Risk factors

Your risk of developing an ovarian cyst is heightened by:

• Hormonal problems. These include taking the fertility drug clomiphene (Clomid), which is used to cause you to ovulate.
• Pregnancy. Sometimes, the cyst that forms when you ovulate stays on your ovary throughout your pregnancy.
• Endometriosis. This condition causes uterine endometrial cells to grow outside your uterus. Some of the tissue can attach to your ovary and form a growth.
• A severe pelvic infection. If the infection spreads to the ovaries, it can cause cysts.
• A previous ovarian cyst. If you've had one, you're likely to develop more.