Ovarian cysts:
What they are and when to get them checked
Is this normal?
Bloating? Pelvic pressure? A weird, sharp pain that comes and goes? If you’ve ever been told you have an ovarian cyst—or wonder if you might—you’re not alone.
Ovarian cysts are incredibly common. Most are harmless and go away on their own. But sometimes, they can cause discomfort or raise questions—especially if you’re dealing with pain, irregular cycles or trying to fall pregnant.
Here’s what you need to know about ovarian cysts, how they’re treated, and when it’s worth looking into them further.
Understanding
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. There are many types, but the most common are functional cysts—these happen as part of the normal menstrual cycle and usually disappear on their own.
Other cysts, known as non-functional cysts, may need monitoring or treatment. These include:
- Follicular cysts – when the follicle that should release an egg doesn’t open
- Corpus luteum cysts – which form after an egg is released. This is a functional cyst if pregnancy is desired however they can bleed and become haemorrhagic cysts that cause pain.
- Dermoid cysts, endometriomas, and cystadenomas – less common, but can sometimes cause symptoms or grow larger
What causes ovarian cysts?
Many ovarian cysts form naturally during ovulation and resolve without treatment. But some factors make them more likely, including:
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal changes
- Perimenopause
Ovarian cyst symptoms
What do ovarian cysts feel like?
Some women have cysts and don’t know it—they may only be picked up during a scan for something else. Others notice signs, especially if the cyst is large, causing pressure, or has ‘bled’ into itself causing pain.
Common symptoms may include:
- A dull ache or sharp pain on one side of the lower belly
- Bloating or a feeling of heaviness
- Pain during or after sex
- Discomfort when going to the toilet
- Irregular bleeding or heavier periods
- Needing to wee more often
- Sudden, sharp pain if a cyst bursts or causes an ovary to twist (ovarian torsion)
If the pain is severe or sudden, it’s important to seek urgent care.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Most ovarian cysts are found during a pelvic ultrasound, either externally on the tummy or internally via a transvaginal scan. The scan shows:
The size and shape of the cyst
Whether it’s fluid-filled (simple) or contains solid areas (complex)
Whether one or both ovaries are affected
Ovarian cyst treatment
Do ovarian cysts need treatment?
Many cysts don’t need treatment and go away on their own. If the cyst is small and not causing any symptoms, we may simply monitor it over time.
But if the cyst is persistent, painful, or appears complex on scan, we’ll talk about other options.
Treatment options may include:
Monitoring:
A repeat ultrasound after a few weeks to check if the cyst has resolved
Hormonal contraception:
To prevent new cysts from forming
Pain relief:
Anti-inflammatories or heat packs may help with discomfort
Surgery:
Recommended if the cyst is large, causing symptoms, or needs further investigation
Surgery is usually done by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) and may involve removing the cyst or, in some cases, the affected ovary.
What people are saying
Here are some anonymous reflections from people who’ve dealt with ovarian cysts:
- “Mine showed up during a scan for something else—I had no idea it was even there.”
- “I kept feeling this pressure low in my belly. It turned out to be a cyst that needed surgery.”
- “I was told to wait and watch. That was hard at first, but it did eventually go away.”
These are common experiences—and it’s okay to feel uncertain or to have questions.
When should you get checked?
You don’t need to panic about every cramp or twinge. But it’s worth seeing your GP if you’re experiencing:
- Ongoing or one-sided pelvic pain
- Changes to your periods or bleeding
- Bloating that doesn’t improve
- Pain during sex or when going to the toilet
- Pressure or fullness that feels unusual
Your GP can arrange a scan and refer you to a specialist if needed.
What now?
If you’ve been told you have a cyst—or you suspect something isn’t right—there are steps you can take:
Keep track of symptoms:
Note when you feel pain, how long it lasts, and whether it changes throughout your cycle.
Talk to your GP:
Ask if a pelvic ultrasound might help clarify what’s going on.
Know that options exist:
Whether it’s watchful waiting, medication or surgery, we’ll talk through what makes the most sense for you.
Reach out:
If you’re looking for more support or a second opinion, I’m here to help you feel heard and informed.
Ovarian cyst Perth
Let’s take the stress out of cysts
- Follow me on Instagram for educational content and women’s health conversations.
- Book a consultation if you’d like to talk things through
- Download a symptom tracker to bring along to your GP or specialist appointment. As a founder of Charli.health, I’ve worked on a symptom tracker designed to help you log your cycle and symptoms. It’s a simple tool you can use to support conversations with your healthcare team.