What happens if ovarian endometrioma is not treated?

An ovarian endometrioma is a cyst linked with endometriosis. It can remain stable, but it may also enlarge or cause persistent pelvic pain, painful periods, or pain during sex. Ongoing inflammation around the ovary can make symptoms harder to manage and may affect the amount of healthy ovarian tissue. The effect on fertility varies and depends on factors such as both ovaries, ovarian reserve, age, and other fertility considerations.

A cyst can sometimes rupture or contribute to twisting of the ovary. Sudden severe pain, especially with nausea or vomiting, needs urgent assessment because these problems cannot be safely judged at home.

Arrange a gynaecology review to confirm the cyst and discuss its size, appearance, symptoms, fertility plans, and whether monitoring is suitable. Follow-up ultrasound may be recommended. Treatment can include symptom-focused medical care or surgery such as laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy; GnRH analogue therapy may be discussed for endometriosis-related symptoms. Do not stop or start hormonal treatment without advice, particularly if pregnancy is a goal.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, fainting, marked weakness, fever with severe pain, repeated vomiting, or heavy vaginal bleeding. Contact a clinician promptly for pain that is limiting daily activities, new pain during sex, or a change in period pain. These symptoms do not prove a complication, but they warrant assessment.

Ask whether the cyst has changed, how it may affect ovarian reserve, which symptoms should trigger urgent help, and how treatment choices fit with your fertility plans.