Are Ovarian Cysts Dangerous? Not Usually, But Here’s When You Should See Your Provider

If you’ve been told you have an ovarian cyst, you’re not alone. In fact, ovarian cysts are a common condition affecting about 10% of women with ovaries. But most experts think the rates are probably much higher since they often have no symptoms and can go undetected.

Cysts on the ovary are usually not dangerous, but in some cases they can be serious. Let’s take a closer look at why ovarian cysts happen and when you should seek medical attention.

How are ovarian cysts formed?

There are different ways an ovarian cyst can form. Why and how an ovarian cyst forms will depend on the type of cyst.

Functional ovarian cysts

A functional ovarian cyst is the most common type of cyst. It’s tied to the menstrual cycle. In each normal cycle, a fluid-filled follicle develops on the ovary. This sac forms to hold a developing egg. Once the egg is mature, the follicle bursts. This releases the egg to join with sperm to form a pregnancy, or to exit the body during the menstrual period. The empty sac dissolves and is absorbed by the body. 

If either step of this process fails to take place, a cyst can develop.

A follicular cyst forms when the follicle fails to break open and the egg isn’t released. The follicle will then continue growing into a cyst. 

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

What You Should Know About Ovarian Cysts

Sebaceous Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Removal (Plus Pictures)

What You Need to Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility

Infertility: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

View more

A corpus luteum cyst forms if the sac does not shrink after the egg is gone. The sac can reseal itself and swell as it fills up with fluid, causing a cyst to develop.

Pathologic ovarian cysts

Pathologic cysts develop as a result of abnormal cell growth rather than the normal function of the menstrual cycle. Because they are not related to the menstrual cycle, they can occur both before and after menopause. These cysts are much more uncommon.

These cysts develop from cells within the ovary (like dermoid cysts) or cells that cover the outer part of the ovary (like cystadenomas). Both dermoid cysts and cystadenomas are usually benign (non-cancerous) cysts. But malignant (cancerous) cysts can also form from these cells. 

Secondary cysts

Secondary cysts develop as a result of other conditions. These can include cysts related to:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

• Infection

Ovarian cysts can also develop as a result of pregnancy. These cysts can form in the second trimester as your HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone peaks. Ovarian cysts in pregnancy are usually harmless. But they can cause problems if they grow very large.

What are the risk factors for ovarian cysts?

While ovarian cysts are pretty common overall, there are some factors that could put you more at risk for developing them. Risk factors for ovarian cysts include:

• Infertility treatment (medications like clomiphene can overstimulate the ovaries)

• Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)

• Cigarette smoking

• Tubal ligation (getting the “tubes tied” to prevent pregnancy)

• Tamoxifen (breast cancer treatment) 

What makes ovarian cysts dangerous?

Most ovarian cysts are not dangerous, but there can be a variety of serious complications. These dangers can include:

• Pelvic pain: Larger ovarian cysts can cause sharp or dull pelvic pain. This pain can be chronic or come on suddenly as other complications develop.

• Ovarian cyst rupture: If cysts are large in size, there can be sudden intense pain and internal bleeding if they burst open.

• Ovarian torsion: Large cysts can cause the ovary to twist, cutting off its blood supply. This typically causes severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. It’s a surgical emergency.

• Infections: If a cyst caused by an infection bursts, the infected contents can spread and trigger sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection. 

• Cancer: While the majority of cysts are benign, a small number of them may be cancerous. These are more common in older women after menopause.

• Infertility: This is usually only an issue when cysts are associated with an underlying condition affecting fertility, like PCOS or endometriosis. Infertility can also occur if you have a complication requiring the removal of your ovary.

For these reasons, ovarian cysts should always be checked by your healthcare provider. They can develop a treatment plan to decrease the risk of serious complications.

How do you treat an ovarian cyst?

Many ovarian cysts need no treatment at all and will resolve on their own. Your provider may recommend “watchful waiting.” This means you will not get any active treatment, but they may repeat an ultrasound in a few months to check if the cyst is gone. 

Some ovarian cysts may need surgical intervention, though. This will depend on factors of the cyst like:

• Size

• Location

• Type

Your provider will also factor in your age, if you are having any symptoms from the cyst, and whether or not you have been through menopause.

In general, surgery might be needed to treat an ovarian cyst if you have:

• Signs and symptoms of ovarian torsion

• A cyst that won’t go away

• Sudden belly pain

• A cyst that looks suspicious for cancer

• A cyst after menopause

Surgery to treat an ovarian cyst usually involves removal of the cyst. This is generally done as a minimally invasive procedure called a laparoscopy. In a laparoscopy, your provider makes only three to four half-inch belly incisions. If the cyst is very large or has signs of cancer, you may need a more invasive surgery or removal of the entire ovary and surrounding structures. 

Birth control pills are also sometimes prescribed for people with ovarian cysts. They are not effective in treating ovarian cysts. However, they may help prevent further cysts from forming in those who are prone to them.

When should you become concerned about ovarian cysts?

Most people don’t know they have an ovarian cyst until they start having symptoms. You should always let your provider know if you start having unexplained symptoms such as: 

• Pelvic pain

• Pain during intercourse

• Pain during a bowel movement or changes to your bowel habits

• Changes to your urinary habits

• Bloating or swelling in your lower abdominal area

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Feeling very full after eating very little

If you have a known ovarian cyst, you should seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms like:

• Sudden, sharp severe pain in the lower belly or back

• Severe nausea and vomiting

• Abnormally heavy vaginal bleeding

• Lightheadedness and dizziness

• Fever

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Jennifer L. Claves, MD

Jennifer L. Claves, MD, is a practicing board-certified internal medicine physician with over two decades of experience. She earned her medical degree from Penn State University and completed her residency and chief residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts