Private ovarian cysts clinic in London, same-day women's health.

The common types

• Functional cysts — follicular and corpus luteum cysts, formed as part of ovulation. Very common, usually under 5cm, and typically resolve within two to three cycles. These do not occur after the menopause.
• Endometrioma — a cyst of endometriosis tissue, often called a chocolate cyst.
• Dermoid cyst — benign, containing a mixture of tissues, common in younger women.
• Cystadenoma — benign, can grow large.
• Polycystic ovaries — multiple small follicles, which are not cysts and are a different condition entirely.

Symptoms

Most cause none and are found incidentally on a scan done for another reason. When they do cause symptoms: pelvic pain or a dull ache, bloating or a feeling of fullness, pain during sex, pressure on the bladder or bowel, irregular periods, and occasionally sudden pain if the cyst bleeds or ruptures.

What happens after a cyst is found

• Before the menopause: a simple cyst under about 5cm usually needs nothing at all. Between 5 and 7cm, a repeat scan in six to twelve weeks confirms it has resolved. Larger or complex cysts need further assessment.
• After the menopause: cysts are taken more seriously, since functional cysts should no longer occur. A CA125 and a risk score are calculated, and referral follows accordingly.
• Complex features on the scan — solid areas, thick septations, increased blood flow — prompt specialist assessment regardless of age.
• The combined pill does not shrink an existing cyst, though it prevents new functional ones forming.

Symptoms that should never be dismissed

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed late partly because its symptoms are vague and easily attributed to IBS or diet. Seek assessment if you have persistent bloating (most days for three weeks or more), feeling full quickly or loss of appetite, pelvic or abdominal pain, or needing to pass urine more often or urgently — particularly if these are new, persistent and you are over 50. New IBS-type symptoms starting after 50 warrant investigation rather than a diagnosis of IBS.

Surgery

• Usually keyhole, removing the cyst and preserving the ovary where possible — particularly important if you may want children.
• Considered for large cysts, persistent symptoms, complex features, or suspicion of anything other than a simple cyst.
• Recovery from keyhole surgery is typically one to two weeks.
• Removing one ovary does not usually affect fertility or bring on the menopause.