Main Menu
Achieve your weight-loss goals with GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy® and Zepbound®, guided by licensed providers every step of the way.
Personalized care for women, with HRT and lifestyle support to ease menopause symptoms and restore balance.
Simple, supportive mental health care on your terms, including access to prescription medication when appropriate.
Connect with board-certified cardiologists to help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and long-term cardiovascular risk — from the comfort of home.
Care without the wait—connect 24/7 with licensed providers for same-day prescription refills and common concerns like colds, flu, rashes, and more.
Talk to a doctor anytime, anywhere — 24/7 urgent & primary care with a telehealth visit in under one hour.
Get your medication prescribed online and sent same-day to your local pharmacy for pickup.
Save time, money, and the hassle — no in-person visits or insurance required.
Hi there, I think I might have a infection. Can you help me?
10:04 AM
Dr. Puopolo
Of course. Let's go over your symptoms and find the right treatment for you.
10:05 AM
Prescription treatments are tailored to your specific condition, ensuring effective relief.
Urgent evaluation is crucial to identify your condition early and prevent complications.
Accurate testing, if needed, can confirm your diagnosis and guide the best course of treatment
Licensed providers can send prescriptions to your local pharmacy within an hour, day or night.
step 1
Book a telehealth appointment from wherever you are. No insurance necessary.
step 2
Meet with a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner from your mobile device.
step 3
Get a prescription if needed (save up to 90%), and pick it up at your pharmacy.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries, and while most are harmless and resolve on their own, some can cause pain or complications. Many people confuse ovarian cysts with other pelvic conditions like fibroids or ovarian tumors. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that are usually benign and often related to the menstrual cycle, whereas fibroids are solid masses of muscle tissue in the uterus, and ovarian tumors involve abnormal cell growth that may be benign or cancerous.
Ovarian cysts can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pelvic or abdominal pain (especially on one side), bloating or feeling full quickly, pressure on the bladder or bowel, irregular or painful periods, and in some cases, pain during intercourse or severe sudden pain if the cyst ruptures or twists.
Getting the right treatment plan for ovarian cysts can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and address underlying conditions that may be causing recurrent cysts. With LifeMD, you can get immediate help and treatment guidance online without an in-office appointment. Prescription medications can help manage ovarian cyst symptoms and prevent future cyst formation when appropriate.
Get Started Get Started
Total Cholesterol
37 mg/mL
In range
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
47 mg/mL
In range
Triglycerides
158 mg/mL
Above range
Combination birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin work by preventing ovulation, which stops functional ovarian cysts from forming since these cysts develop from the ovulation process. They help regulate hormones and reduce the likelihood of new cysts developing in future cycles. They're typically taken daily and are particularly effective for women who experience recurrent functional cysts. While birth control pills don't shrink existing cysts, they prevent new ones from forming and can help manage pain associated with hormonal fluctuations.
Prescription-strength ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals to provide relief from the pelvic pain and cramping associated with ovarian cysts. While it doesn't treat the cyst itself, it effectively manages discomfort while the body naturally resolves the cyst or while other treatments take effect. It's typically taken two to three times daily as needed for pain and is often sufficient for managing mild to moderate cyst-related discomfort.
Prescription-strength naproxen is an NSAID that provides longer-lasting pain relief than ibuprofen, working by reducing inflammation and blocking pain pathways. It's effective for managing the pelvic pain, cramping, and discomfort caused by ovarian cysts. It's typically taken twice daily and offers sustained relief throughout the day, making it convenient for managing ongoing symptoms while monitoring the cyst or waiting for it to resolve naturally. Like other NSAIDs, it should be taken with food to minimize stomach upset.
“Dr. Puopolo is a very knowledgeable doctor with vast experience in different medical fields. I feel I am in good hands.”
Verified Patient
“Great experience!! Never have done online telehealth before but for sure will again :)”
Verified Patient
“Dr. Culpepper was amazing. He explained things to me that I didn’t understand.”
Verified Patient
“Dr. Sehgal was amazing! Super helpful. She was answering my questions before I even asked. Very happy I picked her.”
Verified Patient
"The appointment went great. It was quick and easy, and the doctor was right on top of things!"
Verified Patient
Reviews shown are from verified LifeMD patients across various services. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Ovarian cysts form for various reasons, most commonly as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Functional cysts, the most common type, develop when a follicle that normally releases an egg doesn't open properly or when the follicle reseals after releasing an egg, filling with fluid. These are usually harmless and resolve on their own. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes multiple small cysts to develop on the ovaries due to hormonal imbalances.
