Functional Ovarian Cysts

When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional immediately if you have:

  • Sudden, severe pelvic pain with nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe vaginal bleeding.
  • Sudden faintness or weakness.
  • Sudden dizziness with abdominal discomfort that persists for 2 hours or longer.

Call your health professional for an appointment if:

  • Pain interferes with your daily activities.
  • Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful during the past 3 to 6 months.
  • Your periods have changed from regular to infrequent during the past 3 to 6 months and you are not nearing menopause.
  • You have pain during sexual intercourse.

For more information about other symptoms that concern you, see the following topics:

Watchful Waiting

Most functional ovarian cysts are harmless, do not cause symptoms, and go away without treatment. Watchful waiting is usually an appropriate option if you are diagnosed with a functional ovarian cyst.

Who To See

Your family doctor or general practitioner can diagnose and treat ovarian cysts.

You may be referred to a gynecologist for further testing or treatment.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment


Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section

Author: Carrie Henley
Monica Rhodes
Last Updated: January 31, 2007
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise
Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Cause
 Symptoms
 What Happens
 What Increases Your Risk
Arrow PointerWhen To Call a Doctor
 Examinations and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
 Surgery
 Other Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 References
 Credits