Fibroids vs Cysts: What Every Woman Should Know

Experiencing unexpected changes in your body can be worrying. If you have been dealing with discomfort in your pelvis or changes to your cycle, you might be wondering what is going on. 

Two common conditions that affect the female reproductive system are fibroids and ovarian cysts. While they share some symptoms, they are quite different. Understanding the differences can help you take charge of your health and find the relief you deserve.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on your uterus. They are tumours composed of muscle and fibrous tissue. They vary in size, from tiny seed-like nodules to large masses that can distort the shape of your reproductive organs.

Types of fibroids

Fibroids are classified based on their location within the uterus.

Common types of fibroids include:

• Submucosal fibroids:

  • Grow just beneath the lining of the uterus and can protrude into the uterine cavity

  • Often cause heavy bleeding or fertility issues

• Intramural fibroids:

  • Develop within the uterine walls and can enlarge your uterus

  • Sometimes cause pain or pressure

• Subserosal fibroids:

  • Grow on the outer surface of your uterus and may press on surrounding organs

  • May lead to urinary or bowel-related symptoms such as constipation or pelvic pain

• Pedunculated fibroids:

  • Attached to your uterus by a stalk and can be submucosal or subserosal

  • May cause sudden pain if the stalk twists

Knowing the specific type of fibroid you have helps your doctor tailor the right approach for your care. 

What causes fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but several hormonal factors contribute to their development. 

Hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, stimulate fibroid growth through specific hormone receptors. This is why they are more common during your reproductive years and may naturally shrink after menopause.

Genetics also play a role, as women with a family history are more likely to develop them. Other factors include obesity, early menarche, and certain growth factors that promote cell proliferation in the uterine muscle cells.

If you’re concerned about fibroids or want a personalised assessment, you may schedule a consultation with Thomson Medical to discuss your reproductive health and next steps.

What are cysts?

Cysts are simply fluid-filled sacs that can develop in various parts of your body. When they develop in your ovaries, they are known as ovarian cysts.

Types of ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts can be classified into several different types.

Common types of cysts include:

• Functional cysts:

  • Form from ovarian follicles and include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts

  • Related to the normal menstrual cycle and usually resolve on their own

• Dermoid cysts:

  • Contain various tissues like hair or fat 

  • Commonly linked to congenital in nature 

• Cystadenomas:

  • Benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop from ovarian tissue 

  • Can grow quite large

• Endometrioma cysts: 

  • May form in women with endometriosis

  • Usually contain thick, dark fluid

• Polycystic ovaries:

  • Often seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome (also known as polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS)

  • May contain multiple small cysts along the ovarian surface

Most of these cysts are usually harmless, but your doctor will help monitor them to ensure your peace of mind.

What causes ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts often develop as part of your menstrual cycle, especially as your hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month. 

Common causes include ovulation-related changes, such as when a follicle fails to release an egg or the corpus luteum fills with fluid. These are the most common cause of ovarian cysts

Certain factors can also increase your chances of developing ovarian cysts, including: 

• Being in your reproductive years

• Having had cysts before

• Experiencing irregular periods

The reassuring part is that ovarian cysts are very common, and in many cases, they’re simply a normal part of how your body works. 

Fibroid vs cyst: What is the difference?

Fibroids and cysts are both common growths in the reproductive system, but they’re quite different in what they are and how they affect your body.

Key differences between the two are the following:

Knowing the difference can make things feel a little less overwhelming. More importantly, it helps you have clearer, more confident conversations with your doctor so you can choose what’s right for your body and your long-term health.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms could be related to fibroids or ovarian cysts, schedule a consultation with Thomson Medical for a personalised assessment and guidance.

How to tell if you have a fibroid or cyst

It can be difficult to tell the difference between uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts based on symptoms alone, as both can affect the pelvic area. However, there are some diangositic methods that may help guide your doctor.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis usually starts with a gentle pelvic exam, where your doctor carefully checks for any unusual masses around the uterus or ovaries.

They may also recommend:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels, detect hormonal imbalances, and sometimes measure CA-125, a protein that can be raised in both benign conditions and ovarian cancer.

• Imaging tests

While this process can feel a little overwhelming, each step helps give you clearer answers so you can move forward with the right care and peace of mind.

Ultrasound and imaging

A pelvic ultrasound is the most common way to check for fibroids and ovarian cysts. It uses sound waves to create images and can help tell the difference between a solid mass and a fluid-filled sac.

Ultrasound is also useful over time, as it helps your doctor keep track of any changes in size or see how well treatment is working.

In some cases, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be recommended for a more detailed view, especially if the fibroids are large, the cysts are more complex, or if surgery is being considered.

When to see a doctor

You should seek professional medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent abdominal or ongoing pelvic pain

• Abnormal or heavy bleeding

• Bloating that doesn’t go away

• A feeling of pressure on the bladder

• Sudden, sharp pain in the pelvis

Regular pelvic check-ups are also important, especially if you have a family history of gynaecological conditions or are planning a pregnancy.

Getting checked early helps ensure any growths are properly monitored, lowering the risk of complications such as ovarian torsion (when the ovary twists), pelvic infection, or, in rare cases, cancer.

What are the treatment options for fibroids vs cysts?

Treatment depends on your symptoms, the size of the growth, and what feels right for your body and lifestyle. 

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding an approach that matches your symptoms, your goals, and what feels manageable for you, with guidance from your doctor.

Can fibroids or cysts affect fertility?

Yes, both fibroids and ovarian cysts can affect fertility, but it really depends on their type, size, and where they are.

In most cases, fibroids do not significantly affect fertility. However, certain types, especially those that grow into your uterine cavity (the inner space of your uterus), can make it harder for a fertilised egg (embryo) to attach or may increase the risk of miscarriage. Some fibroids can also affect blood flow to your uterine lining. 

Your doctor can assess whether your fibroids are likely to have an impact and discuss the options available to you.

Ovarian cysts, like endometriomas or larger cysts, may sometimes affect ovulation or impact nearby structures like your fallopian tubes. However, many functional cysts are harmless and often go away on their own without affecting fertility.

A simple check-up can give you clearer answers and help you take the next steps with more confidence and reassurance.

If you’re thinking about fertility and want to understand potential risks from fibroids or cysts, you may arrange a check-up with Thomson Medical to discuss your options.

FAQ

Can a cyst turn into a fibroid? 

No. Cysts and fibroids are different types of growths and don’t turn into each other. 

Are fibroids and cysts cancerous? 

Most are not. Fibroids are almost always non-cancerous, and most ovarian cysts are benign too. A small number of cysts may need closer monitoring, just to be safe.

Can you have fibroids and cysts at the same time? 

Yes, it’s possible. Since they form in different parts of the reproductive system, they can exist together and sometimes cause overlapping symptoms.

Do fibroids and cysts go away on their own? 

Many ovarian cysts do, especially functional ones, which often resolve within a few cycles. Small fibroids may stay the same or shrink over time, particularly after menopause.

What size fibroid or cyst needs surgery? 

Can fibroids or cysts cause weight gain? 

Not directly. They may cause bloating or a feeling of fullness, which can make your abdomen look larger, but true weight gain is usually linked to other factors such as diet or lifestyle. 

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.