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Key Takeaways
- Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, but persistent, unusual, or worsening symptoms should always be checked by a doctor.
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain with fever, vomiting, or dizziness is a gynaecological emergency and needs immediate medical attention.
- Treatment ranges from watchful waiting to surgery, depending on the cyst's size, type, and symptoms — not every cyst requires intervention.
You may have found out during a routine scan, or perhaps you noticed a dull ache, bloating, or changes in your menstrual cycle and wondered what was going on. For many women, an ovarian cyst is a reassuringly common finding.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own. But some need closer monitoring or treatment, especially if they cause symptoms, grow larger, or look unusual on a scan.
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or within an ovary. They can develop at almost any point in a woman's reproductive life, and many form and disappear without ever being noticed. Cysts vary widely in size, content and cause, which is why treatment is never one-size-fits-all – it depends on what type of cyst you have, how it's behaving, and what it means for your symptoms and future fertility.
Common Types of Ovarian Cysts
Functional cysts are the most frequent type and form as part of the normal menstrual cycle.
- Follicular cysts develop when a follicle doesn't release its egg during ovulation and continues to grow instead.
- Corpus luteum cysts form after ovulation, when the follicle that released the egg fills with fluid or blood instead of breaking down as expected.
These typically resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles.
Benign (non-cancerous) cysts may persist longer and sometimes require closer monitoring or treatment:
- Endometriotic cysts (endometriomas) form when tissue similar to the womb lining grows on the ovary, often linked to endometriosis.
- Dermoid cysts develop from germ cells and may contain a mix of tissue types, including hair, skin or fat. They're more commonly seen in younger women.
- Cystadenomas develop from the outer surface of the ovary and may be filled with fluid or a thicker, mucous-like substance.
Polycystic ovaries – where the ovary contains multiple small follicles — may occur alongside irregular periods, subfertility, or symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as acne and excess hair growth.
A small proportion of ovarian growths may be cancerous, which is why unexplained or persistent symptoms should always be assessed by a doctor rather than monitored on your own.
Signs of an ovarian cyst
Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are found incidentally during a routine scan or pelvic exam. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Dull or sharp pelvic pain, particularly on one side
- Pain during your period or during intercourse
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- A frequent urge to urinate, or changes in bowel habits, caused by pressure from the cyst
- Unexplained loss of appetite or weight
Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially with fever, vomiting or dizziness, may indicate a ruptured or twisted (torted) cyst and needs urgent medical attention. This is considered a gynaecological emergency, as a twisted ovary can compromise its blood supply if not treated promptly.
Because early ovarian cancer can also present with vague, easily dismissed symptoms — bloating, appetite changes, pelvic discomfort — persistent or new symptoms should always be reviewed by a doctor rather than assumed to be a benign cyst.
Seeking medical advice early can help diagnose the underlying cause and support timely treatment
What causes ovarian cysts?
Most ovarian cysts form as a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Each month, your ovaries release an egg from a small fluid-filled sac called a follicle.
Sometimes that sac doesn't break open or release its fluid properly, and it develops into a cyst instead. This is a sign your ovaries are functioning, not a sign something has gone wrong. Functional cysts like these typically resolve on their own within one to two months.
A smaller number of cysts develop for reasons unrelated to ovulation:
- Cell growth that isn't tied to your cycle: Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas form when ovarian cells grow abnormally, rather than as a result of the normal ovulation process.
- Endometriosis: Tissue resembling the uterine lining can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic wall. Where it attaches to an ovary, it can form a blood-filled cyst known as an endometrioma.
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS): PMOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that causes multiple small cysts to form across both ovaries.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: A severe pelvic infection can spread to the ovaries and trigger cyst formation.
- Pregnancy: A corpus luteum cyst can form from the follicle that released the egg for conception. These usually shrink as pregnancy progresses, though occasionally they grow larger and need monitoring.
What are the risk factors for ovarian cysts?
Although ovarian cysts can develop in anyone with ovaries, certain factors make them more likely:
- Being of reproductive age: Ovarian cysts are most common before menopause because ovulation occurs regularly during these years.
- A history of ovarian cysts: Having had an ovarian cyst previously increases the chance of developing another.
