One of the most common findings during a gynaecological check-up  is the presence of ovarian cysts. This emergence of cysts is often unexpected and is generally a great cause for concern. Such concern is usually down to not knowing whether or not they are benign and whether or no they will require surgery.
Ovarian cysts are nothing more than liquid-filled lumps on the ovaries. This liquid may be fluid or dense and in most cases they are benign and functional cysts.
The term ‘functional’ refers to the fact that they are brought on by the hormonal changes that take place during the menstrual cycle itself and, therefore, tend to be more common during a woman’s childbearing years and less common during the menopause. Sometimes, a follicle which is due to rupture and release an egg during ovulation does not do so and so the liquid remains inside and continues to build up. Therefore, the cyst increases in size. These are what are known as follicular cysts and they generally disappear after a few months without the need for any type of treatment because they end up dissolving or bursting of their own accord. […]