Ovarian cysts and developmental differences in young people

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac on or in the ovary. In young people most cysts are 'functional', a normal part of how the ovary works, and they usually go away on their own without treatment. Sometimes a cyst is found on a scan done for another reason. A specialist can advise whether any follow-up is needed.

Some people are born with the uterus, cervix or vagina formed in a slightly different way, these are called developmental or Müllerian differences. Many cause no problems and are only noticed during investigations for other reasons; some can be relevant to periods or later fertility. They can be explained clearly and, where useful, managed by a specialist. In younger children, minor issues such as labial adhesions can also occur and are usually straightforward.

Occasionally an ovary can twist (called torsion), which causes sudden, severe pain and needs emergency assessment. This is uncommon, but it is the reason sudden severe pelvic pain should never be ignored.