? The only way you can really tell the size of an ovarian cyst is by going into your doctor for an ultrasound. If you find out that you have a large ovarian cyst it's a good time to start thinking about your treatment options, because larger cysts are more likely to be painful or rupture.
There are a few common types of large ovarian cysts that you should know.
Follicular cysts can grow to be over two inches are by far the most common type of ovarian cyst. These develop when ovulation doesn't occur properly or when an unreleased egg turns into a cyst. If this cyst ruptures there will be sharp, stabbing pain, but usually these disappear without rupturing, so there is no pain involved.
A Dermoid cyst is more severe; these can be up to six inches in size and cause severe pain. Endometrioid large ovarian cysts can grow up to eight inches and they're usually painful during menstruation.
There is no reason to suffer from these types of large ovarian cysts for your entire life. Most cysts will actually go away on their own without any form of treatment, that's why it's important to learn how to prevent large ovarian cysts so you don't have to go through the pain of having one.
Don't jump to the conclusion that medical intervention is always necessary. Surgery can only remove the large ovarian cysts that are currently on your ovaries, it will do nothing to prevent future cysts from developing.
The hormonal treatments that are sometimes prescribed to women can have just as damaging side effects as the cysts themselves, so be very careful when choosing a method.