If you are wondering what are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst, it is important to know that most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and often disappear naturally within a few months. However, some cysts can become large, rupture, or twist the ovary, which may cause pelvic pain and other noticeable symptoms.
Ovarian cysts are very common and can develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle. In some cases, they are associated with conditions such as endometriosis. Most are non-cancerous, but symptoms that are persistent, severe or unusual should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What Is an Ovarian Cyst?
What exactly is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary.
Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the womb. The ovaries release eggs and produce hormones including oestrogen and progesterone.
Many ovarian cysts develop naturally during the menstrual cycle. These are often called functional cysts and usually disappear without treatment. Less commonly, cysts develop because of abnormal cell growth or another underlying condition.
What Are the Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst?
How do I know if I have an ovarian cyst?
Many women do not know they have an ovarian cyst because there may be no symptoms at all.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Pain on one side
- Pain during sex
- Bloating or a swollen abdomen
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Difficulty emptying the bowel
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Lighter periods than usual
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
These symptoms can also occur with many other conditions, so having one or more of them does not automatically mean you have an ovarian cyst.
1. Pelvic Pain
Can an ovarian cyst cause pelvic pain?
Yes. Pelvic pain is one of the symptoms that can occur when an ovarian cyst becomes problematic.
The pain may feel like:
- A dull ache
- Pressure or heaviness
- A sharp pain
- Pain on one side of the lower abdomen
- Pain that comes and goes
The type and severity of pain can vary depending on the cyst and whether a complication has occurred.
If pelvic pain is persistent or keeps returning, it is worth discussing with your GP.
2. Pain on One Side of the Abdomen
Can an ovarian cyst cause one-sided pain?
Yes. Because an ovarian cyst can develop on either ovary, some women may notice discomfort predominantly on the left or right side of the lower abdomen.
However, one-sided pelvic pain does not automatically mean you have an ovarian cyst. Ovulation, endometriosis, bowel problems, urinary conditions and other gynaecological problems can cause similar symptoms.
Sudden and severe one-sided pain requires urgent medical assessment, particularly if you also feel sick or are vomiting.
3. Bloating and a Swollen Tummy
Can an ovarian cyst cause bloating?
Yes. Some women with symptomatic ovarian cysts may experience bloating or a swollen abdomen.
You may feel that your stomach is unusually full or uncomfortable.
However, bloating is extremely common and can have many causes, including digestive problems, hormonal changes and other medical conditions.
If persistent bloating occurs alongside pelvic pain, changes in your periods or feeling unusually full after eating, discuss the symptoms with your doctor.
4. Feeling Full After Eating
Can an ovarian cyst make you feel full quickly?
Yes. A larger ovarian cyst can sometimes cause pressure in the abdomen, which may contribute to feeling full after eating only a small amount.
This symptom is not specific to ovarian cysts, however. Digestive conditions and other abdominal problems can produce a similar sensation.
Persistent or unexplained early fullness should therefore be assessed rather than assumed to be caused by a cyst.
5. Changes to Your Period
Can an ovarian cyst affect your period?
It can. Some ovarian cysts may be associated with changes in menstrual bleeding.
You may notice:
- Heavier periods
- Irregular periods
- Lighter periods than usual
- A change in your usual menstrual pattern
However, many other conditions can affect periods, including hormonal changes, PCOS, thyroid problems, stress and changes in contraception.
If your periods have suddenly become irregular or significantly different, speak with your GP.
6. Pain During Sex
Can an ovarian cyst cause pain during sex?
Yes. Some women with ovarian cysts experience pelvic pain during sexual intercourse.
Pain during sex can have many other causes, including endometriosis, vaginal dryness, pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic floor problems.
If sex has become repeatedly painful, do not assume that an ovarian cyst is necessarily responsible. A medical assessment can help identify the underlying cause.
7. Frequent Urination
Can an ovarian cyst make me need to pee more often?
It can. A larger cyst may put pressure on nearby structures, including the bladder, potentially causing a frequent need to urinate.
However, frequent urination is also a common symptom of urinary tract infections and other urinary conditions.
