- Occur related to ovulation (functional); can regress spontaneously
- While most cysts are benign, some can be malignant (cystic neoplasms)
- Most cysts are asymptomatic
- Can cause vague lower abdominal/pelvic area discomfort, particularly if large
- Functional cysts tend to cause symptoms mid-cycle (mittelschmerz)
- If cyst ruptures, can cause sub-acute lower abd/pelvic area pain
- If asymptomatic, might detect adnexal mass on bi-manual exam
- Cyst rupture can cause lower abdominal/pelvic area pain on affected side