Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get urgent or emergency help for:
Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening pelvic or abdominal pain
Pain with nausea or repeated vomiting
Dizziness, fainting, marked weakness, or pale, clammy skin
Severe pain when you could be pregnant
Heavy bleeding or symptoms suggesting significant blood loss
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if pain becomes noticeably worse, you develop a fever, or you have unusual vaginal bleeding.
These symptoms may have causes other than an ovarian cyst and may need assessment.
These symptoms can occur with ovarian torsion, internal bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, or another urgent abdominal condition.
Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment if they occur.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent pelvic pain, pressure, bloating, pain during sex, or menstrual changes.
You should also follow up if symptoms continue after a cyst was expected to resolve or if a recommended repeat ultrasound has not been completed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Functional ovarian cysts. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.