Ovarian cysts are one of the common problems experienced by many women at some point of time in their life. Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid and are found on the ovaries. Most of the ovarian cysts are not dangerous and they do not cause any problems. Hence, most of the cysts remain unnoticed and they get cured without any treatment.
Ovarian cysts are identified during a regular pelvic test or an ultrasound. If you know that you have ovarian cysts and find it difficult to become pregnant, then you should be worried.
Common Signs of Ovarian Cysts
Many ovarian cysts do not show any signs and they get resolved on their own. But some women may experience signs ranging from mild to severe. The common signs of ovarian cysts are as follows:
- Bloating
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Sudden weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Frequent urination
- Pain in the pelvic area and lower back
Do Ovarian Cysts Affect My Chances of Pregnancy?
As mentioned earlier, most of the ovarian cysts are not harmful. Some of them can cause mild discomfort but do not have any effect on your fertility. But if the ovarian cysts are caused by some underlying problem, then you may have an impact on your fertility. It can also affect your menstrual cycle.
To know how ovarian cysts cause infertility, it is important to be aware of the types of ovarian cysts and their impact on your fertility.
Different Types of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are broadly classified as functional and non-functional cysts. Functional cysts are the most common and they occur during a menstrual cycle. Functional cysts do not have an impact on your fertility. In fact, functional cysts indicate that the body is taking the actions required for conception. Whereas, non-functional cysts are not due to hormonal imbalances and are less common.
Non-Functional Cysts That Affect Fertility
Some of the non-functional cysts due to certain conditions can affect your fertility and can have an impact on your pregnancy.
The following are some of the common non-functional cysts that affect fertility:
- Endometriosis: It is a common condition that affects fertility in females. If you have endometriosis, the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus wall. The tissue may grow on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. About 30 to 40% of women who have endometriosis find difficulty in becoming pregnant.
- Ovarian cysts from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): It is the growth of several small cysts on the ovaries. It is also a leading cause of infertility in women. PCOS can show signs such as severe pelvic pain, irregular periods, facial hair, acne, etc. If you have PCOS, the body does not produce hormones required for maturing the egg. As eggs do not release, ovulation does not take place and makes your periods irregular.
- Dermoid cysts: Dermoid cysts usually occur at birth. They occur when the tissues get collected under the skin. They may also contain hair, skin, and teeth instead of fluid. They are harmless and do not directly affect fertility. However, if an ovary is removed to treat a dermoid cyst, then your fertility may get affected.
Cysts That Demonstrate Good Fertility
Functional cysts are very common and they do not fertility. The following functional cysts actually indicate good fertility:
- Follicle cyst: A follicle cyst is a sac that contains the matured egg. The matured egg will be released during ovulation. If the egg is not released, these follicles swell and they go away on their own.
- Corpus luteum cyst: This cyst is formed after the egg is released by the follicle cyst. It produces estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If fertilization does not take place, the corpus luteum cyst breaks down and triggers menstruation.
Are You Diagnosed with Ovarian Cysts and Worried About Pregnancy? Visit Angels Fertility Center Today
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and finding difficulty conceiving, meet doctors at Angels Fertility today. We have a team of fertility specialists and gynaecologists who can treat a wide range of fertility issues in both men and women. We will provide you with a set of options for your problem. We also recommend the best course of treatment to help you have the healthiest pregnancy. If you have any questions about ovarian cysts, feel free to contact us and get your problem solved.