Simple Ovarian Cyst

When a woman ovulates, the egg releases from the surface of the ovary. On occasion, the site from which the egg releases will form a cyst that is fluid filled. Often, that fluid is simply clear body fluid and the cyst is referred to as a "simple" cyst. If the cyst remains intact, it generally is reabsorbed into the body and goes away, usually occurs over a 2- to 4-week period. 

On occasion, however, one of these cysts will rupture. This may happen spontaneously or with the type of movement that comes with some types of activity, such as sexual intercourse. Oddly, a cyst might be very painful or not painful at all. In any case, the rupture of a cyst tends to be a very painful process. Once the cyst does rupture, the fluid spills out into the pelvis and gets reabsorbed into the body. Once this happens, the pain tends to go away rapidly and nothing else need be done.

Your doctor may discover a cyst during a pelvic exam, or when you have an ultrasound test for another reason. Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound may be done to diagnose a cyst. To verify the cyst has resolved, or has been absorbed back into the body, an ultrasound test should be done 4 to 6 weeks after your initial diagnosis. 

In some cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove the cyst, if it

• does not resolve
• increases in size - simple ovarian cysts that are larger than 5 - 10 centimeters
• causes unmanageable pain
• has significant bleeding with rupture

It is important to see your health care provider if you have any abdominal pain. Although, if you have an ovarian cyst, don't be surprised if you are allowed to heal yourself! This is because most cysts will be reabsorbed into the body on their own.