<Tr> <Th> Frequency </Th> <Td> 8% symptomatic before menopause </Td> </Tr> <P> An ovarian cyst is a fluid - filled sac within the ovary . Often they cause no symptoms . Occasionally they may produce bloating, lower abdominal pain, or lower back pain . The majority of cysts are harmless . If the cyst either breaks open or causes twisting of the ovary, it may cause severe pain . This may result in vomiting or feeling faint . </P> <P> Most ovarian cysts are related to ovulation, being either follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts . Other types include cysts due to endometriosis, dermoid cysts, and cystadenomas . Many small cysts occur in both ovaries in polycystic ovarian syndrome . Pelvic inflammatory disease may also result in cysts . Rarely, cysts may be a form of ovarian cancer . Diagnosis is undertaken by pelvic examination with an ultrasound or other testing used to gather further details . </P> <P> Often, cysts are simply observed over time . If they cause pain, medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen may be used . Hormonal birth control may be used to prevent further cysts in those who are frequently affected . However, evidence does not support birth control as a treatment of current cysts . If they do not go away after several months, get larger, look unusual, or cause pain, they may be removed by surgery . </P>

A benign fluid-filled sac that may be of follicular or corpus luteum origin is