What is the first treatment tried for ovarian cysts?

Many ovarian cysts are found during a pelvic scan and may settle without a procedure. A transvaginal ultrasound can show whether a cyst looks fluid-filled, contains solid areas, or has other features that need review. Your clinician also considers your age, menstrual pattern, pregnancy status, symptoms, and medical history.

Pain relief may be offered for symptoms. A combined pill may help regulate bleeding or reduce the formation of some new functional cysts, but it does not remove an existing cyst. Persistent, large, complex, or painful cysts may need specialist review and sometimes laparoscopic removal.

Keep the follow-up appointment even if discomfort improves, because imaging helps confirm whether the cyst has changed. Record pain timing, bleeding, bloating, urinary symptoms, and any pregnancy possibility. [Ovarian Cysts](/conditions/ovarian-cysts/) gives background, while [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) explains a common assessment.

Ask before starting hormonal treatment, especially if you have migraine with aura, a history of blood clots, or other reasons oestrogen may not suit you. If surgery is recommended, [Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/laparoscopic-ovarian-cystectomy/) describes the procedure.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pelvic pain, pain with vomiting, faintness, marked dizziness, fever, or heavy vaginal bleeding. These symptoms can occur with complications such as twisting of the ovary or cyst rupture and need prompt assessment.

What does the cyst look like on ultrasound? When should it be checked again? What symptoms mean I should seek urgent help? Would medicine help my symptoms, and what would make surgery necessary?