[Ovarian cysts]

Ovarian cysts are found in 7.8% of asymptomatic fertile aged women. Post-menopausal women exhibit a prevalence of 2.5 to 18%. An ovarian cyst is detected either as an incidental finding, in ultrasonography performed for lower abdominal pain, or on the basis of a suspicious finding in pelvic examination. With easy availability of ultrasonography asymptomatic ovarian cysts are detected in an increasing number. Most cysts are benign and often vanish spontaneously. Therefore in the absence of suspected malignancy or harmful symptoms, it is unnecessary to expose the woman to the risks of the operation.