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An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac (follicle) that contains a maturing egg. It forms on the ovary's surface, then disappears not long after it releases the egg. If a mature egg is not released or if the sac reseals after releasing the egg, the sac can swell up with fluid, forming a functional ovarian cyst.
Most functional ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms and go away by themselves. But they do sometimes rupture, twist, or bleed, which can cause severe pelvic pain.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
Current as ofMay 15, 2018
Current as of:
May 15, 2018
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology