Health Information
Functional Ovarian Cysts
When To Call a Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you have:
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain with nausea or vomiting.
- Severe Reference vaginal bleeding Opens New Window.
- Sudden faintness or weakness.
- Sudden dizziness with abdominal discomfort that persists for 2 hours or longer.
Call your doctor 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 Reference menopause Opens New Window.
- You have pain during sexual intercourse.
For more information about other symptoms that concern you, see:
- Reference Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.
- Reference Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding.
- Reference Female Genital Problems.
- Reference Missed or Irregular Periods.
Watchful waiting
Most functional ovarian cysts are harmless, do not cause symptoms, and go away without treatment. Reference Watchful waiting Opens New Window is usually an appropriate option if you are diagnosed with a functional ovarian cyst.
Who to see
Ovarian cysts can be diagnosed and treated by any of the following health professionals:
- Reference Family medicine physician Opens New Window
- Reference Internist Opens New Window
- Reference Gynecologist Opens New Window
- Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
- Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
You may need to see a gynecologist for further testing or treatment.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 8, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
