They can sometimes cause a sharp pain. But in my experience, it usually cramping (even when it's not my period), pelvic pain, fullness in my pelvic area, tenderness if you pressed on my lower abdomen and pain during sex if it was "bumped". Most cysts are normal, usually painless and disappear on their own. When they don't they may cause problems with your ovulation and that can lead to missed periods and fertility problems. (However, that's only while they're present on your ovaries, once they're gone you should start ovulating normally again.) Because it's usually a hormonal imbalance that causes these cysts, birth control can easily remedy the problem (this is what I did and it worked well). If you're trying to get pregnant though, then blood tests can find the specific cause of the hormonal imbalance and your doctor can treat you as she determines best. Good luck and I hope you get things straightened out
