Genearally, a cyst can grow anywhere in the body. It is a fluid-filled sac that can vary in size and contain liquid that is thin and watery, or thicker and paste-like.

A cyst on ovary is a cyst that develops inside an ovary. What is an ovary? The ovaries are two small, round organs in the reproductive system of a female that release an egg every month. The egg moves into the uterus where it may be fertilised by a man’s sperm. The menstrual cycle is regulated by the hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, which are produced by the ovary. So it is not only during pregnancy that an ovary is utilised.

So how does an overy work? Well every month, an egg is formed in a tiny structure inside the ovary called a follicle. The follicle contains fluid to protect the egg as it grows and bursts when the egg is released. Sometimes a follicle does not release an egg, or does not shed its fluid after the egg is released. If this happens, the follicle can get bigger as it swells with fluid. This is an ovarian cyst.
Ovarian cysts can grow five or six centimetres wide and usually last four to six weeks. They are very common, normally painless, and usually go away without treatment.

However, it is possible for an ovarian cyst rupture which can cause ovarian cyst pain. In further articles we will be looking at when a cyst on ovary can require treatment.