Follicular cysts are a type of ovarian cyst caused by a malfunction in the ovulation process. They are usually harmless and go away on their own, but can cause sharp pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle. They are considered a normal part of reproductive system function and changes in the menstrual cycle should be checked with a doctor.
A follicular cyst is a type of ovarian cyst. Usually benign, it develops if an ovary doesn’t release a mature egg. The follicle, which is a sac that holds the egg until it is mature enough to be released, typically disintegrates and disappears after the egg is released. Sometimes, a malfunction in the process results in a persistent, fluid-filled sac called a follicular cyst.
When the ovulation process is successful, an egg is released from the ovary at the midpoint of the reproductive cycle, triggered by a burst of luteinizing hormone (LH). There are times when the LH burst does not occur, however, and no signal is provided. This results in ovulation not occurring or a mature follicle collapsing instead of being released.
When this happens, the unreleased egg turns into a cyst and is still attracted to the walls of the ovary by the follicle. These fluid-filled sacs can reach up to 2 inches (5.08 cm) in diameter, eventually rupturing and occasionally causing a sharp pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Often, however, there is no sharp pain and no symptoms accompanying the development and bursting of the cyst.
The sharp pain associated with ruptured follicular cysts is called mittelschmerz, a German word meaning medium pain. It has a number of causes, and in the case of these cysts, it is usually felt about two weeks before menstruation starts or in the middle of the cycle. Cysts typically occur in only one ovary at a time, and pain is felt on that side of the body.
Follicular cysts belong to a group of what are called functional cysts. This refers to the fact that they are caused by a misfire in the normal function of the menstrual cycle. Also part of this family are corpus luteum cysts, which occur when the follicle doesn’t disintegrate as it should.
For the most part, these cysts are harmless and go away on their own. About a quarter of all women suffer from follicular cysts, and as they often have no accompanying symptoms, the individual is usually unaware of their existence. Cysts like these are considered a normal part of reproductive system function and are often referred to as physiological. While there is no way to prevent these cysts from occurring, changes in your menstrual cycle, including sharp pains and irregularities, should be checked with a doctor.
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