Endometriosis can cause endometriomas, cysts filled with old blood that form when endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries. Pregnancy can cause corpus luteum cysts that support early pregnancy. Dermoid cysts contain tissue like hair, skin, or teeth and develop from embryonic cells. Cystadenomas are cysts that develop from ovarian tissue and can grow quite large. Hormonal imbalances, fertility treatments that stimulate ovulation, and pelvic infections can also contribute to cyst formation. Most ovarian cysts are benign and don't cause symptoms, though some can cause pain, bloating, or complications if they rupture or twist.
Yes, most ovarian cysts, particularly functional cysts related to the menstrual cycle, go away on their own within one to three menstrual cycles without any treatment. These cysts typically shrink and disappear as hormone levels change throughout the cycle. Your healthcare provider may recommend "watchful waiting" with follow-up ultrasounds to monitor the cyst and confirm it's resolving. However, some types of cysts are less likely to disappear on their own.
Cysts caused by endometriosis, PCOS, or dermoid cysts usually persist and may require treatment. Large cysts, those causing severe symptoms, or cysts that don't shrink after several months may need medical intervention such as hormonal birth control to prevent new cysts from forming, or surgery to remove persistent or problematic cysts. If you have a cyst, your doctor will determine the best approach based on its size, type, symptoms, and your age and overall health.
Whether you can permanently eliminate ovarian cysts depends on the underlying cause. Functional cysts related to normal ovulation often resolve on their own but may recur in future cycles since they're part of normal ovarian function. Hormonal birth control can prevent new functional cysts from forming by stopping ovulation, effectively preventing recurrence while you're taking it. Surgical removal of individual cysts provides immediate relief, but new cysts can still develop if the underlying cause persists.
For conditions like PCOS or endometriosis that cause recurrent cysts, ongoing management is typically needed rather than a permanent cure – this may include hormonal treatments, lifestyle modifications, or periodic monitoring. In severe cases where cysts repeatedly cause complications or for postmenopausal women with concerning cysts, removing one or both ovaries eliminates the possibility of future cysts but has significant hormonal and fertility implications. For most women of reproductive age, the goal is managing symptoms and preventing complications rather than permanently eliminating the possibility of cysts forming.
Online ovarian cyst treatments typically involve a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. During the consultation, you can discuss your symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular periods, provide your medical history including previous cysts or ultrasound results, explain when symptoms started and their severity, and describe how the symptoms affect your daily life. Your provider will assess whether your symptoms are consistent with ovarian cysts and determine if treatment is needed. You'll then receive a personalized treatment plan which may include pain management recommendations, hormonal birth control to prevent future cysts, or guidance on monitoring.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend lifestyle modifications and will advise if you need in-person evaluation, ultrasound imaging, or specialist referral. Complex or symptomatic cysts often require in-person pelvic examination and imaging for proper diagnosis and management.
It's important to be open and honest during your consultation to help your healthcare provider assess your condition. Be sure to provide your doctor with detailed information, such as:
• Your symptoms, including pelvic or abdominal pain location, intensity, and timing
• Menstrual cycle patterns and any irregularities
• Whether you've had ovarian cysts diagnosed before and how they were treated
• Previous ultrasounds or imaging results if available
• Whether symptoms worsen during certain activities or times in your cycle
• Underlying health conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, current medications including birth control, or any allergies
The more information you can provide, the better your doctor can determine if you likely have an ovarian cyst, assess whether imaging or in-person evaluation is needed, and recommend appropriate treatment or management strategies.
LifeMD offers online consultations for ovarian cyst concerns and can provide prescriptions for symptom management or hormonal treatments to prevent future cysts. You can have these sent to your local pharmacy, where your medication will be prepared for pick-up. However, diagnosing ovarian cysts typically requires pelvic examination and ultrasound imaging, so coordination with in-person care is often necessary for comprehensive management.
When it comes to treating ovarian cysts, the timeline varies significantly based on the type of cyst and treatment approach. Functional cysts that resolve on their own typically shrink and disappear within one to three menstrual cycles (one to three months), with symptoms gradually improving during that time. Pain management medications provide relief within hours, helping you feel more comfortable while the cyst resolves. If starting hormonal birth control to prevent future cysts, it typically takes one to three months to see a reduction in cyst formation and related symptoms. For cysts requiring surgical removal, symptom relief is usually immediate or within a few days post-surgery once you've recovered from the procedure.
Follow-up ultrasounds are typically done four to eight weeks after initial diagnosis to check if the cyst has resolved. If a cyst hasn't shrunk or has grown after two to three months of monitoring, your healthcare provider may recommend further evaluation or intervention. Persistent pain, severe symptoms, or rapidly growing cysts require more urgent evaluation and may need quicker intervention rather than watchful waiting.
Family Medicine
4.93 stars 170 reviews
Internal Medicine
4.98 stars 178 reviews
Internal Medicine
4.92 stars 261 reviews
Family Medicine
4.94 stars 178 reviews
Hormone Specialist
4.92 stars 163 reviews
