Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. Commonly, simple ovarian cysts are not cancerous. The majority of cysts are found with ultrasound or other imaging tests, which also enable your physician to evaluate the cysts’ size. If a cyst ruptures, sudden pain and suffering may ensue. The majority of cysts do not cause symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and are trying to conceive, you should know that ovarian cysts typically have no effect on fertility. However, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Endometriosis May Cause Cysts and Fertility Issues
Cysts often do not make it more difficult to get pregnant. However, if the cysts are the result of an underlying condition such as endometriosis, you may have fertility problems.
Endometriosis affects more than one in ten women of reproductive age in the United States. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissues similar to the uterine lining implant or grow outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Although pregnancy is still possible despite endometriosis, fertility is diminished. 30% to 40% of women with endometriosis may have infertility. Discuss with your physician the different endometriosis therapies and how they might assist you in achieving your reproductive goals.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ovarian Cysts
If you have clusters of pearl-sized cysts or follicles, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common cause of infertility in women.
Your ovaries have contained eggs ever since you were a foetus. These eggs are released each month during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. As the eggs develop, their small sacs, known as follicles, fill with fluid. Follicles often rupture to generate mature eggs, which are then delivered to the uterus to be fertilised.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are deficient in all hormones necessary for egg formation. Although the follicles enlarge and fill with fluid, no eggs are produced. There is no ovulation, and the follicles stay inactive.
If this occurs, your body may be unable of producing progesterone, a key hormone for maintaining a regular menstrual cycle.
Ovarian Cysts and Pregnancy
In the early stages of pregnancy, despite the lack of menstruation, ovarian cysts are common. As with the majority of other ovarian cysts, these cysts are mostly benign.
However, there are a few possible concerns if the cysts continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. They may explode, twist, or even create difficulties during birth. This is one of the several reasons why it is essential to be under the supervision of an obstetrician/gynecologist throughout your whole pregnancy and life.
If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you may be at increased risk for gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, miscarriage, and premature delivery.
Discuss your risk and treatment choices with your gynaecologist. She will provide you with a complete list of options and recommend the most effective course of treatment to promote the healthiest pregnancy possible.
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Can an ovarian cyst cause problems during pregnancy?
Typically, ovarian cysts do not cause pregnancy difficulties. If a cyst continues to grow, it may rupture or twist, or cause the ovary to twist (this twisting is called ovarian torsion). Especially if it is a large mass that obstructs the abdomen or pelvis, a cyst that is growing may cause labour problems.
What is the most common complication of ovarian cyst during pregnancy?
The most common and serious result of pregnancy-related large benign ovarian cysts is torsion. Other potential complications include cyst rupture, infection, cancer, pelvic cyst impaction, obstructed labour, and malpresentation.
Is normal delivery possible with ovarian cyst?
Torsion may cause the cyst to rupture in the peritoneal cavity. It is also possible for ovarian cysts to burst during childbirth, delivery, the early postpartum period, and surgery. Multiple instances of large ovarian mucinous cystadenomas compromising pregnancy have been documented2,3,4.
