• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

COVID HOTLINE • (877) 832-2684 • (877) 832-COVID • 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Covid Self-Checker

Offices May Be Affected by Weather. Please call your office prior to your appointment.

  • ESPAÑOL
  • Book Now
  • Book Now
  • Pay Now
  • Patient Portal
  • Call Us: (866) 840-7728
  • Call Us: (682) 200-6194
Palm Primary Care Texas
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Insurance Plans Accepted
      • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Find a Location
  • Find a Provider
  • Services
    • Primary Care
    • Senior Primary Care
    • Diagnostic Services
    • Case Management & Clinical Care
    • Transportation
    • Telemedicine
    • Weight Loss Program
  • Partner with Us
    • Careers
    • Careers For Providers
    • Become A Founding Physician
    • Agent Portal
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Provider Booklet for Agents and Providers
    • News & Blog
    • Patient Portal Information
    • Pay Now
  • Contact Us

Ovarian Cyst

Back to Patient Education
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Prevention
  • Am I at Risk
  • Complications

Introduction

Ovarian cysts are a common condition in women during the childbearing years.  They result when a cyst forms on the ovary.  An ovarian cyst may or may not cause symptoms.  The majority of ovarian cysts go away without treatment.  In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove large or ongoing cysts.
Back to top

Anatomy

The ovaries are two small organs that produce eggs and hormones.  The ovaries contain follicles that produce and release an egg each month.  Sometimes a follicle does not break open to release the egg or it closes then seals after an egg is released.  The follicle keeps growing and forms a cyst.  A cyst is a sac-like structure that is filled with fluid or semi-solid material.  Cysts that develop during the normal function of your menstrual cycle are termed functional cysts.
Back to top

Causes

Ovarian cysts can result from the natural function of the menstrual cycle.  A functional cyst may form if the follicle does not open to release an egg or if it seals after an egg is released.  Ovarian cysts are not the same thing as cancerous ovarian tumors or polycystic ovarian disease.  Functional cysts are more common during the childbearing years and rare after menopause.  There are two types of functional cysts, follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
 
A follicular cyst results when the follicle does not release an egg.  The fluid in the follicle remains and forms a cyst.  Follicular cysts are usually harmless and go away on their own in time.
 
A corpus luteum cyst develops when a follicle seals after releasing an egg.  Fluid builds up in the follicle and forms a cyst.  A corpus luteum cyst can grow quite large and become several inches in size.  It may rupture and bleed.  The fertility drug clomiphene citrate increases the risk of developing a corpus luteum cyst.  A corpus luteum cyst does not harm or threaten a pregnancy.
Back to top

Symptoms

An ovarian cyst may or may not produce symptoms.  An ovarian cyst may cause pelvic pain.  The pain is usually dull and may be constant or come and go.  The pain may spread to your lower back and thighs.  Your pain may increase during sexual intercourse, a bowel movement, or at the beginning or end of your menstrual period.  You may experience abdominal bloating or swelling.  Your periods may change and become longer, shorter, absent, or irregular. 
Back to top

Diagnosis

Your doctor may detect an ovarian cyst while performing a pelvic examination.  A doctor may conduct an ultrasound test if an ovarian cyst is suspected.  In some cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to create images of your ovary.  Additional tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Back to top

Treatment

In most cases, ovarian cysts go away without treatment.  Birth control pills may be used to establish regular menstrual cycles and prevent cyst formation.  Large ovarian cysts that do not go away without treatment may need to be surgically removed.  A laparoscopy may be used to remove an ovarian cyst.

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a laparoscope to view the ovary.  A laparoscope is a type of endoscope.  It consists of a thin tube with a light and viewing instrument.  Images from the laparoscope may be sent to a video monitor.  The images guide the surgeon during the removal of an ovarian cyst.
Back to top

Prevention

For women that are not seeking pregnancy, birth control pills may help regulate menstrual cycles and prevent follicle formation.
Back to top

Am I at Risk

Functional ovarian cysts are more common during the childbearing years, from puberty to menopause.  Functional ovarian cysts are rare after menopause.  Women that take the fertility drug clomiphene citrate have an increased risk for corpus luteum cysts.
Back to top

Complications

Large ovarian cysts may twist, rupture, or bleed, causing severe pain.  You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of shock, which may include passing out, rapid breathing, dizziness/lightheadedness, weakness, and cold or clammy skin.
Back to top

Copyright © 2025 - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

female medical provider talking with patient

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

Skip the wait—schedule your appointment online in minutes! Click below to choose a time that works best for you.
Book Now

woman hands typing on a computer

Palm Primary Care Blog

Stay informed about our physicians' activities and stay updated on the latest health news relevant to you.
READ OUR BLOG

female hand on a cellphone showing a map

Find a Location

Find the closest Palm Primary Care location near you.
FIND A LOCATION

female medical provider talking with patient

Services

Our services encompass a wide range of medical providers, delivering exceptional medical, and psychological care.
LEARN MORE

5 Stars Review

Dr. Caivano was great very knowledgeable, helpful, and explained everything in detail. New patient friendly they even introduced the other doctors to you in the event you ever have to be seen by them as a back. Staff is very professional and friendly. Best first impression ever.

Christopher M.

5 Stars Review

Dr. Hussey has a wonderful bedside manner. She is always very informative and is amazing at listening to my concerns and getting to the bottom of it. The staff is always very positive and helpful! I would recommend this office 100%.

Steve S.

5 Stars Review

Dr. Byrd is most liked doctor I have met. He cares about he’s patients and yes I would recommend him highly to everyone.

Emily K.

5 Stars Review

Dr. Mo continues to take great care of myself and my husband! She is resourceful and compassionate. During clinic hours, she is amazing but her additional follow-up and care is what sets her apart. SHE IS THE BEST and so is her office staff! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Charlotte F.

5 Stars Review

All the staff have been very kind with each visit.

Royal

Previous Next
Palm Primary Care Texas

Palm Primary Care throughout Texas offers value-based medical services including Primary Care, Diagnostic Services, Case Management & Clinical Care, Transportation, Telemedicine, Patient Resources, and Caregivers support.

  • Home
  • Accessibility Statement
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Copyright © 2025 · Palm Primary Care · All Rights Reserved