Ovarian Cysts 101: Everything You Want to Know About Ovarian Cysts
About 10 in 100 people with ovaries have an ovarian cyst, and the true number may be even higher since many cysts don’t cause symptoms and are only found during a pelvic exam or imaging for something else.
Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts, meaning they’re related to the normal menstrual cycle. These often go away on their own within 60 days and don’t cause major issues. Functional cysts fall within one of these 2 types:
Follicular cysts form when a follicle in your ovary doesn’t release an egg—as typically happens once during most people’s menstrual cycles—and instead fills with fluid.
Corpus luteum cysts can form if the follicle releases an egg, but you don’t get pregnant. Normally the egg dissolves, but sometimes instead of dissolving, it fills with fluid.
Aside from the functional cysts described above, there are other types of ovarian cysts that can lead to pelvic pain, bloating, pressure, pain during sex, or changes in your period. In rare cases, a cyst can persist, rupture, or cause ovarian torsion, which is when the ovary twists and needs urgent medical care.
Adrienne Santos-Longhurst breaks down what ovarian cysts are, the different types to know, why they happen, and the signs that it may be time to check in with a doctor or other health care professional. Read the full guide here: Ovarian Cysts 101: Everything You Want to Know About Ovarian Cysts
