Can ovarian cyst cause infertility? Fertility is one of the most important aspects of a woman’s health. Unfortunately, ovarian cysts can be a cause of infertility in some cases. Advances in reproductive health have allowed for a better understanding of the causes and treatments available. In this article, we’ll look at the causes of ovarian cysts and explore how they can lead to infertility in women. We will also discuss what treatments are available to remedy the issue and improve a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant.
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are present in or on the ovaries. They are relatively common and can occur at any age. Most ovarian cysts are benign (not cancerous) and cause no symptoms. However, some may cause pain or other problems.
What are the types of ovarian cysts?
There are different types of ovarian cysts. Among them, functional ovarian cysts are the most common type.
Functional ovarian cysts:
Follicular cysts
Follicular ovarian cysts are one type of functional ovarian cyst. Functional ovarian cysts are common and often occur during ovulation when the follicle ( egg sac) on the ovary ruptures. Follicular cysts are part of normal ovulation. They appear as small dark circles in ovaries on ultrasound. As the menstrual cycle continues, the egg matures, and the follicles increase in size to 1.8-3 cm. All this takes place before the egg is released. When the egg releases from the ovaries, the cysts transform into corpus luteum, responsible for the release of the hormone progesterone. The Corpus luteum looks pale in colour. The total life span of the corpus luteum is usually 2 weeks after that it regresses.
Corpus luteal cysts
When ovulation takes place, the empty follicle, which is left, converts into a hormonally active cyst called the corpus luteum.Corpus luteum is an active cyst that secretes progesterone which is the key hormone in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. If fertilization takes place, then Corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone. If it doesn’t occur, then corpus luteum will regress and shrink down, this results in decreased progesterone production and stimulate menstruation. Sometimes corpus luteum doesn’t shrink and is filled with fluid to form a cospus luteal cyst. In most cases, corpus luteum cysts will automatically be resolved on their own, but sometimes they can increase in size and result in bleeding and pain in the pelvis.
Non-functional ovarian cysts:
Hemorrhagic cysts
A hemorrhagic cyst is formed when internal haemorrhage occurs in functional cysts of the ovary. This happens most commonly to the corpus-luteal cyst .vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain is the common symptoms most people experience, but they can happen without any symptoms. In rare cases, continuous bleeding from the cyst may require surgery.
Ovarian cystadenomas
These develop from cells on the surface of the ovary and may be filled with a watery fluid, mucus, or both. Ovarian Cystadenomas are benign fluid-filled cysts. Directly they are not responsible for infertility, but if left untreated, they can grow bigger and require surgical removal that may result in damage to the egg reserve in the ovaries and leads to infertility issues.
Ovarian dermoid cysts
Dermoid cysts are commonly benign instead of the fluid that is found in most of the cysts. These types of cysts might contain parts of other tissues like skin, teeth, and hair. These can grow into larger sizes and may cause ovarian torsion and can get infected if they rupture. Dermoid cysts are usually benign but may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, and surgical removal is very important for dermoid ovarian cysts.
Endometriomas
Endometriomas, are also called endometrioid cysts, produced as a result of endometriosis. Also known as “chocolate cysts,” these form when endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus and onto the ovary. Endometrioid cysts are a type of ovarian cyst that is usually benign (noncancerous). They are often found in women with endometriosis. Endometrioid cysts are filled with endometrial tissue and may contain blood. These cysts can range in size from small to large. They may cause pain and other symptoms if they rupture or become twisted (torsed). Endometriomas may cause infertility.
Polycystic ovaries
Sometimes the ovaries may develop a large number of small cysts in the ovaries, which are commonly termed as polycystic ovaries. These small cysts are actually normal ovarian follicles containing eggs. PCOS cause difficulty in ovulation as there are numerous follicles go into growth arrest, waiting for their turn to mature for ovulation. The condition can cause alterations in hormone levels, which can lead to irregular periods, excess hair growth, and difficulty conceiving. Although polycystic ovaries are not cancerous, they can be associated with an increased risk of certain health problems, such as endometrial cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Malignant ovarian cysts
Some malignancies can also present with ovarian cysts. This is rare and most commonly associated with older women. A malignant ovarian cyst is a type of ovarian tumour that is cancerous. They are typically found in women over the age of 50 and can be quite large, sometimes reaching up to 12 inches in diameter. Malignant ovarian cysts can cause a number of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. If left untreated, they can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal. Treatment for malignant ovarian cysts usually involves surgery to remove the tumour and may also include chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cyst?
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst can vary depending on the size of the cyst and whether it ruptures. If the cyst is small, you may not have any symptoms. If the cyst grows larger, it may cause pain in your lower abdomen on the side where the cyst is located. The pain has different characters it may be sharp or dull and may come and go. If a cyst ruptures, you may feel a sudden sharp pain in your lower abdomen. You also may have nausea, vomiting, fever, or faintness. Rarely a functional ovarian cyst can grow large enough to cause torsion (twisting) of the ovary. If this occurs, it is considered a medical emergency, and you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
What are the causes of ovarian cysts?
There can be many different causes of ovarian cysts, as they can develop for a variety of reasons.
- One common cause is when the egg that is released during ovulation is not fertilized and instead grows into a cyst. This is known as a functional cyst and usually goes away on its own within a few months. However, some types of cysts can be caused by an underlying medical condition,
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the surface.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a disorder in which the tissue that lines the uterus, known as the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus.
- In some cases, ovarian cysts can also be caused by certain medications, such as hormone therapy or birth control pills.
- Previous ovarian cysts you can develop more ovarian cysts if you have a history of ovarian cysts.
Can ovarian cyst cause infertility? How do ovarian cysts affect fertility?
