Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts What are ovarian cysts? An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. Most ovarian cysts occur naturally, are a common women's health condition which can go away on their own. However, they can prevent you conceiving and become large enough to block the blood supply to the ovary and cause damage. What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts? Usually, a woman ma
What it is
Functional cysts (follicular, corpus luteum) form as part of the normal cycle and resolve over 8–12 weeks. Benign neoplastic cysts (dermoid, endometrioma, serous cystadenoma) may grow and need surgical removal. Suspicious cysts (multilocular, solid, vascular, large) need expert assessment and tumour markers. Post-menopausal new cysts deserve a higher index of suspicion.
Symptoms and signs
- Most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and found incidentally on scan.
- Pelvic pain or pressure, particularly cyclical.
- Acute severe pelvic pain (suggests cyst rupture or torsion — emergency assessment).
- Pain on intercourse, urinary frequency or bowel symptoms from mass effect.
- New ovarian cyst in a post-menopausal woman — always warrants expert review.
How we investigate
Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound with IOTA descriptors. Tumour markers (CA-125, HE4, ROMA index) based on age and ultrasound features. Pelvic MRI for complex cysts. Surgical assessment where the picture is uncertain.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Watch-and-wait for simple cysts < 5 cm in pre-menopausal women — typically repeat scan in 8–12 weeks.
- Hormonal suppression — combined contraceptive pill to prevent recurrent functional cysts.
- Laparoscopic cystectomy for symptomatic, large, persistent or complex cysts.
- Laparoscopic oophorectomy for selected cases — particularly post-menopausal or where ovarian preservation is not appropriate.
- Direct referral to gynae-oncology for any suspicious feature.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book if you have a known cyst awaiting follow-up, acute or recurrent pelvic pain, a new cyst post-menopause, or want a second opinion on whether surgery is the right next step.
Cost and pathway
Initial gynaecology consultation £260. Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound from £240. Tumour marker panel from £150. Surgical pricing on individual quotation.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our gynaecology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87/5 on Doctify from 350+ verified reviews
View our gynaecology services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727