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This article addresses women's health topics including reproductive and gynaecological health. Content is presented in a clinical, evidence-based manner consistent with Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare guidelines.
This content is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed KMA physician for personalised guidance.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or inside the ovary. Most are functional, resolve spontaneously, and cause no symptoms — but some require investigation or treatment.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or within the ovaries. They are extremely common — the majority are functional cysts that develop as a normal part of the menstrual cycle and resolve without treatment within 1–3 menstrual cycles.
Functional cysts include follicular cysts (when an egg-containing follicle does not release the egg and continues to grow) and corpus luteum cysts (formed from the follicle after ovulation). These are the most common type, generally small, symptom-free, and resolve spontaneously.
Other types of ovarian cysts include: dermoid cysts (teratomas — benign cysts containing hair, skin, or teeth-like tissue, present from birth), endometriomas (cysts containing old blood and endometrial tissue — seen in endometriosis, may impair fertility), cystadenomas (benign cysts arising from the ovarian surface epithelium, can grow large), and polycystic ovaries (multiple small cysts associated with PCOS).
Most cysts are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on pelvic ultrasound. Symptoms when present include: dull pelvic ache or bloating; sudden severe pelvic pain (especially with a twisting sensation — suggests ovarian torsion, a medical emergency); and pain during sex.
Ovarian torsion occurs when a cyst causes the ovary to twist on its blood supply, cutting off circulation. This is a surgical emergency and presents as sudden, severe, one-sided pelvic pain with nausea and vomiting — call 119 or go immediately to the emergency department.
Treatment depends on the type, size, and symptoms. Functional cysts: observation and repeat ultrasound after 6–12 weeks. Endometriomas and dermoid cysts may require laparoscopic removal. Postmenopausal women with any cysts require careful evaluation as the risk of malignancy is higher.
Key Points
- Most ovarian cysts are functional and resolve spontaneously within 1–3 months
- Sudden severe pelvic pain may indicate ovarian torsion — a surgical emergency
- Endometriomas are associated with endometriosis and may affect fertility
- Postmenopausal women with cysts need careful investigation
- Pelvic ultrasound is the main diagnostic test
- Dermoid cysts require laparoscopic removal but are almost always benign
Causes & Risk Factors
- Normal menstrual cycle — functional cysts form as part of ovulation
- Endometriosis — endometriomas develop from endometrial deposits
- PCOS — associated with multiple small cysts
- Pregnancy — the corpus luteum cyst can persist into early pregnancy
- Congenital — dermoid cysts present from birth
When to See a Doctor
- Sudden severe one-sided pelvic pain — go to the emergency department immediately (possible ovarian torsion)
- Persistent pelvic pain or pressure for more than a few weeks
- Pelvic pain with fever, vomiting, or rapid heart rate
- Irregular or missed periods with pelvic symptoms
- You have been told you have a cyst and have not had follow-up ultrasound
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
Sources & References
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026