They're very common — and usually normal
Ovarian cysts are extremely common, and most are a completely normal part of how the ovaries work. Each month, as an egg develops and is released, fluid-filled sacs (follicles) form on the ovary. Sometimes one of these keeps growing or doesn't release its egg, forming a 'functional' cyst. These are the most common type and almost always harmless, often disappearing on their own within a few cycles.
So for most women, a cyst isn't a disease — it's a by-product of ovulation.
Other types and causes
Beyond functional cysts, other types include dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas (cysts linked to endometriosis). Conditions like PCOS involve many small follicles on the ovaries. Younger women who are ovulating are more likely to get functional cysts; after menopause, cysts are less common and watched more carefully.
The type of cyst is usually worked out from its appearance on ultrasound, sometimes with blood tests.
When to get checked
Because most cysts are harmless and self-resolving, many need nothing more than a follow-up scan. But see a GP if you have ongoing pelvic pain, bloating that doesn't settle, changes to your periods, or pain during sex — and seek urgent care for sudden severe pain. If you've been diagnosed with PCOS or endometriosis, cysts may be part of that picture and worth managing together.
If you're worried about a cyst or have symptoms, a telehealth consult can assess you and arrange the right scans.
References & sources
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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