Ovarian cysts affect up to 10% of women, but for most, they come and go without causing any issues at all.
At Modern OBGYN Care, our compassionate team, led by Miguel Torres, MD and Marcela Torres, MD, are ovarian cyst experts with many years of experience in both diagnosis and treatment.
Our team believes in transparency and sharing knowledge because we want our patients to understand and feel confident in their treatment plan. Today, we address two of the most common questions we hear about ovarian cysts: Will it go away on its own? And when do I need to see the doctor?
The most common type of ovarian cysts, functional cysts, develop naturally during the menstrual cycle. These cysts form when follicles grow or release an egg, and usually go away within one or two cycles.
Other types, including dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, or endometriomas, may be more persistent and could grow larger over time.
Beyond hormonal changes, other factors like pregnancy, endometriosis, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can also contribute to cyst formation.
In many cases, ovarian cysts are discovered incidentally, during imaging to evaluate another concern. Cysts discovered this way often require monitoring but not treatment.
Simple cysts under a few centimeters often disappear within a few cycles, especially when they’re filled with clear fluid. Even when cysts cause mild symptoms, they may still improve on their own.
Our team often advises watchful waiting when:
Our doctors perform regular in-office ultrasounds to confirm that the cyst is shrinking.
Though most are harmless, around 8% of ovarian cysts require treatment. Some symptoms indicate it's time to see one of our experienced OB/GYNs are:
Sudden, severe pain could be a ruptured ovarian cyst, or it could be an emergency called ovarian torsion, in which the ovary twists abnormally. Ovarian torsion requires emergency care to restore proper blood flow to the ovary and prevent tissue death.
At Modern OBGYN Care, we use advanced ultrasound technology to fully assess a cyst’s size, structure, and potential for complications. This helps our doctors create a customized ovarian cyst management plan based on your symptoms, age, medical history, and reproductive goals.
If you’re concerned about a cyst or having worrying symptoms, call our office to book your appointment with one of our experienced OB/GYNs.
