Can Ovarian Cysts Go Away on Their Own?

Are you worried about ovarian cysts? These fluid-filled sacs usually don’t cause problematic symptoms. However, some may trigger bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, back and leg pain, and other frustrating symptoms. 

Many women with ovarian cysts want to know if these growths require medical treatment or if they’ll go away on their own. If you’re worried about ovarian cysts, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at Progressive Women’s Health in Friendswood, Texas.

Board-certified OB/GYN Asia Mohsin, MD, and our care team specialize in diagnosing and treating problematic ovarian cysts. In this blog, we explain why cysts develop, why they can become problematic, and whether or not they can go away on their own.         

Understanding ovarian cysts

You can develop ovarian cysts for different reasons. The most common reason women get ovarian cysts is due to the reproductive cycle. The ovaries grow small, fluid-filled sacs called follicles, and eggs develop in these sacs.

When the egg is mature, the sac should break open and release the egg. However, if the sac fails to break open, it forms what’s called a follicular cyst. In other cases, the sac can release the egg, but if the sac doesn’t dissolve and the opening gets blocked, the sac can collect fluid and form what’s called a corpus luteum cyst.

While there are other types of cysts, the aforementioned cysts are the most common. Furthermore, these cysts generally don't cause symptoms, and they usually disappear on their own within 2-3 menstrual cycles.

However, ovarian cysts can sometimes cause problematic symptoms, such as:

• Pelvic pressure
• Bloating
• Pain in the abdomen
• Pain in the back, side, or thighs
• Pain during or after sex
• Abnormal bleeding
• Bowel or urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination

Women can develop problematic ovarian cysts for many reasons, including infections, hormone imbalances, endometriosis, and infertility treatments. Furthermore, cysts can be associated with serious health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can impact your overall health and lead to infertility. 

Treating problematic ovarian cysts

As mentioned previously, ovarian cysts often go away on their own without the need for medical help. 

If you have an ovarian cyst with mild symptoms, you can probably manage at home with over-the-counter pain medications and rest until the cyst goes away. If you have painful symptoms, it could be a sign that your ovarian cyst has ruptured. Many things can cause a cyst to rupture, including intense exercise and vigorous sex. 

Even if your ovarian cyst ruptures, you might not have debilitating symptoms or need medical attention. But, if you have intense or severe pain, heavy bleeding, or other problematic signs, you might need medical attention. Sometimes, ovarian cysts can require emergency surgery. 

Call Dr. Mohsin at Progressive Women’s Health or go to your nearest emergency provider if you have the following symptoms:

• Pain with fever and vomiting
• Pain with dizziness, weakness, or fainting
• Pain with unexplained and heavy bleeding 
• Pain with rapid breathing   

Treatment for ovarian cysts often involves watchful waiting. Sometimes Dr. Mohsin may recommend medications, such as hormone-based contraception, to help you manage your condition. 

If you have more questions about ovarian cysts and their treatment, get the help you need by calling 281-626-7694 or booking an appointment online with Progressive Women’s Health today. We also offer telehealth visits.