- Fertility medications: Medicines that stimulate ovulation can increase the likelihood of functional ovarian cysts.
- A family history of conditions such as endometriosis or PMOS: Some gynaecological conditions have a genetic component that may increase your risk of developing certain types of ovarian cysts.
How ovarian cysts are diagnosed
Diagnosis usually begins with a conversation about your symptoms, menstrual history and any family history of ovarian or breast cancer, followed by:
- Pelvic ultrasound is the primary imaging tool used to confirm a cyst's presence, size, location and whether it's fluid-filled or solid. Features like solid components, irregular margins or unusual blood flow may prompt further investigation.
- Blood tests, including CA-125, which may be raised in ovarian cancer but can also be elevated in benign conditions such as endometriosis, so results are always interpreted alongside your scan and symptoms.
- Pregnancy test, since certain cyst types are a normal finding in early pregnancy.
- In some cases, laparoscopy may be used both to examine the ovaries directly and, where appropriate, to treat the cyst during the same procedure.
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A consultation with your doctor can help identify the right next steps for your symptoms.
Ovarian cyst treatment options in Singapore
Treatment is guided by your age, symptoms, cyst characteristics and personal circumstances, including whether you hope to preserve fertility. Your gynaecologist may recommend one of the following approaches, when clinically appropriate:
Watchful waiting
For small, simple, fluid-filled cysts without concerning features, monitoring is often the first step, regardless of age. This typically involves a follow-up ultrasound in a few months to check whether the cyst has changed in size or resolved on its own, as functional cysts frequently do.
Medication
Hormonal contraceptives may be prescribed to help prevent new cysts from forming by regulating ovulation. It's worth noting that these medications do not shrink cysts that already exist – their role is preventive, not curative.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be considered when a cyst is large, persistent, growing, causing significant symptoms, or shows features that raise concern. Depending on your situation, your surgeon may discuss:
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) cystectomy: Removal of the cyst while preserving the healthy ovarian tissue around it. This minimally invasive approach is generally preferred when the risk of malignancy is low, and may be associated with a shorter recovery than open surgery.
- Laparotomy (open surgery): May be recommended for larger cysts, cases involving prior abdominal surgery, or where there's greater concern about malignancy.
- Oophorectomy: Removal of the affected ovary, which may be recommended in specific circumstances, such as for postmenopausal women or where cyst characteristics warrant it.
If a cyst is found to carry features suggestive of cancer, your care team may discuss further staging and treatment options with you, which could involve a gynaecologic oncologist.
When should you see a doctor?
You don't need to wait for a scheduled check-up if you're experiencing:
- Persistent or worsening pelvic pain
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Unusual bloating that doesn't resolve
- Changes to your menstrual cycle that concern you
- Any symptoms alongside a known family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Even when symptoms feel minor, an assessment can offer clarity — and in most cases, reassurance.
How HiA can help?
If you are concerned about an ovarian cyst or have been advised to seek further evaluation, Health in Asia (HiA) makes it easier to connect with experienced gynaecologists in Singapore.
Whether you need an initial consultation, a second opinion, or specialist assessment for persistent symptoms, HiA helps you find and book appointments with doctors who can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Tell us your insurer during the first conversation and we'll take it into account when identifying specialist options.
Yes. That's one of the more common reasons people come to us. Message the Care Team with your diagnosis and treatment plan, and we'll help you decide what to do next.
The outcome depends on the type, size, and cause of the cyst. Many ovarian cysts are harmless and disappear naturally without treatment. However, some may continue to grow, cause persistent symptoms, or lead to complications such as rupture or ovarian torsion. In rare cases, a cyst may require further investigation to rule out cancer. Your doctor will recommend whether monitoring, medication, or surgery is the most appropriate option based on your individual situation.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cysts. However, hormonal contraceptives that suppress ovulation may reduce the risk of developing certain types of functional ovarian cysts or prevent them from recurring. These medications are not suitable for everyone, so your doctor will advise whether they are appropriate for you.
Although most ovarian cysts cannot be prevented, paying attention to new or persistent pelvic symptoms and attending routine gynaecological check-ups can help with early detection and timely treatment when needed.
Disclaimer
This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition. For decisions about your health or treatment, speak with a qualified doctor who knows your situation. An…
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