AskAwayHealth
Found an ovarian cyst? Here’s when to worry
September 9, 2026
Finding out that a scan has shown an ovarian cyst can be worrying. You may immediately wonder if it could be cancer.
But an ovarian cyst is not ovarian cancer. The vast majority of ovarian cysts are harmless, and some are simply a sign that your ovary is functioning normally.
Watch the video to learn: when is an ovarian cyst dangerous?
Many cysts disappear on their own
A common type of cyst is a functional cyst. These usually resolve on their own within 1 to 3 months.
That is why your doctor may recommend another scan in around three months rather than treatment straight away.
If the cyst has disappeared at your follow-up scan, that is generally what would be expected.
If you are asked to come back for a scan, make sure you keep the follow-up appointment.
When can an ovarian cyst be a problem?
The main concern is usually about complications.
A cyst can burst
A cyst can sometimes burst and cause:
- Sudden, sharp pelvic pain
- Severe pain that starts suddenly
- Sometimes significant bleeding
If there is a lot of bleeding, you may need urgent medical attention.
The ovary can twist
A large cyst can sometimes cause the ovary to twist on itself. This is called ovarian torsion.
It can cut off the blood supply to the ovary and is a medical emergency.
Warning symptoms include:
- Sudden, severe pain on one side of the pelvis
- Pain that does not get better
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Feeling very unwell
If you have sudden, severe pain that stops you from doing anything, particularly with nausea or vomiting, you need urgent hospital assessment.
What about cancer?
Cancerous ovarian cysts are rare.
Your doctor may pay closer attention if:
- The cyst is a complex cyst
- It does not disappear after a few months
- It continues to get bigger
- A cyst develops after menopause
If a scan finds a cyst, ask your doctor what type of cyst it is. This helps you understand why they are recommending monitoring or treatment.
Key takeaway
Finding an ovarian cyst does not automatically mean something is wrong. Many cysts are harmless and disappear on their own. The important thing is to understand what type of cyst you have and what follow-up your doctor recommends.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer — If you are concerned about an ovarian cyst or have anything that concerns you, speak to your doctor. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional.
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Review date
This post will be medically reviewed by September 2026
About the Author
Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe (FRCGP, FRSM, FRSPH) is a UK-based NHS General Practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in family medicine and women’s health. She is the founder of AskAwayHealth and works clinically in primary care, urgent care and digital health.
She is an honorary lecturer at the University of Sheffield Medical School, and involved in teaching and supervising trainee doctors. Her clinical practice includes a strong focus on menopause, menstrual and fibroid-related problems, vulval and vaginal health, and preventive care for women across the life course.
Dr Sylvia is the RCGP (Royal College of General Practitioners) 2026 Digital Champion and has been shortlisted multiple times for the CAHN Black Healthcare Awards for her work in reducing health inequalities. She also collaborates with the Patient Information Forum (PIF) on projects tackling online health misinformation and improving the quality of patient information.
Through the AskAwayHealth YouTube channel , Substack and website, Dr Sylvia aims to provide clear, calm and clinically sound explanations that help women understand their symptoms, know which red flags to look for, and feel more confident when speaking to their own doctors.
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