Functional Ovarian Cysts – A cyst on ovary

Functional ovarian cysts are by far the most common type of ovarian cyst.  They are called ‘functional’ because they occur during the common ‘function’ of the female reproductive system.

There are two types of fuctional ovarian cysts.

The first is called a ‘follicular’ ovarian cyst. It is also the most common type of functional cyst.  At the beginning of a woman’s period, a follicle is formed (a sac which contains the egg). Then, during the period, the sac matures and at some point should rupture so that the egg can be released.  If the sac, for some reason, does not rupture to release the egg, it then begins to fill with fluid, grow and become somewhat hardened.  Once it reaches 2 cm or larger in size, it is classified as an funtional folicular cyst.

The second type of functional cyst is what is called a Corpus Luteum ovarian cyst.  This cyst is similar to the folicular cyst in that it is formed during the normal menstrual cycle, but different in how it is formed.

A Corpus Luteum cyst forms after the follicle ruptures and releases the egg.  Once the egg is gone, the follicle would normally disolve. If the follicle does not disolve, but actually seals up again, the follicle fills with fluid, hardens and after 2 cm in size, is classified as a cyst.

Functional cysts are usually just observed to make sure there are no complications, such as torsion (twisting).  Under a scenario where there is no complication, often the cyst will just go away by itself over 3 or 4 months.

There are some common symptoms of ovarian cysts, but unfortunately the ‘typical’ symptoms could easily be mistaken for other ailments.  In other words, they’re not specific to ovarian cysts.