What is ovarian cysts?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. They are extremely common: most women develop functional cysts as a normal part of the menstrual cycle, and these usually disappear within a few months without treatment. Other types — such as dermoid cysts, cystadenomas and endometriomas — do not resolve on their own and are more likely to need treatment, particularly if they grow large, cause symptoms or twist the ovary.
Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages, including after the menopause. They are diagnosed with a pelvic ultrasound scan, sometimes alongside blood tests such as CA125 to help assess the small minority of cysts that need closer investigation. Persistent or complex cysts are monitored with repeat scans or removed surgically.
Common symptoms
- Pelvic pain, often on one side
- Bloating or a swollen tummy
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Pain during sex
- Irregular or heavier periods
- Needing to urinate more often
- Sudden severe pain if a cyst ruptures or twists
How long will you wait?
Routine referral for a suspected benign ovarian cyst goes through pressured gynaecology clinics, so several months from referral to surgery is common, although cysts with worrying features are fast-tracked through urgent pathways.
Privately, you can typically see a consultant within 3–7 days, have an ultrasound within 1–2 weeks, and undergo keyhole surgery within 2–6 weeks if needed.
NHS England median referral-to-treatment wait: 12.4 weeks, with 2.5 million people waiting over 18 weeks (May 2026). Individual waits vary by trust and urgency.
Treatment options
- Watchful waiting. Most functional cysts disappear within a few months, so a repeat ultrasound is often all that is needed.
- Pain relief. Simple painkillers manage discomfort while a cyst resolves on its own.
- Hormonal contraception. The combined pill may reduce the chance of new functional cysts forming, though it does not shrink existing ones.
- Laparoscopic cystectomy. Keyhole surgery to remove a persistent, large or symptomatic cyst while preserving the ovary wherever possible.
What does private treatment cost?
As a guide, a private consultation with pelvic ultrasound typically costs £350–£600, and laparoscopic removal of an ovarian cyst around £5,000–£8,000 depending on complexity and hospital.
Does health insurance cover ovarian cysts?
Private medical insurance usually covers the investigation and surgical treatment of ovarian cysts arising after your policy begins, since they are treated as an acute condition. A cyst diagnosed or investigated before you took out cover would normally be excluded as pre-existing. Routine surveillance scans of a known stable cyst may fall outside cover on some policies, so confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Are ovarian cysts usually serious?
No. The great majority are functional cysts linked to ovulation and disappear on their own within a few months. Specialists become more cautious with cysts that are large, persistent, have complex features on ultrasound, or occur after the menopause, as a small minority need further tests to rule out cancer. Even then, most turn out to be benign.
What does a ruptured or twisted cyst feel like?
A rupture typically causes sudden, sharp one-sided pelvic pain that may ease over a day or two. Ovarian torsion — where the cyst twists the ovary — causes severe, persistent pain, often with nausea and vomiting, and is a surgical emergency because the ovary's blood supply is cut off. Sudden severe pelvic pain always warrants urgent medical assessment.
Will removing a cyst affect my fertility?
Usually not. Surgeons perform a cystectomy — removing the cyst while preserving the healthy ovary — wherever possible, and one functioning ovary is generally enough for natural conception in any case. If you are planning a family, tell your gynaecologist before surgery so the approach can be planned to protect as much ovarian tissue as possible.
Related guides
- Endometriosis
- Fertility Problems
- Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine Fibroids