Ovarian cysts are a common condition among women, especially during their childbearing years. They occur on the outside of a woman’s ovaries and develop in the form of sacs that are filled with fluid. Ovarian cysts may not pose any problems or discomfort, but sometimes, they can be quite painful. Follicular cysts are the most common type of ovarian cysts. They often go away on their own but some may require treatment. Women have two ovaries that are located on each side of the uterus. Their role is to act as a host to the eggs that develop and mature when a woman is trying to have a baby.

How do ovarian cysts form? Within the ovary, eggs form and grow in a sac called a follicle. When a follicle doesn't open to release the egg it grows larger and develops into a cyst. A cyst can also form when a follicle closes off after releasing the egg. Both types of cysts usually do not cause any symptoms and go away without treatment. Sometimes, ovarian cysts can become quite large and cause symptoms like pain and cramping.

Most cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, when large ovarian cysts develop, they can cause symptoms such as:

·         Pelvic pain shortly before your period begins or just before it ends

·         Pressure on your bladder that causes you to urinate more frequently or have difficulty emptying your bladder completely

·         Pelvic pain (a dull ache that may radiate to your lower back and thighs)

·         Fullness or heaviness in your abdomen

·         Pelvic pain during intercourse (aka dyspareunia)

·         Pain during bowel movements or pressure on your bowels

·         Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness like that experienced during pregnancy

Ovarian cysts can cause certain complications that can be serious. It is important to have regular pelvic exams because ovarian cysts that develop after menopause can turn into cancer. Other complications that can occur include ovarian torsion or ruptured cysts. Ovarian torsion is when ovarian cysts become large and cause the ovary to move out of its usual position in the pelvis, increasing the chance of painful twisting of your ovary. Ovarian cysts can also rupture and cause severe pain and internal bleeding.

Treatment for ovarian cysts includes watchful waiting, birth control pills, or surgery. Watchful waiting may be recommended if you have no real symptoms that are causing problems. Birth control pills can help decrease the development of new cysts in future menstrual cycles. Surgery may be done to remove a cyst causes pain or other symptoms, or continues to grow after a couple of menstrual cycles.