Functional Ovarian Cysts
When To Call a Doctor
Call your health professional immediately if you have:
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain with nausea or vomiting.
- Severe vaginal bleeding.
- Sudden faintness or weakness.
- Sudden dizziness with abdominal discomfort that persists for 2 hours or longer.
Call your health professional for an appointment if:
- Pain interferes with your daily activities.
- Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful during the past 3 to 6 months.
- Your periods have changed from regular to infrequent during the past 3 to 6 months and you are not nearing menopause.
- You have pain during sexual intercourse.
For more information about other symptoms that concern you, see the following topics:
Watchful Waiting
Most functional ovarian cysts are harmless, do not cause symptoms, and go away without treatment. Watchful waiting is usually an appropriate option if you are diagnosed with a functional ovarian cyst.
Who To See
Ovarian cysts can be diagnosed and treated by any of the following health professionals:
You may need to see a gynecologist for further testing or treatment.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
 Go to previous section |  Go to top of page |  Go to next section |
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: November 22, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
 | ||
| |
| Topic Contents | |
| Topic Overview | |
| Cause | |
| Symptoms | |
| What Happens | |
| What Increases Your Risk | |
 | When To Call a Doctor |
| Exams and Tests | |
| Treatment Overview | |
| Prevention | |
| Home Treatment | |
| Medications | |
| Surgery | |
| Other Treatment | |
| Other Places To Get Help | |
| References | |
| Credits | |