Ovarian cysts are normal for women in reproductive age. These are fluid filled sacs found in the walls of the ovary. They can remain physiologic in nature which means that they occur normally in the course of ovulation process and not due to another disease.

Pelvic ultrasound confirms the presence of ovarian cyst in women. It tells the location and the size of the cyst. When women feel odd abdominal discomfort and observes change in her abdominal size, it is best to schedule an ultrasound to confirm the presence of ovarian cyst. There are other diseases which has the same manifestations. It is best to be accurate to do accurate care.

Follicular ovarian cyst is a functional cyst which is caused by a follicle that forms even when the woman is not ovulating. It can grow as big as to 2.5 cm in diameter. When ruptured, it can cause excruciating pain to the lower abdomen of the woman or where the cyst is located. It is when the woman is ovulating or having her menstrual period that the pain is felt.

Corpus luteum cyst is another functional ovarian cyst after the follicle has released the egg cell for fertilization. Normally, the corpus luteum will just vanish without medical intervention. But when it remains to exist, fluids begin to enter the sac and thus, the ovarian cyst if formed.

Most of these functional ovarian cysts are harmless and benign. Most of them do not even show signs of pain and discomfort. They may be okay and non-threatening for the woman for a certain period of time. However, when these cysts grow in size and greater than 2.5 cm, the pain begins to manifest. It is in this case that the woman should consult the doctor. If the cyst is unattended, the progress may lead to rupture of the functional ovarian cyst causing profuse bleeding, infection and excruciating pain. Worse, this may lead to ovarian cancer.

Doctors may recommend hormonal pills for treatment such as Estrogen. Hormonal pills will stop ovulation  and stop the growth of the functional ovarian cyst. However, if the size has been big enough to disturb the other organs or cause frequent pain, surgical removal of the ovarian cyst may be recommended.