Ovarian Cysts

Many women will be diagnosed with an ovarian cyst at some time in their lives. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac in or on the ovary.

The majority of ovarian cysts in pre-menopausal women will be "normal" cysts, related to development of the egg in the ovary and ovulation. These cysts will almost always go away over time.

Our Approach to Ovarian Cysts

Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own. If a cyst grows or causes symptoms, it can be removed surgically, often via laparoscopy, a minimally invasive technique. This approach has several benefits compared to traditional surgery, including faster recovery and less scarring.

At UCSF, our mission is to provide all women who come to us with the highest quality care as well as the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health. We encourage each patient to participate in choosing the best treatment option for her.