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Conditions

Ovarian Cysts

Benign ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a growth or swelling on, or inside, the ovary (the female reproductive system that releases an egg every month), which can either be solid or filled with fluid. If solid, the cyst may be called a “tumour”, which, with all its cancerous connotations, can be particularly terrifying. However, you’ll be relieved to know that it’s just the medical term for any swelling and the vast majority of ovarian growths are benign and not cancerous. There are several types of ovarian cyst, but the most common is a functional ovarian cyst, of which there are two types: a follicular cyst and Corpus luteum cysts. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that causes women to develop lots of small, benign cysts on their ovaries, which develop due to a hormonal imbalance. Symptoms can include pain and discomfort low down in the abdomen, which can come and go, and may be more noticeable after sex and changes to periods.

Watch the Live from the Clinic interactive case video on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome >

Watch the Live from the Clinic interactive case video on enlarged abdomen >

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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ive suffered from extream pain in my lower belly for about 3 years now i went to my doctors and they sent me for a scan and i was told i had pcos i was not contacted by my gp after this and have been there many times complaning of pain so i was sent for another scan at another hospital there i was told i had a cyst on my overy my gp has not spoak to them and cant tell me any thing i have no clue what is wrong with me and no one to give me answers what am i ment to do???





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i came off the depo injection 6 months ago i had 2 normal periods after but since january nothing. i have been to my gp numerous times and nothing has been done apart from blood test to see if i was pregnant. i am not but me and my partner have been trying since coming off the depo. i now get serve pains and they seem to be getting worse the dr has put me on dicolfenac for the pain but not told me whats going on. drs these days are rubbish need HELP pls





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I was diagnosed with pcos in 2009 was told by doctors I would need help in conceiving and wouldn't be able to conceive naturally.. . I had both ovary's covers and my right kidney also!! I was heartbroken when the told me this!! ! And in 2010.. I was also on the pill as my periods where veryunregular me and my partner of six years werent even trying.. I fell pregnant :D. And guess who was wrong the doctors!! I have had a beautiful little man!! Who's nearly two . And im pregnant again With my second!!. All I'm saying lady's never ever give up hope..





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Hiya, I was diagonsed with pcos when I was about 14(I am now 22), I ve only had a period few times. I m not very much overweight but do feel abit chubby. I get unwanted hair as well. I am worried whether I should have any further checks done etc? I have recently started using the pill as well but because I have migraines I can only use certain types of pill. I am worried about trying for a baby in the future etc. Any advise that you can give me or any checks that I should ask for?Thank you





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i was diagnosed with PCOS at age 15, i'm now nearly 20. I was put on the combi-pill with dianette for a few years to control excess hair growth and regulate periods, and i had a series of IPL permanent hair removal treatment to get rid of it (NEVER shave it). after my first year of uni, i changed to the microgynon pill, just to keep my periods regular, and the symptoms have not come back. I eat healthily and exercise regularly and find the PCOS doesn't really affect my life in any way. All it takes is for you to find the right treatment, and suddenly it doesn't feel so horrible anymore. I would tell anyone with excess hair to consider IPL or laser treatment, it changed my life. At 16, it really knocked my confidence, but after one session i felt confident enough to wear my hair up at prom! It can be expensive, but it was honestly the best thing i've ever done.





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I'm 17 and ever since I've started my period in year 6 my periods have been irregular. Last year september I was suffering from agonising pain in my left and right lower belly. I went doctors, hospitals and they said it is nothing to worry about. In january I was then told I have cysts on my ovaries and I was given the pill to regulate my ovaries but that made my pains even worse. I don't know what to do now considering I am in a lot of pain and no one can help or give me good advice on what I can do. Please can you help





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HI ya I am 23 and have PCOS, and really struggle with excessive hair growth. The main problem is with facial hair gorwth. I have used facial hair remover, but it is starting to not work. I used a sronger one and it scares my face. I am a student and can not afford the new gadgets that help with hair growth. Does anyone have any ideas to help with, medical, alternative theraphy anything really. ASt times it looks like i have a beard and making me very depressed





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IPL or laser treatment worked wonders for me. it can be expensive, and you should only go with a professional as it can cause scaring, but it's a series of 6 treatments, 6 weeks apart, sometimes you don't need all 6 (i only had 4) but it's worked amazingly. it's permanent, so you don't have to worry about the hair growing back either. Treatments can cost around £60 a session, but it's the best thing i've ever done!

hi i have pcos and ibs im in constant lower abdomin pain been trying for a baby for last 5years to no avail !! :( ive not had a period for last 3 month and a week ago i thought was coming but just been horrid brown discharge i cannot be botherd with it anymore u get 1 thing under control and the other flares up arghhhhh any help or advice would be greatly valued





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hi,i was diagnosed with pcos 9 years ago, i wasn't haveing any periods for a year after coming off the pill to try for a baby, my doctor had put me on a drug called metformin its used for diabetes but also some doctors use this for pcos as it helps control the hormone inbalance,i was on 1500g a day and took a few months for my periods to come back but now i have gone on to have 3 children which i was told i may never have children because my ovaries were full of cysts and no ovulation,i swear by metformin i am still on 500g a day to help with the pain and keep my periods regular.

HHi I have pcos I keep on getting pain in my left side of the hip what is causing it is gets me down also I feel tired lots more than I should please help





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I am 25 and i have had pcos for 4 years now,and would like some tips on how to help get pregnant





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The pill is usually given to regulate hormones, and I'd suggest you keep taking them. I had lots of issues when I went off mine for a couple of months: My periods completely stopped, I got quite a lot of spots everywhere, I was depressed, anxious, and I had panic attacks at least twice a week. I had ridiculous moodswings and got furious for no apparent reason. It can really mess with your social life and studies. I'd suggest you read as much as you can on PCOS, and learn how you can best keep it under control. Keeping healthy and fit is always a good thing. As for getting pregnant, I'd say that, when you're ready, talk to your GP and have them tell you what you can expect if you do get pregnant, and how to improve your chances. I'm 27 now and my partner are going to try when we have bit more money (babies are expensive >.

Hi there I've got pcos I've had it for 12 years it may now seem a lot of help and you may feels stupid at the time,but it worked for me on 3 occasion.when you have sexual intercourse with your partner when he has done his business lye on your back with your bum lifted up and only feet in the air for about 5 minutes to let gravity take its course,it probably won't work on the first go but give it a go a good few times and hopefully it'll work for you.





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

An ovarian cyst is a sac of tissue that develops inside an ovary. It is very common, usually painless and will often go away without treatment. Read More »

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