What You Should Know about Nabothian Cysts
A Common (and Harmless) Finding on Ultrasound
Don’t panic—nabothian cysts are more normal than you think. Here’s what they are, why they show up on ultrasounds, and what to do next.
You Had an Ultrasound… and Now They’re Talking About Nabothian Cysts?
If you’ve recently had a pelvic ultrasound and your provider mentioned “nabothian cysts,” you’re not alone—and you’re likely not in any danger. Still, hearing the word “cyst” can feel alarming. Let’s talk about what nabothian cysts actually are, why they show up on imaging, and when (if ever) you need to worry.
What Are Nabothian Cysts?
Nabothian cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the cervix. They form when mucus-producing glands on the cervix become blocked, often as a result of normal healing after childbirth, minor inflammation, or hormonal shifts.
They are:
Common
Benign (non-cancerous)
Usually symptomless
They’re so common, in fact, that many gynecologists consider them a normal variant of cervical anatomy—just like freckles on skin.
Why Do They Show Up on Ultrasound?
Most nabothian cysts are discovered incidentally. That means your doctor likely wasn’t looking for them—they just showed up while checking something else during a pelvic ultrasound or cervical exam. The cysts appear as small, round, fluid-filled spots on the cervix, and radiologists are trained to recognize them.
Their presence doesn’t mean anything is wrong. In fact, it usually just confirms that your cervix is functioning normally and responding to hormones as expected.
Do Nabothian Cysts Cause Symptoms?
For most women, nabothian cysts don’t cause any symptoms at all. You probably wouldn’t know they were there unless someone told you. Occasionally, if a cyst grows larger (+4cm, which is rare), it might cause:
A slight feeling of fullness in the cervix
Discomfort during a pelvic exam
Increased vaginal discharge (also rare)
But even these symptoms are uncommon, and most women will go their whole lives without ever noticing or needing treatment.
Some research suggests there may be a link between Nabothian Cyst formation and Adenomyosis.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Very rarely, something that looks like a nabothian cyst on imaging turns out to be a different type of cervical lesion. That’s why your provider may recommend follow-up imaging or a pelvic exam, just to be sure.
You should reach out to your provider if you experience:
New or persistent pelvic pain
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Foul-smelling or discolored discharge
Rapid changes in your menstrual cycle
These symptoms are unlikely to be from nabothian cysts—but they are worth checking out regardless.
It is also possible that Nabothian Cysts are formed as a result of healing from chronic cervicitis. A condition that does have major implications on the health of your vaginal microbiome.
Can Nabothian Cysts Turn into Cancer?
No. Nabothian cysts are benign and do NOT increase your risk of cervical cancer. They are not precancerous, and they don’t require removal unless they are unusually large or symptomatic—which is extremely rare.
So… Do You Need to Do Anything?
Most of the time: nothing. Your doctor may simply note the presence of nabothian cysts in your medical records and move on. They don’t usually require monitoring, biopsies, or treatment unless they cause discomfort (again, very rare).
If you’re still feeling uneasy, it’s okay to ask your provider:
“Are you sure these are nabothian cysts?”
“Do we need to follow up on this later?”
“Can I see the images from the ultrasound?”
A good healthcare provider will be happy to walk you through it.
Bottom Line
Nabothian cysts are a normal and harmless finding, especially common in women of reproductive age. If your doctor found them on an ultrasound, try not to panic—they’re just a part of your body’s natural function, and they usually don’t require any attention at all.
Stay curious, stay informed—and remember: not every medical finding is a problem to fix.
Have you had a recent ultrasound or experience with nabothian cysts? Leave a comment below or reply to this post—I’d love to hear your questions and help demystify what the scan didn’t explain.