Something clicked one afternoon at Family Fertility & IVF Center Lahore. A scan showed a cyst in an ovary of a woman who came hoping for answers about fertility. That cyst raised more questions than the ultrasound report could explain. What kind of cyst? Is it dangerous? Could it threaten pregnancy? Could it be cancer?
That moment means paying attention matters. Here is what ovarian cysts really are, what to watch out for, how they compare to PCOS, when removal becomes necessary, and why choosing the right clinic (yes, like us at Family Fertility & IVF Center) can help catch problems early and protect future fertility.
So, What Even Is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or on the ovary. That’s it. Sounds scary, but most of the time, it’s not. These cysts are actually pretty common. Most women will have at least one at some point, many won’t even know it’s there.
Sometimes, the cyst pops up and disappears on its own. Sometimes, it sticks around, grows, twists the ovary, bleeds, or messes with fertility. That’s when it becomes a problem.
Common Symptoms (and the Ones You Shouldn’t Ignore)
Here’s what many women report when a cyst decides to make its presence known:
- Dull ache or sharp pain in the lower belly, usually on one side
- Bloating or a heavy feeling
- Irregular periods
- Pain during sex
- Constant need to pee or poop (because the cyst presses on nearby organs)
- Nausea or vomiting if the ovary twists (yes, it happens)
If any of this sounds familiar and it’s not going away, time to get it checked.
Cysts Have Types and Some Definitely Bring the Drama
The type of cyst decides everything, whether to wait, worry, or remove it. Let’s break them down:
1. Follicular Cyst
This one forms when the egg doesn’t get released and the follicle keeps growing.
- Usually harmless
- Often disappears within a few weeks
- May cause mild pain or delayed periods
2. Corpus Luteum Cyst
Happens after ovulation. If the follicle sac seals off and fills with fluid or blood, it becomes a cyst.
- Can be painful if it bleeds
- May delay the next period
- Still, many dissolve without treatment
3. Dermoid Cyst (Teratoma)
This one’s weird. It can contain hair, skin, fat, even teeth. Yes, teeth.
- Usually benign
- Can grow big
- May twist the ovary (torsion)
- Needs surgical removal if large or symptomatic
4. Endometrioma (Chocolate Cyst)
Formed by endometriosis, it fills with old blood and looks dark brown, hence the name.
- Often painful
- Can damage ovarian tissue
- Affects fertility
- If large or interfering with pregnancy, removal is usually advised
5. Cystadenoma
Grows from the outer surface of the ovary. Can be filled with watery or mucous material.
- Can grow to a massive size
- Might cause pain or pressure
- Surgery may be required depending on size and symptoms
6. Malignant Cysts (Ovarian Cancer)
Rare, but real.
- Mostly found in older women
- More common after menopause
- Needs immediate removal
- Managed by a cancer specialist
PCOS vs Ovarian Cyst: Let’s Clear the Confusion
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and ovarian cysts are not the same thing.
- PCOS involves multiple tiny follicles on the ovaries, often due to hormonal imbalance. These aren’t actual cysts. They don’t grow big or twist or rupture.
- A true ovarian cyst is usually one (or a few) larger sacs that may appear due to ovulation or other causes. These can cause pain, affect fertility, or need removal.
So, if someone says “PCOS means your ovaries are full of cysts,” not really. PCOS is about hormones, irregular cycles, and tiny undeveloped follicles.
Not Every Cyst Needs Surgery but Some Definitely Do
Not all cysts are out to ruin the month. Many need zero treatment. But some? They don’t take the hint.
Here’s when a cyst becomes something to act on:
Watch and Wait:
- It’s small (under 5 cm)
- It’s a simple, fluid-filled cyst
- No pain or pressure
- It’s picked up during a routine scan and you didn’t even know it was there
In this case, most doctors will suggest repeating an ultrasound in a few weeks to see if it goes away on its own.
Needs Attention:
- The cyst keeps growing
- It’s causing persistent or sharp pain
- There’s pressure on the bladder or bowel
- Periods are completely out of sync
- It’s showing suspicious features on an ultrasound (like solid parts or internal bleeding)
- You’re over 45 or post-menopausal (the risk of malignancy increases with age)
- Fertility is getting affected
What About Surgery?
Surgery isn’t the first option for every cyst, but sometimes it’s the only way to fix the problem.
When surgery is usually advised:
- Cyst is bigger than 5-10 cm
- Pain is interfering with daily life
- Cyst shows signs of torsion or rupture
- Fertility is being affected
- There’s any chance it could be malignant
Types of surgery:
- Laparoscopy (keyhole): for smaller cysts, quicker recovery
- Laparotomy (open): for large or suspicious cysts
- Ovarian cystectomy: removes just the cyst, saves the ovary
- Oophorectomy: if the ovary is damaged or cancer is suspected, the whole ovary may be removed
Surgeries at Family Fertility & IVF Center focus on preserving fertility. That’s the goal. Always.
Ovarian Torsion Is Rare but It Changes Everything Fast
Sometimes a cyst causes the ovary to twist. That’s called torsion, and it’s a medical emergency. The blood flow gets cut off. It hurts, a lot. Like ambulance-level pain. If not treated quickly, the ovary could be lost.
This is common with large cysts, especially dermoid ones. Ignoring sudden pelvic pain is never a good idea.
Can Cysts Turn Cancerous?
Yes, but rarely. Most ovarian cysts are benign, especially in younger women. Cancer risk goes up after menopause or in women over 50.
Red flags that might indicate cancer:
- Cyst with solid parts on imaging
- Rapid growth
- Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Suspicious cysts should be removed and tested. Better safe than sorry.
Fertility and Cysts: Can They Be in the Same Picture Without Complications?
They can, but not always.
- Some cysts, like endometriomas or large dermoid cysts, may damage healthy ovarian tissue and reduce egg reserve.
- If surgery is done right, the ovary can be saved, and fertility preserved.
- Timing matters. Leaving it too long might make things harder later.
That’s why treatment at a fertility-focused clinic makes a huge difference. At Family Fertility & IVF Center, surgeries are planned with future pregnancy in mind. Fertility always stays part of the conversation.
The Right Call at the Right Time Makes All the Difference
A woman walks in with a 7 cm chocolate cyst. Severe pain during every period. Delayed pregnancy. Scans showed it growing each cycle. The decision? Remove it. Surgery done. Pain gone. Pregnancy now possible.
Another case: a dermoid cyst caused twisting. The ovary had to be removed because it was too late. She had ignored the pain for months. Waiting doesn’t always help. Some cysts quietly grow until they flip the ovary or kill the chance of pregnancy altogether.
Where To Get Competent Help In Lahore
Choosing the right clinic changes everything. At Family Fertility & IVF Center, the focus is simple:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Cyst-specific management
- Fertility-preserving surgery
- Honest advice rooted in what truly works for patients.
With Dr. Sophia Umair Bajwa, treatment isn’t a shot in the dark. Expect clear answers and smart moves. Every step is backed by experience and the latest evidence. Care that feels confident, focused, and designed to get you where you want to be.If someone’s stuck wondering whether to wait or operate, that’s the kind of clinic to be at. No one-size-fits-all treatment. Just what’s best for that case. For appointments or second opinions, contact Family Fertility & IVF Center in Lahore. Use the search terms above if bookmarks keep vanishing. The clinic handles pcos vs ovarian cyst questions with clarity. The team explains ovarian cyst symptoms without scare tactics. The plan will make sense. The plan will protect future options.