An ovarian cyst is a sac containing fluid that develops on or within an ovary. Many cause no symptoms and are found during a scan for another reason. Most are non-cancerous, and some disappear without treatment. What happens next depends on the cyst's appearance, your symptoms and your stage of life.
This guide focuses on adults. Healthdirect explains ovarian cysts.
Last updated 30 October 2026
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When to seek help sooner
Go to an emergency department for sudden or severe pelvic pain. Call 000 if you feel faint, collapse or need an ambulance. Seek urgent medical assessment for pelvic or abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting. Do not wait for a routine telehealth appointment or a booked ultrasound.
A cyst can sometimes burst or cause the ovary to twist, affecting its blood supply. Other conditions can cause similar pain, so do not assume a known cyst explains it. Healthdirect explains ovarian cyst complications and urgent symptoms.
If pregnancy is possible and you have pelvic pain or bleeding, seek prompt medical assessment. Pain with shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or faintness needs emergency assessment because it may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Read about ectopic pregnancy symptoms.
What symptoms might I notice?
Some cysts cause pelvic discomfort, pain during sex, bloating, a feeling of fullness or changes in bladder or bowel habits. Many cause no symptoms at all.
Arrange assessment for persistent or recurring pelvic pain, ongoing bloating, feeling full unusually quickly or changes in your periods. These symptoms have several possible causes and should not be self-diagnosed as a cyst. The NHS describes ovarian cyst symptoms.
How can HerDoc help through telehealth?
A HerDoc GP can discuss your symptoms, periods, pregnancy possibility and any previous scan results. Where clinically appropriate, your HerDoc GP can refer you for an ultrasound, order pathology tests or arrange an in-person examination. An examination is not a prerequisite for every telehealth appointment; your symptoms and history guide what is needed.
You attend a local imaging provider or pathology collection centre for the requested tests. A follow-up appointment with HerDoc can cover the results, whether the findings explain your symptoms and a plan for monitoring or further care. Your GP can discuss symptom relief, prescribe when clinically appropriate and arrange specialist referral where needed. The Australian Digital Health Agency explains telehealth and follow-up care.
What can an ultrasound show?
Ultrasound helps identify where a cyst is, its size and what it contains. A “simple” cyst contains fluid; a “complex” cyst may have blood, thicker material or solid areas. These descriptions help guide assessment, but the word “complex” does not by itself mean cancer.
The scan may use a probe over your abdomen, inside your vagina, or both. If an internal scan or examination is recommended, the clinician should explain it and ask for your consent. You can ask for a chaperone, decline or ask to stop, and discuss alternatives.
Blood tests may be useful in some circumstances, but are not required for every cyst. RCOG explains assessment before menopause and consent for pelvic examinations.
Will I need treatment or another scan?
Not always. Some common cysts develop as part of the menstrual cycle and resolve on their own. Some cysts need no treatment; others need a repeat ultrasound to check whether they have changed or disappeared. Your doctor should explain whether follow-up is needed, when it should happen and which symptoms mean you should seek help sooner.
Specialist assessment may be recommended if a cyst persists, grows, causes symptoms or has concerning features. Surgery is one option, not an automatic consequence of finding a cyst. The NHS explains monitoring and treatment.
After menopause, assessment takes a different approach because the likelihood of cancer is higher than before menopause. This does not mean every cyst is cancerous or needs surgery. Some small, simple cysts need no routine follow-up once assessed. RCOG's updated guidance explains assessment after menopause.
What about pregnancy plans or surgery?
Many ovarian cysts do not affect fertility. The type of cyst, any underlying condition and the treatment proposed can matter, so discuss pregnancy plans before deciding on a procedure.
If surgery is recommended, ask whether the plan is to remove the cyst alone or whether an ovary might also need removal. Discuss the benefits, risks and possible effects on fertility and hormones. The NHS explains surgery and fertility considerations.
Is an ovarian cyst the same as PCOS or PMOS?
No. Finding an ovarian cyst does not diagnose PCOS, now called PMOS. The ovarian features used in assessing that condition are small follicles, which are different from the cysts discussed here. Healthdirect explains this distinction.
Preparing for an appointment
If you have a scan report or medicines list, have it available. Mention when symptoms started, how they affect you, any bleeding changes and whether pregnancy is possible.
Useful questions include: “Does this finding explain my symptoms?”, “Do I need another scan?” and “Who will review the results and arrange the next step?”