Have you had a scan that unexpectedly reveals an ovarian cyst? Thinking back, you may realise you’ve had a dull, persistent ache in the pelvis or back. Or maybe you’ve experienced sharp twinges that come and go. Or perhaps a feeling of heaviness or bloating.
Ovarian cysts are common, and often harmless. But they can cause pain or discomfort, and don’t always resolve on their own. a small percentage, especially those found after menopause or with complex features, can be cancerous. That’s why understanding what’s happening, and knowing when to act, can make all the difference.
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside the ovary. Most appear and resolve on their own without needing treatment. But not all cysts are the same. Some persist, grow, or cause symptoms that affect your daily life. Others, like endometriomas or dermoid cysts, may affect your fertility, require monitoring or need treatment. In rare cases, they can burst or twist the ovary (ovarian torsion), which can be painful and require urgent care.
Around 70% of ovarian cysts are found by chance, often during scans for unrelated concerns. But when symptoms do appear, they tend to follow a few recognisable patterns.
These symptoms are easy to overlook or explain away. They can also be mistaken for something else. But if it’s not resolving or you are concerned, it’s worth investigating further.
Pelvic organs, including ovaries, are best assessed with ultrasound. It’s safe, painless, and provides a clear view of the size, shape, and location of the cyst. Especially when done internally (via the vagina or rectum).
May be used to assess hormone levels or rule out other conditions.
From there, further tests might be recommended, especially after menopause, or if the cyst has unusual features. In some cases, cysts can be monitored over time to see if it is resolving or changing.
Many cysts need no treatment at all, just monitoring.
If you have no symptoms, you may only need monitoring with ultrasound
If your cyst isn’t going away, is causing pain or any other symptoms, or appears complex, surgery may be recommended. In these cases, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is usually the preferred approach. It allows for faster recovery and less scarring.
For women considering children now or in the future, the focus isn’t just on removing the cyst, but on protecting fertility and preserving healthy ovarian function. This is where thoughtful technique by a reproductive surgeon matters.
For many women, ovarian surgery is a daunting prospect, whether due to future family planning or concerns about early menopause. Dr Tan recognises and addresses these concerns with compassion and support.
As a specialist gynaecologist with fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic and reproductive surgery, Dr Tan uses minimally invasive techniques with focus on fertility preservation. This means cysts are removed with care to protect healthy ovarian tissue from further damage. Dr Tan is also a Fertility Specialist with Genea, which means if you choose to freeze your eggs before surgery, this can be arranged seamlessly without needing a separate referral to additional specialists. For many women, this level of continuity and comprehensive care provides reassurance and control during an uncertain time.
