The chances that a woman will end up having a ovarian cyst during their lifetime is actually quite common and is generally no cause for concern. Complex ovarian cysts are a different story as they occur less often and can sometimes cause serious health problems. They are called complex ovarian cysts due to their makeup, usually containing both solid and liquid portions, having more substance then simple ovarian cysts and come in three different types: endometrioma, cystadenomas and dermoid.

The ova, cells that form human eggs, can develop a form of complex ovarian cyst called a "dermoid cyst." Dermoid cysts can contain hair, teeth, and/or skin; this is because they have the potential to become any kind of tissue in a human since they are "non-differentiated cells." While they are usually non-cancerous, dermoid cysts can become very large and result in pain by causing the ovaries to become twisted.

Endometriosis can become a culprit in the growth of another type of complex ovarian cyst, Endometrioma. Uterian cells begin to grow on the outside of the uterus and attach to an ovary, producing a growth after a woman has gone through many menstrual cycles. Generally Endometrial cysts can continue to grow, sometimes becoming as large as grapefruit. Some information suggests that Endometriosis is actually partly due to genetics. Common symptoms include pain during urination and bowel movements, irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, pain before and after menstrual cycles and during intercourse.

Developing from ovarian tissue, cystadenomas are complex ovarian cysts that can be filled mainly with liquid and have a tendency to twist in the ovary producing sever pain. There are two different types of cystadenomas, serous and mucinous. Serous are filled with a thin fluid and are know to grow between 2 and 6 inches in diameter. Mucinous on the other hand have a core of thick, gelatin like liquid and grow from 6 to 12 inches in diameter.

While complex ovarian cysts frequently cause pain and other obvious signs as they develop in size, such symptoms can be similar to those of endometriosis or an ectopic pregnancy. Women who suffer from complex ovarian cysts frequently feel discomfort in the pelvis around their periods and during sexual activity. In addition, they may have menstrual problems including abnormal bleeding or cessation of menstruation. Complex ovarian cysts may also cause symptoms similar to those experienced during pregnancy, including breast tenderness, vomiting and nausea.

A diagnosis of ovarian cysts is typically reached after a pelvic examination is conducted. Doctors will frequently confirm such a diagnosis with a pelvic ultrasound. Pregnancy or other factors should be ruled out beforehand. Once you have received a confirmed diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst, you should contact your physician whenever you experience severe pain in either the abdomen or in the pelvis.

A woman's age and symptoms are sometimes considered in making a diagnosis of complex ovarian cysts. Although not all ovarian cysts are cancerous, complex ovarian cysts must be tested to rule out cancer and to determine an appropriate course of treatment.