Expert gynaecological care from the Women’s Health team at 9M Hospital

If you’ve recently been told you have an ovarian cyst, take a breath; you’re far from alone. Ovarian cysts are one of the most common findings in women’s health, and the vast majority are harmless and go away on their own. At 9M Hospital, our gynaecology team sees this diagnosis regularly, and we want to help you understand exactly what it means, when to worry, and what your treatment options look like.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in or on an ovary. Most women will develop at least one cyst during their reproductive years, often without ever knowing it, since many cysts cause no symptoms and are discovered only during a routine scan.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Functional Cysts (the Most Common Type)

• Follicular cysts – form when the follicle that normally releases an egg doesn’t rupture, and instead continues to grow.
• Corpus luteum cysts – develop after ovulation, when the follicle reseals and fills with fluid instead of dissolving.

Other Types of Ovarian Cysts

• Dermoid cysts (teratomas) – present from birth, these can contain tissue such as hair, skin, or teeth.
• Cystadenomas – grow from the outer surface of the ovary and can sometimes become quite large.
• Endometriomas – linked to endometriosis, filled with old blood and sometimes called “chocolate cysts.”
• Polycystic ovaries – multiple small cysts associated with PCOS, a hormonal condition distinct from having one or two isolated cysts.

Common Symptoms

Many ovarian cysts produce no symptoms at all. When they do occur, watch for:

• Pelvic pain or a dull ache, often on one side
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen
• Pain during intercourse
• Irregular periods
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Frequent urination

When to Seek Emergency Care

Please go to the nearest emergency department or call 9M Hospital’s emergency line immediately if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
• Signs of shock — rapid breathing, dizziness, or cold, clammy skin

These symptoms can indicate a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion (when the ovary twists around its blood supply), both of which require urgent treatment.

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

• Hormonal imbalances or fertility treatments
  Endometriosis
• Pregnancy, when a cyst forms to support early pregnancy
  Pelvic infections that spread to the ovaries
• A prior history of ovarian cysts

How We Diagnose Ovarian Cysts at 9M Hospital

Our gynaecology team uses a combination of the following to reach an accurate diagnosis:

• Pelvic examination
• Ultrasound (transvaginal or abdominal) — the primary tool for assessing a cyst’s size, location, and characteristics
• Blood tests
• MRI or CT imaging, if further characterisation is needed.

Ovarian cyst treatment in Hyderabad

Treatment depends entirely on the type, size, and symptoms of the cyst. Our specialists will walk you through the option that’s right for you, which may include:

Watchful waiting: most functional cysts resolve on their own within 8–12 weeks and are simply monitored with a follow-up ultrasound.

Pain management: over-the-counter pain relief and heat therapy for mild discomfort.

Hormonal birth control: helps prevent new cysts from forming (it will not shrink an existing one).

Surgery: recommended when a cyst is large, persistent, growing, causing significant symptoms, or shows suspicious features on imaging.

Cystectomy: removes only the cyst, preserving the ovary.

Oophorectomy: removes the ovary, when clinically necessary.

When to Visit 9M Hospital

• New or worsening pelvic pain
• A cyst found on imaging that persists beyond a couple of menstrual cycles, or that is large
• Any of the emergency symptoms listed above
• You are postmenopausal and have been found to have a cyst — this warrants closer evaluation

Book a Consultation

Every ovarian cyst is different, and the right approach depends on your specific diagnosis, medical history, and overall health. Our gynaecology specialists at 9M Hospital are here to guide you through diagnosis and treatment with care and clarity.

This blog is intended for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your gynaecologist for guidance specific to your condition.