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Women's sexual health
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Cyst on ovary
Originally Published: December 22, 1995
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Dear Alice;
I just found out that I have a small cyst on my left ovary. I was wondering what causes these? Any risks with them? The doctor told me that they usually pass during a monthly period but I've been having this pain for several months already. Any advice? I haven't seen my GYN about this yet. Thanks, Concerned.
Dear Concerned, Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually harmless and disappear on their own. Cysts are often painless and without symptoms, so it's likely that a clinician will be the first to discover the cyst during a routine pelvic exam. S/he will probabl y recommend that you come back in a few weeks for another examination to check that the ovary is back to its normal size. Symptoms from cysts may include abnormal periods, irregular bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and nausea. In very rare cases, there can be severe pain associated with a cyst. Cysts are quite common among women under 30 years of age. Cysts usually disappear by themselves, but may require treatment if they do not disappear after one or two menstrual cycles, or if it is larger than two inches, or if you're over forty years old. Since you've been experiencing pain for several months at this point, make an appointment with a provider in Primary Care Medical Services by calling x4-2284 or see your regular gynecologist. Also, please see Alice's previous answer on ovarian cysts, Ovarian cysts, for more information.
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