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Functional Ovarian Cysts. 7 Key Facts Every Woman Should Know – A Doctor’s Insight

Functional Ovarian Cysts. 7 Key Facts Every Woman Should Know – A Doctor’s Insight

Functional ovarian cysts: What every woman should know – Insights from Dr. Senai Aksoy

As a gynecologist, I’ve sat next to countless women and heard the same concerned question, “Is it something serious, doctor?” The discovery of an ovarian cyst often sets alarm bellsringing — images of surgery, cancer, and infertility invade patients’ minds. But here’s the truth: Most ovarian cysts are benign and often regress on their own. Among them, functional ovarian cysts are the most common and least threatening.

In this article, I explain what every woman should know about these cysts — what causes them, how we diagnose them, and most importantly, why you probably have no reason to panic.

1. functional cysts are a normal part of the menstrual cycle

Think of the ovary as a dynamic hormone factory. Every month it produces small fluid-filled sacs called follicles. Normally, a follicle releases an egg — a process called ovulation — and then turns into a structure called corpus luteum that produces progesterone.

But sometimes this perfect choreography doesn’t go as planned.

These are functional ovarian cysts — named after the “function” of the ovary. They often occur in women of childbearing age and are generally harmless.

2. most functional cysts do not cause any symptoms

Many of my patients discover that they have a cyst during a routine pelvic ultrasound. Often these cysts cause no symptoms at all. If symptoms do occur, they are usually:

These symptoms are mild and manageable. However, if you suddenly experience severe abdominal pain, nausea or weakness, you should seek emergency medical attention — it could be a hernia or torsion.

3. diagnosis begins with a good ultrasound

I always emphasize the importance of a transvaginal ultrasound — our primary tool for detecting and classifying ovarian cysts. We look at:

Functional cysts usually appear as simple, thin-walled sacs of fluid. Sometimes corpus luteum cysts can look “complex” due to internal bleeding, but in most cases they are still benign.

4. most cysts disappear without treatment

This is the part that often brings relief. I tell my patients: **“*Most functional cysts resolve on their own within one to three menstrual cycles.

During this period of “wait and see ” I can recommend:

5. birth control pills can help — but not in the way you think

It’s a common myth that oral contraceptives can treat existing cysts. In reality, they don’t reduce existing cysts, but they can prevent new cysts by suppressing ovulation. For this reason, I recommend them to women who frequently suffer from troublesome cysts.

If you are actively trying to get pregnant, we avoid hormonal suppression and instead focus on observation and fertility-friendly options.

6 Surgical intervention is rarely necessary — but sometimes essential

Surgical intervention is only considered if:

When I operate, I aim for a cystectomy, i.e. removal of the cyst while preserving the ovary whenever possible, especially in women who are trying to conceive.

7. functional cysts do not harm fertility — they are even evidence of ovulation

This is a common and understandable fear. The good news: functional cysts are often a sign that your ovaries are working.

They occur during ovulation— - an important process for natural conception. Unlike cysts in endometriosis or PCOS, functional cysts do not affect fertility unless the complications require the removal of both ovaries (a rare scenario).

As I often reassure my patients: “Your fertility is safe, and your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. ”

FAQs: Functional ovarian cysts

**1. Can a functional cyst become cancerous? No, functional cysts are by definition benign and not precancerous.

**2. how can I tell if my cyst has burst? Look out for sudden, stabbing pain in the pelvis, sometimes accompanied by dizziness or nausea. Always consult a doctor.

**3. Should I be worried if I get these cysts frequently? Recurrent functional cysts are not uncommon. The birth control pill can reduce recurrence. We will create a plan based on your medical history.

**4. Can a functional cyst delay my period? Yes, especially corpus luteum cysts can lead to absent or delayed periods due to ongoing hormone production.

**5. can lifestyle changes prevent cysts? Not really. Functional cysts are linked to natural hormonal cycles. But gentle activity and avoiding pelvic trauma can reduce the risk of rupture.

**6. is it safe to wait and observe the cyst? Absolutely — if the cyst is small and simple and not causing symptoms, observation is the safest approach.

Final thoughts from Dr. Senai Aksoy

As a gynecologist, I always emphasize education and reassurance. Knowledge calms fear Functional ovarian cysts, though alarming in name, are usually harmless companions on a woman’s reproductive journey.

If you have been diagnosed with a cyst, don’t panic. **Ask questions, trust your body and work with your doctor to find the right plan. And remember — sometimes patience is the best medicine.