If frequent urination occurs with burning, urgency, cloudy urine or blood in your urine, your doctor may need to investigate a urinary cause as well.
8. Difficulty Emptying Your Bowel
Can an ovarian cyst affect bowel movements?
A larger cyst can sometimes create pressure in the pelvis and contribute to difficulty emptying the bowel.
Constipation and bowel changes are also common for many other reasons, so this symptom alone cannot diagnose an ovarian cyst.
If bowel symptoms are persistent or occur alongside pelvic pain or abdominal swelling, discuss them with your healthcare professional.
9. Difficulty Getting Pregnant
Can an ovarian cyst affect fertility?
Most ovarian cysts do not prevent women from becoming pregnant, and fertility is usually unaffected.
However, certain conditions associated with ovarian cysts can affect fertility. For example, endometriosis can cause cysts and may also affect conception.
If you are trying to become pregnant and have an ovarian cyst, your doctor can discuss whether further investigation is appropriate.
If surgery is needed, surgeons generally try to preserve ovarian tissue and fertility whenever possible.
10. Sudden Severe Pelvic Pain
Can an ovarian cyst cause sudden severe pain?
Yes, and this is one of the symptoms that should not be ignored.
An ovarian cyst can sometimes rupture or cause the ovary to twist, a complication known as ovarian torsion. These situations can cause sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain.
You should seek urgent medical help if you develop:
- Sudden severe pelvic pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain with nausea
- Pelvic pain with vomiting
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- Feeling faint or dizzy
Recent NHS hospital guidance also highlights severe pain accompanied by vomiting, fever, dizziness or rapidly worsening abdominal symptoms as reasons for urgent assessment.
Can an Ovarian Cyst Go Away on Its Own?
Do all ovarian cysts need treatment?
No. Most ovarian cysts do not need immediate treatment and disappear naturally within a few months.
If an ultrasound shows a cyst that looks simple and you have no significant symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring it rather than treating it immediately.
A repeat ultrasound may be arranged to check whether the cyst has disappeared.
Are Ovarian Cysts Dangerous?
Should I be worried if I have an ovarian cyst?
Most ovarian cysts are benign and are not dangerous.
The risk and management depend on factors such as:
- The size of the cyst
- Its appearance on an ultrasound
- Your symptoms
- Your age
- Whether you have been through menopause
Cysts that are large, persistent, symptomatic or have an unusual appearance may require further investigation or treatment.
Ovarian cancer arising from a cyst is uncommon, although the risk is higher after menopause. This is why ovarian cysts found after menopause may require closer monitoring.
Can an Ovarian Cyst Burst?
What happens if an ovarian cyst ruptures?
Sometimes an ovarian cyst can rupture.
A ruptured cyst may cause sudden pelvic or abdominal pain. The severity depends on the circumstances and whether there is bleeding or another complication.
Sudden severe pain should not be assumed to be a simple ruptured cyst. Other urgent conditions can cause similar symptoms, so medical assessment may be necessary.
What Happens If an Ovarian Cyst Twists?
What is ovarian torsion?
Ovarian torsion occurs when the ovary twists and its blood supply can become blocked.
It can cause sudden and severe pelvic pain and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
This is an urgent medical problem and requires prompt assessment.
When Should I See a GP for an Ovarian Cyst?
What symptoms should I get checked?
Arrange an appointment with your GP if you have symptoms that could be associated with an ovarian cyst, particularly if they are persistent or keep returning.
These may include:
- Repeated pelvic pain
- Persistent bloating
- Changes in your normal periods
- Pain during sex
- Frequent urination without an obvious explanation
- Difficulty emptying your bowel
- Feeling unusually full after eating
- Concerns about fertility
Your GP can assess your symptoms and decide whether further investigation is needed.
When Is an Ovarian Cyst an Emergency?
When should I seek urgent help?
Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, particularly if the pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
You should not try to determine at home whether severe pain is caused by an ovarian cyst, because other urgent conditions can produce similar symptoms.
How Are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?
What tests are used to find an ovarian cyst?
