An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac (follicle) that contains a maturing egg. It forms on the ovary's surface, then disappears after it releases the egg. If a mature egg is not released or if the sac seals shut after releasing the egg, the sac can swell up with fluid. This forms a functional ovarian cyst.
Most functional ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms. And most go away by themselves. But they do sometimes break open (rupture), twist, or bleed, which can cause severe pelvic pain.
Current as ofMay 14, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology