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Ovarian cysts are very common in women during their reproductive years.
Although ovarian cysts may cause symptoms that require treatment, they usually don't spread to other parts of the body. A functional cyst is the most common type. During each cycle your ovary creates a cyst-like structure called a follicle, which contains an egg. If the follicle does not dissolve, as it should, a functional cyst may form. Functional cysts usually do not cause symptoms and disappear on their own within 1-3 menstrual cycles.