If your GP suspects an ovarian cyst, you will usually be referred for an ultrasound scan.
A transvaginal ultrasound may be used to obtain a clearer view of the ovaries and the cyst.
The scan can help doctors assess:
- The size of the cyst
- Its appearance
- Whether it looks simple or complex
- Which ovary is affected
Depending on your age, symptoms and scan results, you may be monitored with another ultrasound or referred to a gynaecologist.
In some circumstances, particularly after menopause or when there are concerns about the appearance of a cyst, blood tests and additional investigations may be recommended.
When Should I See a Gynaecologist for an Ovarian Cyst?
Can a gynaecologist treat ovarian cysts?
Yes. A gynaecologist specialises in conditions affecting the female reproductive system and may become involved when an ovarian cyst requires specialist assessment.
You may be referred to a gynaecologist if:
- The cyst is large
- The cyst persists
- You have ongoing symptoms
- The ultrasound appearance is concerning
- There is uncertainty about the diagnosis
- You have been through menopause
- Surgery may be required
The decision depends on your individual circumstances rather than the presence of a cyst alone.
How Are Ovarian Cysts Treated?
Does every ovarian cyst need surgery?
No. Treatment depends on the cyst’s size, appearance, symptoms and whether you have been through menopause.
For many women, the recommended approach is simply watchful waiting, with a follow-up ultrasound if appropriate.
Surgery may be considered when a cyst:
- Is large
- Does not disappear
- Causes significant symptoms
- Continues to grow
- Has an unusual or concerning appearance
When surgery is necessary in women who have not reached menopause, doctors generally aim to preserve ovarian tissue and fertility whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include pelvic pain, bloating, changes in periods, pain during sex, frequent urination, bowel difficulties, feeling full quickly and, less commonly, fertility difficulties.
How do I know if I have an ovarian cyst?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm an ovarian cyst. If your doctor suspects one, an ultrasound scan is commonly used to examine the ovaries.
Can an ovarian cyst cause pelvic pain?
Yes. An ovarian cyst can cause pelvic pain ranging from a dull, heavy sensation to sudden severe pain, particularly if complications occur.
Can an ovarian cyst cause bloating?
Yes. Some symptomatic ovarian cysts can cause bloating or a swollen abdomen, although persistent bloating has many other possible causes.
Can an ovarian cyst affect my period?
Some ovarian cysts can be associated with heavier, lighter or irregular periods. However, changes in menstruation have many possible causes.
Can an ovarian cyst affect fertility?
Most ovarian cysts do not affect fertility. Some underlying conditions associated with cysts, such as endometriosis, can affect fertility.
Can an ovarian cyst go away on its own?
Yes. Most functional ovarian cysts disappear naturally within a few months and do not require treatment.
Can an ovarian cyst burst?
Yes. Some cysts can rupture and cause sudden pelvic or abdominal pain. Severe or rapidly worsening pain requires medical assessment.
What happens if an ovarian cyst twists?
An ovarian cyst can sometimes cause the ovary to twist, potentially affecting its blood supply. This is called ovarian torsion and requires urgent medical assessment.
When should I see a gynaecologist for an ovarian cyst?
A gynaecologist may be involved when a cyst is persistent, large, symptomatic, complex on ultrasound, or requires specialist treatment or surgery.
Final Thoughts
If you have been searching for what are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst, remember that many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and disappear without treatment.
When symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic pain, bloating, changes in periods, pain during sex, urinary or bowel symptoms and, occasionally, fertility difficulties.
The important distinction is between mild or persistent symptoms that need assessment and sudden severe symptoms that may require urgent care.
If you have ongoing symptoms, speak with your GP. If an ovarian cyst is suspected, an ultrasound scan can help determine its size and appearance, and a gynaecologist may become involved if specialist management is needed.
Most ovarian cysts are not dangerous, but persistent or severe symptoms should never be ignored.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ovarian cysts can have different causes and symptoms can overlap with other conditions. If you experience sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, particularly with nausea, vomiting, dizziness or feeling faint, seek urgent medical assessment.