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 of ovarian cysts are completely benign (non-cancerous), 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, high-resolution tracking, and customized management solutions to address ovarian cysts safely, preserving your fertility and peace of mind.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cysts
What are the main types of ovarian cysts?
The most frequent types of ovarian cysts evaluated at Miami Women’s Center include:
- Functional Cysts: The most common type, including follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. These form as part of a normal menstrual cycle when a follicle fails to rupture and release an egg or fails to dissolve after releasing one. They typically shrink on their own in 1 to 3 months.
- Dermoid Cysts (Teratomas): Benign tumors that develop from embryonic cells and can contain tissue types like hair, skin, or teeth. They do not resolve on their own and may require removal if they grow large.
- Cystadenomas: Benign growths that develop on the outer surface of the ovary and can be filled with a watery or mucous fluid. These can occasionally grow quite large.
- Endometriomas: Cysts caused by endometriosis, which form when endometrial tissue attaches to the ovary and forms a dark, fluid-filled sac (often called a “chocolate cyst”).
What are the common symptoms of a problematic ovarian cyst?
While many cysts are completely asymptomatic, larger or persistent cysts can cause visible symptoms:
- A dull, heavy, or aching pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst
- A persistent feeling of fullness, bloating, or heaviness in your pelvis
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Irregular menstrual bleeding or unexpected spotting
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder completely if a large cyst presses against it
What happens if an ovarian cyst ruptures?
A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause sudden, sharp, and severe pelvic pain, often triggered by intense physical activity or intercourse. In most cases, the body safely reabsorbs the fluid, and the pain subsides with rest and mild pain medication. However, if a ruptured cyst damages a major blood vessel and causes internal bleeding, it becomes a medical emergency. You should seek immediate emergency care if sharp pelvic pain is accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or rapid breathing.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed and tracked?
The primary tool used to diagnose and evaluate an ovarian cyst is a high-resolution pelvic ultrasound (both transabdominal and transvaginal). An ultrasound allows your provider at Miami Women’s Center to determine the exact size, location, and composition of the cyst—specifically whether it is filled entirely with fluid (a simple cyst) or contains solid components (a complex cyst). Depending on these findings, we may recommend a short period of watchful waiting with a follow-up ultrasound in 6 to 12 weeks to see if the cyst resolves on its own.
Custom Management & Treatment Solutions
At Miami Women’s Center, 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 your ovaries from developing new functional cysts in the future.
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Removal (Cystectomy): If a cyst is abnormally large, causes persistent pain, is complex (solid components), or continues to grow, we may recommend an outpatient laparoscopic surgical procedure. A laparoscopic cystectomy allows our surgeons to carefully remove the cyst through tiny incisions while fully preserving your ovary and your future fertility.