Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled pockets that develop on the inside of a girls ovaries. They can occur in one or both ovaries and can be single sacs or in clusters, and are sometimes filled with other substances like blood in addition to fluid. Most ovarian cysts in children and young women are benign (non-cancerous), but can develop into cancer in rare cases. There are different types of ovarian cysts, and the most common type is functional cysts, which occur as a result of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) . Other types of cysts are much less common.

The exact cause of ovarian cysts in young females is not always clear, but many cysts are caused by normal body processes. Cysts can develop at different stages in the menstrual cycle in response to changing levels of sex hormones. Other factors that may contribute to ovarian cysts include endometriosis, hormonal problems, severe pelvic infection, or a previous ovarian cyst. Some cysts may also be due to maternal hormonal exposure in the womb.

Small ovarian cysts that go away on their own often cause no symptoms. However, larger or more serious cysts may cause symptoms such as sharp pain in the pelvic (lower abdominal) area during the ovulation phase. In some cases, the cyst may cause the ovary to twist in an abnormal way, which can damage the organ and cause a rare complication called ovarian torsion.

It is important to note that treating ovarian cysts in young females is different than treating cysts in adults, and specialized care is needed. If you suspect that you or your child has an ovarian cyst, it is important to seek medical attention from a board-certified pediatric and adolescent gynecologist.