Most ovarian cysts are not likely to affect your fertility. Functional ovarian cysts are the most common type of ovarian cysts that are produced during the normal menstrual cycle. other common type is corpus luteum cysts that are formed after the egg release when the corpus luteum is filled with fluid. They are harmless and are not associated with fertility problems, and commonly will go away on its own.
Cysts that are associated with endometriosis and PCOS are commonly associated with infertility problems that can cause problems with ovulation and lead to difficulty conceiving. Studies have been proved that 30 to 50% of females with endometriosis face infertility problems. Other studies have shown that even with mild endometriosis, females have only 2 to 4% chance of pregnancy each month, which is 15 to 20% in normal healthy females. Some types of Cysts can also rupture, causing pain and, in rare cases, internal bleeding. If you are planning to conceive and have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, it is important to speak with your doctor about the best course of treatment. Surgery may be required to remove the cyst, or, in some cases, medication may be prescribed to help shrink the cyst. In some cases, no treatment is necessary, and the cyst will eventually go away on its own. Regardless of the type of treatment, it is important to monitor the cyst closely to ensure that it does not impact your fertility or cause any other problems.
Can I get pregnant with ovarian cyst?
It is possible to get pregnant with ovarian cyst, though it may be more difficult than getting pregnant without the condition. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries, and they are common among women of childbearing age. While most cysts are benign and cause no symptoms, some can cause pelvic pain or other problems. If a cyst ruptures, it can also lead to bleeding. If you have an ovarian cyst and are trying to conceive, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best way to proceed. In some cases, especially with the surgery may be necessary to remove the cyst before you can become pregnant. In other cases, you may be able to manage the condition with medication or close monitoring by your doctor. Regardless, it’s important to get expert guidance so that you can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Can you ovulate with an ovarian cyst?
A common question that women have is whether or not they can ovulate with an ovarian cyst. The answer to this question is actually quite complex and depends on a variety of factors, such as:
Type of cyst
Functional cysts or corpus luteum cysts don’t create any problems with ovulation, but on the other hand, cysts in endometriosis and PCOS can be associated with problems in ovulation.
Size of cyst
Cysts can vary in size, but most are usually no bigger than a tennis ball. Cysts of smaller size are less likely to cause ovulation problems, and cysts of larger size are mostly associated with ovulation problems.
Site of cyst
The location of the cyst does impact your ovulation status.
How soon after ovarian cyst removal can I get pregnant?
Removing an ovarian cyst does not guarantee that you will be able to get pregnant right away. In fact, depending on the size and location of the cyst, it could take some time for your body to recover. If the cyst is large or located near other reproductive organs, it may take longer for you to conceive. Additionally, if you have multiple cysts or a history of cysts, your doctor may want to monitor your ovaries more closely before recommending trying to get pregnant. The best way to determine how soon you can get pregnant after having an ovarian cyst removed is to speak with your doctor.
Is normal delivery possible with ovarian cyst?
Normal delivery is possible with an ovarian cyst, but it depends on the size and location of the cyst. If the cyst is large or if it is located near the opening of the uterus, then a C-section may be necessary. Otherwise, if the cyst is small and not in a dangerous position, then a vaginal delivery should be possible. The important thing is to discuss your options with your doctor so that you can make the best decision for your individual situation.
What size of ovarian cyst is dangerous?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled pocket that develops on the ovary. Most ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, some ovarian cysts can grow large and become dangerous. The size of an ovarian cyst is usually measured in centimetres (cm). A cyst that is larger than 5 cm is considered to be large. A large ovarian cyst can cause a number of problems, including:- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis- Irregular menstrual bleeding- Difficulty urinating- difficulty emptying the bowels- Nausea, and vomiting if you have a large ovarian cyst. You should see your doctor immediately. Your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the cyst.
Ovarian cyst removal and fertility
Many women will develop at least one functional cyst during their lifetime, and they are generally harmless. Functional cysts occur when the egg is not released from the follicle during ovulation. The follicle continues to grow and fill with fluid, resulting in a cyst. In most cases, these cysts will disappear on their own within a few months. However, there are some types of ovarian cysts that can cause problems with ovulation and may need to be treated by a doctor. These include:
• Cysts that grow quickly and are larger than 5 centimetres (2 inches)
• Cysts that do not go away after several menstrual cycles
• Painful cysts
• Cysts that bleed or rupture
• Cysts that cause other symptoms, such as fever or vomiting
Treatment for ovarian cysts
There are many treatment options for ovarian cysts, and the best course of action will depend on the type and severity of the cyst.
- Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent any further growth or damage to the ovaries.
- If the cyst is small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring it with regular ultrasounds.
- If the cyst is of large size or causing pain, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it.
- For more serious cases, such as when the cyst is cancerous, treatment may involve chemotherapy or other medical interventions.
Watchful waiting
In watchful waiting, you may undergo repeated ultrasounds to see if the cyst has gone. In older patients or females with menopause, doctors may advise blood tests and ultrasounds for a period of one year every 4 months as these females have prone to develop ovarian carcinoma. you will not need any further investigations if the cyst has gone. In case of persistent cysts, surgery may be recommended.
SURGERY
Cysts that are large in size or growing rapidly or cysts that are symptomatic are commonly removed surgically. Surgical removal is also recommended when there is suspicion of a cancerous cyst or could become cancerous in the future.
There are two common surgical methods used for the removal of ovarian cysts.
Laparoscopic Removal
Removal by open surgery ( Laparotomy)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Best Low ovarian reserve diet?
what is ovarian vein embolization?
Does nexplanon help with ovarian cysts?
Can Ovulation Cause Fatigue? Understanding Why You Feel Tired During Your Cycle