can cause bladder and bowel dysfunction or back pain

Other symptoms

• Hormone-producing cysts cause hair growth on the upper thighs, the stomach and the upper lip
• Sudden severe abdominal pain owing to ovarian “torsion” (when the ovary twists around its supporting tissue)
• Infertility (rarely)

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Hormonal changes in the ovaries
• Hormone therapy

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Every ovarian cyst identified (even coincidentally) should be regularly examined by a doctor.

Possible tests

• Gynaecological examination
• Ultrasound (sonography)
• Blood test (measurement of hormones)

Possible therapies

• Hormone treatment
• Operation to remove the cysts

What can I do myself?

• Unfortunately, ovarian cysts can’t be prevented
• For older women, preventive examinations can help to identify and treat malignant growths at an early stage

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

When to see a doctor?

• Prolonged pain/pressure in the abdomen
• Menstrual irregularitiesw (change in amount of flow/length of cycle)
• Sudden, uncommonly severe stomach ache

Synonyms

Ovarian cysts, cysts