Pelvic pain is a common ailment that many women experience. It can have various causes, ranging from normal menstrual cramps to more serious conditions, like ovarian cysts. If you’re experiencing unexplained pelvic pain, you might be wondering if an ovarian cyst is the cause. Before determining if the cause of your pelvic pain is an ovarian cyst, it is helpful to understand what an ovarian cyst is and how it generally presents.
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. Many women will have an ovarian cyst at some point during their lives, often without even knowing it. This is because ovarian cysts typically don’t cause any symptoms and usually resolve on their own. However, when symptoms do occur, they can be a source of significant discomfort.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Not all ovarian cysts are the same. Different types of cysts may occur such as:
- Functional cysts: These are the most common types of cysts. Functional cysts are a result of your normal menstrual cycle and usually go away on their own within two to three months.
- Cystadenomas: These cysts develop from ovarian tissue and can be filled with a watery or mucous material.
- Endometriomas: These cysts are caused by endometriosis, when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows on the ovaries.
- Dermoid Cysts: These are formed from cells that make up the eggs and can contain tissue, such as hair or skin.
