Ovarian cysts

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Female reproductive anatomy

Ovarian cysts

Uterine anatomy

Uterus

An ovarian cysts is a sac filled with fluid or a semisolid material that develops on or within an ovary.

Physiologic ovarian cysts; Functional ovarian cysts

Typically, ovarian cysts are functional (not disease related) and occur as a normal process of ovulation. During the days before ovulation, a follicle grows. But at the time of expected ovulation, the follicle fails to break open and release an egg, as it is supposed to. Instead, the fluid within the follicle remains and forms a cyst.

Functional, or physiological, ovarian cysts usually disappear within 8 to 12 weeks without treatment. They are relatively common, and are more common during a woman's childbearing years (puberty to menopause). Ovarian cysts are rare after menopause.

No known risk factors have been identified.

Functional ovarian cysts are not the same as ovarian tumors (including ovarian cancer) or cysts due to hormone-related conditions such as polycystic ovarian disease. Some non-functional ovarian cysts must be treated to go away.

Review Date: 06/20/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.