An ovarian cyst is the name given to mostly fluid-filled sacs that can form inside or on the surface of the ovary. In medicine, it is also called an ovarian cyst. Ovarian cysts may be seen in the right or left ovary; in some patients, cysts may develop in both ovaries.

Most ovarian cysts are benign, and especially functional cysts may regress on their own within a few weeks or a few months. According to ACOG, most ovarian cysts are not cancerous and may disappear on their own without requiring treatment (1). However, the size and structure of the cyst, the patient’s age, symptoms, and menopausal status are determining factors in the treatment decision.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

The ovaries are organs in the female reproductive system where egg cells develop and hormone production takes place. Fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovary are defined as ovarian cysts.

The size of cysts may vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Some cysts contain only fluid, while others may contain blood, dense fluid, fatty tissue, or solid areas. Therefore, not every cyst is evaluated in the same way. Whether the cyst is simple or complex, single-chambered or multi-chambered, and whether it contains solid structures are examined by ultrasound.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst?

Many ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms and are detected incidentally during a routine gynecological examination or ultrasound. According to Mayo Clinic, large ovarian cysts may cause symptoms such as groin pain, abdominal fullness, a feeling of pressure, or bloating (2).

Symptoms of an ovarian cyst may include:

• Pain in the groin or lower abdomen,
• One-sided pelvic pain,
• Abdominal swelling, fullness, or a feeling of pressure,
• Pain during sexual intercourse,
• Menstrual irregularity or spotting,
• Painful menstruation,
• Frequent urination or a feeling of pressure on the bladder,
• Pressure on the intestines or discomfort during bowel movements,
• Nausea or vomiting,
• Breast tenderness,
• Ovarian cysts detected during infertility evaluation.

If sudden severe groin pain, nausea, vomiting, feeling faint, fever, or marked abdominal tenderness occurs, urgent evaluation is required. These symptoms may be associated with emergencies such as cyst rupture, bleeding, or ovarian torsion.

Why Does an Ovarian Cyst Form?

Ovarian cysts may form for different reasons. According to Cleveland Clinic, the ovulation process is one of the most common causes of ovarian cysts (3). Functional cysts develop during the menstrual cycle and usually regress on their own.

The main causes that may lead to ovarian cysts are:

• Functional Cysts: Follicle or corpus luteum cysts that develop during ovulation.
• Endometrioma: A chocolate cyst may develop in the ovary due to endometriosis.
• Dermoid Cyst: Benign cysts that may contain fat, hair, or different tissues.
• Cystadenoma: Cysts that may originate from the ovarian surface and contain fluid or mucus.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Disruptions in ovulation patterns may affect cyst formation.
• Pregnancy: Some cysts may be seen in early pregnancy and may require follow-up.
• Pelvic Infections: Severe infections may affect the ovaries and tubes, creating cystic structures.

How Is Ovarian Cyst Treatment Performed?

Ovarian cyst treatment is planned according to the type, size, ultrasound characteristics of the cyst, the patient’s age, menopausal status, the presence of symptoms such as pain or bleeding, and the desire for pregnancy. Mayo Clinic states that age, cyst type, size, and symptoms are taken into account when deciding on treatment (4).

The main approaches used in ovarian cyst treatment are:

• Follow-up: Small, simple, asymptomatic functional cysts may be monitored by ultrasound at certain intervals.
• Pain Control: Painkillers recommended by the physician may be used for mild pain.
• Hormonal Treatment: Birth control pills may help reduce the formation of new functional cysts; however, they do not always shrink an existing cyst.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: Removal of the cyst through small incisions in suitable patients.
• Laparotomy: A surgical method performed through a larger incision in large, complex cysts or cysts suspected of cancer.
• Pathological Examination: The cyst removed during surgery is sent to the pathology laboratory for definitive diagnosis.

When Is an Ovarian Cyst Monitored?

Cysts that appear simple, are small in size, do not cause symptoms, and have benign features can often be monitored with ultrasound follow-up. Functional cysts may usually disappear on their own within a few menstrual cycles.

During follow-up, the size, internal structure, growth rate of the cyst, and the patient’s complaints are evaluated. If the cyst is shrinking and there are no risky ultrasound findings, surgery may not be necessary. However, if the cyst grows, persists, or causes pain, the treatment plan is reassessed.

When Is an Ovarian Cyst Operated On?

The decision for surgery in ovarian cysts is not made only according to the diameter of the cyst. The ultrasound appearance of the cyst, whether it contains solid areas, the presence of septations, the patient’s age, menopausal status, pain complaints, torsion risk, and tumor markers are evaluated together.

Situations that may require surgery include:

• The cyst reaching large sizes,
• The cyst not disappearing or growing during follow-up,
• Causing severe pain or pressure symptoms,
• Suspicion of ovarian torsion or cyst rupture,
• Having a complex structure or containing solid areas,
• Being detected in the postmenopausal period,
• Ultrasound or laboratory findings suggesting cancer,
• Cysts that affect pregnancy planning or pose a problem in terms of fertility.

How Is Ovarian Cyst Surgery Performed?

Ovarian cyst surgery can generally be performed using two methods: laparoscopy and laparotomy. In suitable patients, laparoscopy is a minimally invasive method performed through small incisions. NHS Inform states that laparoscopy is preferred in suitable cases because it provides less pain and faster recovery (5).

• Laparoscopy: Removal of the cyst with a camera and surgical instruments through several small incisions in the abdomen. Recovery time is usually shorter.
• Laparotomy: Open surgery performed through a larger incision. It may be preferred for large, complex cysts or cysts suspected of cancer.

In patients of reproductive age, the goal is to preserve ovarian tissue whenever possible. However, in some cases, part or all of the ovary may be removed together with the cyst. This decision is made according to the preoperative evaluation and findings observed during surgery.

How Long Does Ovarian Cyst Treatment Take?

The duration of ovarian cyst treatment varies according to the type of cyst and the method applied. Functional cysts may regress within a few weeks to a few months. During this process, ultrasound checks may be performed at certain intervals.

In patients receiving hormonal treatment, the follow-up period may take a few months. If surgical treatment is performed, the recovery time varies according to the surgical method. While return to daily life is usually faster after laparoscopy, recovery after laparotomy may take longer. The NHS states that returning to normal activities after laparoscopy or laparotomy may take up to 12 weeks in some patients (6).

What Should Be Considered After Ovarian Cyst Surgery?

The recovery process after ovarian cyst surgery may vary depending on whether the surgery is performed laparoscopically or with an open method. Abdominal pain, shoulder pain, mild swelling, or fatigue may be seen for a few days after surgery.

Things to pay attention to during recovery:

• Rest for the period recommended by the physician,
• Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise in the first few days,
• Keep wound sites clean and dry,
• Use the medications recommended by the physician regularly,
• Follow the physician’s recommended period regarding sexual intercourse and tampon use,
• Do not miss follow-up appointments,
• Make sure to evaluate the pathology result with the physician.

If heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, marked abdominal swelling, high fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or redness/discharge at the wound site occurs, a physician should be consulted without delay (6).

Can an Ovarian Cyst Go Away with Medication?

Some ovarian cysts may disappear on their own without medication. Functional cysts are especially often monitored. Birth control pills or hormonal treatments may reduce the formation of new functional cysts; however, they do not always ensure that an existing cyst completely shrinks.

Medication treatment may be used to reduce pain, support menstrual regularity, or prevent the formation of new cysts. In large, complex, persistent cysts or cysts causing severe symptoms, medication treatment may not be sufficient and surgery may be considered.

Does an Ovarian Cyst Affect Fertility?

The effect of ovarian cysts on fertility varies according to the type and size of the cyst, its effect on ovarian tissue, and the treatment to be applied. Functional cysts usually do not permanently affect fertility. However, endometriomas, large cysts, repeated surgeries, or conditions requiring removal of ovarian tissue may be important in terms of fertility.

When planning surgery in patients of reproductive age, the aim is to preserve healthy ovarian tissue as much as possible. If one ovary needs to be removed, the other ovary may continue to function. However, removal of both ovaries may mean early menopause and loss of the possibility of natural pregnancy. Therefore, fertility options should definitely be discussed before surgery in patients planning pregnancy.

When Does an Ovarian Cyst Become Dangerous?

Ovarian cysts are mostly benign; however, in some cases, urgent evaluation or further examination is required. Sudden and severe pain may be a sign of cyst rupture or torsion, which means the ovary twists around itself. These conditions may require urgent intervention.

Symptoms that may be warning signs include:

• Sudden severe groin or abdominal pain,
• Nausea and vomiting accompanying the pain,
• Fainting, dizziness, or cold sweating,
• Fever,
• Marked abdominal swelling or tenderness,
• Heavy vaginal bleeding,
• A newly detected cyst in the postmenopausal period.

How Is an Ovarian Cyst Diagnosed?

The most commonly used methods in the diagnosis of ovarian cysts are gynecological examination and pelvic ultrasound. Ultrasound can evaluate the size, internal structure, whether it is single- or multi-chambered, whether it contains solid areas, and its vascular characteristics.

When necessary, blood tests, tumor markers, pregnancy test, MRI imaging, or further evaluations may be requested. Cysts detected in the postmenopausal period are evaluated more carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ovarian Cyst Treatment Prices 2026

Ovarian cyst treatment prices may vary depending on whether the cyst will be followed up, whether medication treatment will be applied, whether laparoscopy or laparotomy is required, hospital conditions, type of anesthesia, pathology examination, and additional procedures.

The most accurate information about current ovarian cyst treatment prices for 2026 can be provided after examination and ultrasound evaluation. This is because each patient’s cyst type, complaint, fertility plan, and treatment need are different.

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Ovarian Cysts. (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ovarian-cysts)
2. Mayo Clinic. Ovarian cysts - Symptoms and causes. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405)
3. Cleveland Clinic. Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9133-ovarian-cysts)
4. Mayo Clinic. Ovarian cysts - Diagnosis and treatment. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353411)
5. NHS Inform. Ovarian cyst. (https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/middle-years-around-25-to-50-years/periods-and-menstrual-health/ovarian-cyst/)
6. NHS. Ovarian cyst - Treatment. (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/treatment/)