Overview
A functional ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on an ovary. A sac normally forms during ovulation to hold a maturing egg. Usually the sac goes away after the egg is released. But if an egg isn't released, or if the sac closes up after the egg is released, the sac can swell up with fluid.
During the normal monthly menstrual cycle, one of two types of functional cysts may form.
- A follicular cyst. This type occurs when a sac on the ovary doesn't release an egg and the sac swells up with fluid.
- A luteal cyst. This type occurs when the sac releases an egg and then reseals and fills with fluid.
What causes functional ovarian cysts?
A functional ovarian cyst is caused by slight changes in the way the ovary makes or releases an egg. A cyst may form when a sac on the ovary doesn't release an egg, and the sac swells with fluid. Or the sac may release an egg and then reseal and fill with fluid.
What are the symptoms of functional ovarian cysts?
Functional ovarian cysts usually are harmless and don't cause symptoms. The larger the cyst is, the more likely it is to cause symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Pelvic pain.
- Pain with intercourse.
- Belly pain.
- Menstrual period changes.
There are many other conditions that cause symptoms like those of a functional ovarian cyst. So it's important to have any unusual pelvic symptoms checked and to have a pelvic exam.
How are functional ovarian cysts diagnosed?
If you see your doctor for pelvic pain or bleeding, you'll be checked for problems that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and menstrual periods.
Your doctor may find an ovarian cyst during a pelvic exam. You may have a pelvic ultrasound to see if the cyst is filled with fluid.
Your doctor may recommend further testing in some cases, such as when the first ultrasound doesn't clearly show what kind of cyst or growth you have. Or other tests may be done if you have moderate to severe pain or vaginal bleeding.
How are functional ovarian cysts treated?
Most functional ovarian cysts go away without treatment. When treatment is needed, the goals are to:
- Relieve pelvic pain or pressure.
- Prevent more cysts from forming.
Home treatment with heat and pain medicine can often relieve symptoms.
Treatment with medicines or surgery may be used for a cyst that doesn't go away, looks odd on an ultrasound, or causes symptoms.
Your doctor may suggest that you try birth control pills for several months. They prevent ovulation. This can stop more cysts from forming.
Surgery to remove the cyst (cystectomy) through a small incision (laparoscopy) may be done. This is done if a painful cyst doesn't go away with treatment. If a cyst looks odd on an ultrasound or if you have other risk factors for ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst through a larger belly incision (laparotomy).
Ruptured ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst is a sac that forms on the ovary and swells up with fluid. If the cyst breaks open, it is called a ruptured ovarian cyst. Sometimes a cyst may rupture and then form again. Sometimes a cyst may partly break open. This can release blood and fluid into the lower belly and pelvis.
You may not have symptoms from the cyst. But if it is large, or if it twists or bleeds, you may have pain or other problems. You may feel pain because the fluid irritates the pelvis.
Your doctor may use a pelvic ultrasound to see if you have a cyst. Your doctor may also do blood tests.
Treatment depends on your symptoms. If they are mild, your doctor may suggest carefully watching your symptoms. But if you have a cyst that is very large, bleeds a lot, or causes other problems, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove it.
Hemorrhagic ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst is a sac that forms on the ovary and swells up with fluid. If the cyst bleeds, it is called a hemorrhagic (say “heh-muh-RA-jick”) ovarian cyst. If a hemorrhagic cyst breaks open, it can release blood and fluid into the lower belly and pelvis.
You may not have symptoms from the cyst. But if it is large, or if it twists or breaks open, you may have pain or other problems. You may feel pain from the cyst or have symptoms from losing blood.
Your doctor may use a pelvic ultrasound to see if you have a cyst. Blood tests can help your doctor tell if the cyst is bleeding or you have lost a lot of blood.
Treatment depends on your symptoms. If they are mild, your doctor may suggest carefully watching your symptoms and doing blood tests again. But if you have a cyst that is very large, bleeds a lot, or causes other problems, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove it. If the bleeding is heavy, you may also need treatment to replace the blood.
How can you care for yourself when you have a hemorrhagic or ruptured ovarian cyst?
- Use heat, such as a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm bath, to relax tense muscles and relieve cramping.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
