Ovarian Cysts - UAB Medicine

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled pocket inside, within, or on the surface of the ovary. Women have two ovaries located on either side of the uterus. Eggs develop and mature in the ovaries and are released in monthly cycles. Many women have ovarian cysts at different times in their lives, especially during childbearing years, when cysts may form as a result of the monthly menstrual cycle. There are two types of cysts that may form during the cycle, called functional cysts. The first is when a follicle grows on the ovary, where an egg is developing. If the follicle does not break open and release an egg, the fluid forms a cyst inside the follicle. Also, a cyst can occur after an egg has been released from a follicle, called a corpus luteum cyst. A woman can develop more than one cyst, and the cysts can vary in size. They usually are harmless and go away within a few months. However, ovarian cysts that have grown large or have ruptured can cause serious symptoms. Some cysts may cause twisting of the ovary that causes severe pain, and those that bleed or rupture can lead to serious problems. Ovarian cysts are less common after menopause.

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive women’s health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology is consistently ranked among the best programs of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complicated gynecological concerns. We work closely with the UAB Medicine Interventional Radiology team to diagnose and treat your condition, using the latest and most accurate technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can give you access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area. Our physicians are here for you at all times, from your first routine gynecological exam, to delivering your baby, to guiding you through menopause. When you establish a relationship with our doctors, you can rely upon that relationship throughout your lifetime.