An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pocket that forms on the surface of or inside an ovary. The ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones. Most ovarian cysts develop as a normal part of the menstrual cycle and are called functional cysts. These are incredibly common, usually completely harmless, and tend to disappear on their own within a few months without any medical intervention. Other types of cysts can form due to conditions like endometriosis or hormonal imbalances, but the vast majority remain benign (non-cancerous).
Many people with an ovarian cyst never experience any symptoms, and the cyst is often discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam or an imaging test for another issue. When symptoms do occur, they can include a dull or sharp ache in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst, a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the pelvis, or bloating. Severe or sudden pain is rare but can happen if a cyst becomes very large, ruptures (bursts), or causes the ovary to twist (ovarian torsion). Most of the time, however, ovarian cysts are a quiet, normal occurrence that simply require a watchful waiting approach.
An MRI is an exceptional, non-invasive imaging tool that doctors use to get a clearer picture of an ovarian cyst, especially when ultrasound results are inconclusive. It provides highly detailed, cross-sectional images of the pelvis, allowing doctors to precisely measure the cyst and examine its internal structure. With an MRI, a healthcare provider can easily distinguish a simple, fluid-filled cyst from a more complex one that might contain solid tissue or blood. This detailed view is crucial for confirming that the cyst is benign and helps guide the best, most reassuring plan for monitoring or treatment.
References
1.Ovarian cysts – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published December 23, 2025. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405
2.Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9133-ovarian-cysts
3.Ovarian Cysts. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG ). Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ovarian-cysts
