---
title: "Ovarian cysts: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Ovarian cyst symptoms, ultrasound follow-up, treatment, and warning signs of torsion or rupture."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/ovarian-cysts/
robots: noindex
---

# Ovarian cysts: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Ovarian cyst symptoms, ultrasound follow-up, treatment, and warning signs of torsion or rupture.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are ovarian cysts? An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac on an ovary. Most are harmless, cause no symptoms and disappear within a few months. Sudden severe pelvic pain, especially with nausea, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, needs urgent assessment because a cyst can twist or rupture.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about ovarian cysts

- Most cysts before menopause are related to the menstrual cycle.
- Ultrasound appearance, size, symptoms and menopausal status guide follow-up.
- Persistent, large or complex cysts may need specialist review or surgery.

## Possible symptoms

Symptoms can include [pelvic pain](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/pelvic-pain/), bloating, feeling full quickly, pain during sex, needing to pee more often and changes to periods.

## Tests and monitoring

[Ultrasound](https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/ultrasound-scan/) is the main test. A clinician may also arrange blood tests, particularly after menopause or when the scan is not clearly benign.

## Treatment

Observation is common. Surgery may be offered for cysts that are large, persistent, symptomatic or concerning, aiming to preserve the ovary where possible.

## ! When to see a GP about ovarian cysts

See a GP for persistent pelvic pain, bloating, feeling full quickly, urinary frequency or changing periods. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pelvic pain, pain with vomiting, fainting, marked weakness or heavy bleeding.

## Common questions about ovarian cysts

Do ovarian cysts always need treatment? No. Many disappear naturally and can be monitored with repeat ultrasound when appropriate. Can an ovarian cyst be cancer? Most are benign. Risk is higher after menopause and with certain ultrasound features, so follow-up recommendations matter. Can cysts affect fertility? Most do not. Some underlying conditions, such as endometriosis or PCOS, can affect fertility.

## Sources

- [NHS — Ovarian cyst](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 August 2026 Medically reviewed 1 August 2026 Next review due 1 August 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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