Would an ultrasound always show ovarian cysts if they are there?

I don't mean to say that cysts might not show because they're so tiny, but rather, is it possible that they might not show due to some sort of physical positioning of one's anatomy? Sort of like when a woman is pregnant and if the baby moves, they can't always pick up the heartbeat with the fetal monitor? Is it possible that the cysts could be sitting in such a way that the ultrasound doesn't pick them up?

If the ovaries could be seen on the ultrasound, we would be able to see if there were cysts on them. As you know, cysts are fluid filled sacs, and ultrasound images any fluid filled structure very well. For example, the urinary bladder is seen very well when it is full of fluid (urine). A fetal stomach is easily seen on ultrasound, due to the amniotic fluid the baby swallows. Really, the only way ovarian cysts would be missed with ultrasound is when the ovary is not visualized at all. This can happen if the patient is obese, the bladder is not full enough on transabdominal scanning, or the patient is "gassy", as ultrasound cannot see through air.

This is highly unlikely due to the high resolution of the ultrasounds used today. Ovarian cysts come and go according to your cycle ofttimes. If you are checked when you are bothered with them, they are more likely to be seen. If it is during the cycle where the egg has already been released from the ovary, you will most likely not see a cyst.

If they are there, they will find them. If they aren't able to get a clear picture with a regular ultrasound on your belly, they have a "wand" that they can insert to get a closer picture. I know it sounds gross, but it's not that bad. Are you concerned you have cysts?

I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome since i first started my period (12 yrs old and i am now 25) and the first ultrasound i had did show cysts even though they were only small and only a few. Recently i went for an ultrasound checkup, they also decided to do an "internal ultrasound" which involves them inserting a small "rod" type of ultrasound equipment into the vagina to get a closer and more accurate look at the cysts. Although they may not use this equipment on you. It did show the cysts more clearly and they could measure their size and volume.
Hope this helps you out hun..

As far as I'm aware ultrasounds usually always pick up cysts even if they're small and if you do have cysts on your ovaries, it will make your ovaries appear enlarged.

If you have any concerns regarding this and think that you might have a cyst, I would recommend getting in touch with your doctor as they might be able to explain it to you more in detail.

Good luck :)