Understanding Ovarian Cysts
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pocket that develops on or inside one of your ovaries. Ovarian cysts are incredibly common and frequently form during your regular monthly menstrual cycle as part of the normal ovulation process. The vast majority are completely benign, cause little to no discomfort, and disappear on their own within a few months without medical intervention.
However, some cysts can grow large, fail to resolve naturally, or twist the ovary (ovarian torsion), leading to persistent pelvic pain, pressure, or irregular cycles. At Miami Women’s Center, we provide expert evaluation, tracking, and customized management to address ovarian cysts safely while preserving your fertility.
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We tailor our clinical approach based on your age, whether you are pre- or post-menopausal, the size and appearance of the cyst, and your pain levels:
- Watchful waiting & ultrasound surveillance: For small, fluid-filled functional cysts, we typically monitor them with periodic ultrasound scans to ensure they are shrinking and resolving without intervention.
- Hormonal contraceptive therapy: While birth control pills cannot shrink an existing cyst, your provider may prescribe them to regulate your cycle and prevent new functional cysts from developing. See our contraception services for options.
- Minimally invasive surgical removal (cystectomy): If a cyst is abnormally large, causes persistent pain, has complex solid components, or continues to grow, an outpatient laparoscopic procedure may be recommended, carefully preserving your ovary and future fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian Cyst Care at Miami Women’s Center
What are the main types of ovarian cysts?
Common types include functional cysts (follicular and corpus luteum cysts) that typically shrink on their own within 1–3 months, dermoid cysts (teratomas) that don’t resolve on their own, cystadenomas that can grow large, and endometriomas caused by endometriosis.
What are the common symptoms of a problematic ovarian cyst?
While many cysts are asymptomatic, larger or persistent ones can cause a dull, heavy pain on the side of the cyst, a feeling of fullness or bloating, pain during intercourse, irregular bleeding, or frequent urination if the cyst presses on the bladder.
What happens if an ovarian cyst ruptures?
A rupture can cause sudden, sharp pelvic pain, often triggered by physical activity or intercourse. The body usually reabsorbs the fluid and pain subsides with rest and mild medication, but internal bleeding is a medical emergency — seek immediate care for sharp pain with fever, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or rapid breathing.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed and tracked?
The primary diagnostic tool is a high-resolution pelvic ultrasound, which determines the cyst’s size, location, and composition. Depending on findings, we may recommend watchful waiting with a follow-up ultrasound in 6 to 12 weeks.
Can ovarian cysts affect my fertility?
Most functional cysts don’t affect fertility. Certain types, like endometriomas or large complex cysts, can impact ovarian function or require surgery that’s performed with fertility preservation in mind.
Do ovarian cysts increase my risk of ovarian cancer?
The vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign. Certain features on ultrasound, such as solid components or rapid growth, prompt closer evaluation, but most cysts are not a sign of cancer.
How often will I need follow-up ultrasounds for a cyst being monitored?
This depends on the cyst’s characteristics, but a common approach is a follow-up scan in 6 to 12 weeks to confirm it’s shrinking, with less frequent monitoring after that if it continues to resolve.