Ovarian Cysts

What are ovarian cyst symptoms?

Some ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and are incidentally found during imaging or testing done for other reasons. However, some experience:

• Acute pelvic pain, particularly when a cyst ruptures
• Pain between menstrual cycles that does not go away
• Bloating, pelvic pressure and back pain

Some other conditions can be mistaken for ovarian cysts, such as:

• Paratubal and urachal cysts
• Ovarian torsion
• Ovarian follicle
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

It is important that you talk with your gynecologist to understand what, if any, treatment or testing is needed for ovarian cyst pain or other symptoms you're experiencing.

Ovarian cyst tests and diagnosis

A pelvic ultrasound is the most common test to look for an ovarian cyst. Our care team uses a trans-abdominal (performed through the abdomen) or trans-vaginal (performed through the vagina) approach.

The trans-abdominal approach is much more common for girls and teens. It is important to have a full bladder before this test so we can view the ovaries completely.

For larger and more complicated cysts we may use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or blood tests.

Repeated ultrasound testing is often necessary to confirm the resolution or persistence of the cyst.

Ovarian cyst treatment for adolescents

Treatment is different for each young person and may involve several approaches. Common ovarian cyst treatments for children and teens include:

• Monitoring through ultrasound
• Hormonal suppression
• Surgical evaluation
• Surgical removal

In many cases, we simply monitor smaller cysts that appear to contain fluid with repeated imaging to confirm the cyst has resolved or is shrinking. We may also recommend using hormonal therapy to prevent another functional cyst from forming in the future.

Persistent cysts with concerning characteristics may require surgical evaluation using a laparoscopic camera or a traditional abdominal incision.

We typically monitor a ruptured ovarian cyst with a repeat ultrasound in 2 to 3 months to ensure that it has resolved. Ruptured cysts often resolve themselves and we prescribe pain medication for comfort. Most of the time, we can manage ruptured ovarian cysts without surgery.

When surgery is required, our priority is to remove only the cyst and preserve any healthy ovarian tissue to preserve the eggs and ensure future fertility.

Why choose Children's Colorado for ovarian cyst treatment?

Accurate diagnosis and monitoring are necessary to properly treat ovarian cysts. Our adolescent gynecologists have extensive experience in evaluating children, teens and young adults with ovarian cysts and understand ovarian cyst causes that helps them easily explain test results. When needed, we work closely with our urology and pediatric surgery specialists to develop a management plan that maximizes future ovarian function and reproductive potential.

Because many of our younger patients are still developing, treating their ovarian cysts is different than treating cysts in adults. Our board-certified pediatric and adolescent gynecologists have specialized training in the reproductive health concerns of children and young people. We understand the complex changes that occur prior to and during puberty and can recognize both common and rare causes of ovarian cysts children and teens. We will put you or your child at ease by carefully explaining the medical condition and the options for treatment. We also support your family through follow-up and consultation with other specialists and your primary care doctor, as needed.

To learn more about ovarian cysts, visit:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Center for Young Women's Health