What is the most common type of functional ovarian cyst?

Follicular cysts are the most common type of functional ovarian cysts that occur during the menstrual cycle. These cysts form when a follicle, which is a small sac in the ovary that contains an egg, fails to release the egg during ovulation and continues to grow instead. Typically, these cysts are benign and often resolve on their own within one to three menstrual cycles.

The prevalence of follicular cysts can be attributed to their formation being directly linked to the normal physiological processes of the ovaries. While corpus luteal cysts, hemorrhagic cysts, and endometrial cysts can occur, they are less common. Corpus luteal cysts are formed following ovulation when the corpus luteum does not degenerate as it should, which can occur but is less frequent than the occurrence of follicular cysts. Hemorrhagic cysts occur when a blood vessel within a cyst ruptures but are still not as prevalent as follicular cysts. Endometrial cysts, or endometriomas, are associated with endometriosis and represent a different pathological process.

Thus, the frequency of occurrence and the mechanism of formation contribute to follicular cysts being recognized as the most common type of functional ovarian