What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that develop on a woman's ovaries.
Most cysts are harmless, but some may cause problems such as bleeding and pain and surgery may be required to remove those cysts.
It is important to understand how these cysts may form
The cyst contains only fluid and is surrounded by a very thin wall.
This kind of cyst is also called a functional cyst, or simple cyst.
If a follicle fails to rupture and release the egg, the fluid remains and can form a cyst in the ovary. This usually affects 1 of the ovaries.
Small cysts (smaller than one-half inch) may be present in a normal ovary while follicles are being formed.
Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages.
Ovarian cysts are considered functional (or physiologic).
In other words, they have nothing to do with disease.
Most ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and many disappear on their own in a matter of weeks without treatment.
Cysts occur most often during a woman's childbearing years.