Do you know the difference between ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometrial polyps? They are all gynecological conditions that affect the uterus that share similar causes and symptoms. Here, we will break down the similarities, differences, causes, and explore how pelvic floor physical therapy can help.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are a fluid or tissue filled sac that can develop on or inside the ovaries. They are extremely common, especially before menopause, and they usually don’t cause pain or any serious problems. They often form as a result of natural changes during your menstrual cycle, and resolve themselves.
There are a few different kinds of cysts. The most common is a functional cysts, which happen during ovulation. These can be follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts, both of which generally shrink in a few months without treatment. Other cysts include teratomas which contain cells like your hair or teeth, cystadenomas which form on the surface of your ovary, and endometriomas which are often linked to endometriosis.
These cysts often don’t cause symptoms, and you may not even know you have them. In some cases, you may experience things like back or pelvic pain, pain with sex, painful or irregular periods, and bowel or urinary issues.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths made of muscle or tissue that grows in or on the walls of your uterus. They are very common, and not usually cancerous. They can range in size and may or may not require treatment.
There are several kinds of fibroids, and they depend on their location and how they are attached to the uterus. The most common type is intramural fibroids, which grow into the muscle wall of the uterus. Other cysts include submuscosal fibroids which grow under the inner lining of the uterus, subserosal fibroids which grow under the outer surface of the uterus, and pedunculated fibroids which attach to the uterus with a stalk or stem.
Most small fibroids don’t cause any symptoms. Larger fibroids can cause symptoms like excessive or painful bleeding during your periods, bleeding between periods, urinary issues, bowel issues, pain with sex, and more.
What are Endometrial Polyps?
Endometrial polyps are growths in the inner lining of your uterus, usually attached at the lining and extending into the uterine cavity. Polyps can range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, and you may have multiple at the same time. If they are causing symptoms, the main treatment is removal. Most polyps are not cancerous, but a small number may become cancerous (about 1 in 20).
The most common symptom caused by polyps is abnormal uterine bleeding. This can be things like spotting or bleeding after menopause, heavy flow during your period, periods longer than 7 days, irregular or missed periods, and bleeding after sex.
How Are They Similar?
These three conditions share many similarities. The first major similarity is general location. Each of these conditions affect the reproductive system, whether it be the ovaries or the uterus. The next similarity is that these conditions are all typically benign in nature. Most ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometrial polyps are non cancerous.
There is also a hormonal link with these conditions. They usually develop in response to hormonal changes, whether it be perimenopause, PMOS, or just the normal changes of your cycle. Cysts tend to be linked to ovulation processes and hormonal fluctuations, fibroids are more common at reproductive age, and polyps are more common around perimenopause.
Finally, these three conditions have many overlapping symptoms. All of them can cause menstrual changes like heavy or irregular bleeding. They can also cause pelvic discomfort or pressure based on their location on the uterus or ovaries. Lastly, in some cases, these conditions can cause issues with fertility.
How Are They Different?
While there is a lot of overlap between these three conditions, the key differences lie in their specific locations and structure. In terms of location, they are all generally located in and on the reproductive system. Ovarian cysts specifically grow on or in the ovaries, while fibroids and polyps affect the uterus. Uterine fibroids can grow in or on the uterus, and endometrial polyps form on the inner wall or the uterine cavity.
These conditions also differ in structure. Cysts are sacs that are either filled with fluid or semi-solid. There are several types of fibroids, but they are all made up of smooth muscle cells that attach directly or by stalks to the uterus. Polyps are soft growths that attach to the uterus directly or by stalks.
How Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help?
While pelvic floor physical therapy can’t cure these conditions, they can help manage related symptoms. Things like pelvic discomfort and pressure, pain with sex, and urinary and bladder issues can all be managed through a combination of relaxing and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
Read more about V Strong Physical Therapy, and learn how pelvic floor physical therapy can benefit you. Book a consult call with our team to get started on your pelvic health journey today!
Works Cited
“The Big Differences between Fibroids, Cysts, and Polyps.” Wollongong Obstetrics & Gynecology, 9 Aug. 2025, http://www.wollongongobgy.com.au/fibroids-cysts-and-polyps/.
Thompson Team. “Polyps vs Cysts vs Fibroids in Women: What’s the Difference?” Thomson Medical, 17 Apr. 2026, http://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/polyps-vs-cysts-vs-fibroids.
“What Are Endometrial Polyps?” Cleveland Clinic, 27 May 2026, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14683-uterine-polyps.