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Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, found attached to or inside an ovary. Ovaries are a pair of reproductive organs in women situated slightly above and on either side of the womb. They are roughly the same size and shape as almonds. The ovaries contain all of the ova or eggs that a women is going to release in her entire lifetime during her monthly menstrual cycle in preparation for fertilization.

In addition, similar to tests in the male, the ovaries function as endocrine glands in that they secrete the female sex hormones, i.e., estrogen and progesterone, that control ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

There are many types of ovarian cysts. The common are ‘functional cysts, ‘ which form as a natural consequence of ovulation. This type of cyst is harmless and does not have the potential to cause cancer. They are very common, particularly during the childbearing years. Other types of ovarian cyst include polycystic ovaries, cystadenomas, dermoid cysts, ectopic pregnancy and cancer of the ovaries.

In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), cysts form when the follicles in which ova normally reach maturity fail to open. Cystadenomas form on the outside of the ovary and are normally filled with fluid. Dermoid cysts contain tissue similar to that in other parts of the body, even hair, teeth and skin.

Another type of ovarian cyst is an ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes, a fertilized egg becomes implanted outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes but it may implant itself onto or inside an ovary or, even more rarely, the cervix or stomach. The final classification of ovarian cyst is ovarian cancer.

Most cysts do not cause symptoms but when they do, it is usually pain or a late menstrual period. Pain will result if the cyst is disturbed during sex, if it grows beyond five or ten centimeters, bleeds, breaks open or causes a twist in a fallopian tube. Other symptoms include a feeling of bloatedness, pain during bowel movements, movement or sexual intercourse or just before a period. There may occasionally be light bleeding, called ’spotting’ in between menstrual periods.

While most problems resolve by themselves without any form of medical intervention, the harmless cysts are capable of producing the same symptoms and warning signs as the more serious conditions, such as cancer. Nobody wants to make a fuss or bother the doctor, but young women do sometimes die from ovarian cancer and it is simply not worth the risk of ignoring the symptoms. Any unusual pain or bleeding should always be brought to the attention of a practice nurse or a doctor. They know the risks and are happy to investigate if it means the possibility of preserving a young woman’s life.

More than 95 per cent of ovarian cysts, including functional, do not cause problems and do not need treatment. First line treatment is usually conservative, consisting of painkillers, hot baths or oral contraceptives. There are also many natural home remedies for ovarian cysts. However, a complex cyst that won’t go away, or that occurs around or after the menopause or those over a certain size may require surgical removal. In many cases, ovarian function and fertility can be preserved but the more serious cases may involve complete removal of both ovaries.