Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Infertility?

Ovarian cysts are typically found in women during their reproductive years. Usually, they resolve on their own, with no aftereffects. However, there are cysts which indicate more serious conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. For these, individuals typically require medical intervention in order to resolve them or manage them.  

Since ovarian cysts are harmless, they usually do not cause infertility. At the same time, their presence could signal more serious issues. So how does one know when ovarian cysts require medical intervention? To get a better understanding, let us delve a little deeper into the formation of the different types of ovarian cysts, as well as any symptoms they cause.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst, as the name suggests, forms on the ovary. It is a fluid-filled sac that develops in different sizes. Ovarian cysts usually go away on their own, having caused no symptoms, and do not have any negative effect on a person's fertility. At times, they do rapture or grow large such that they affect a person’s daily routine. 

Types of Ovarian Cysts

In the medical world, ovarian cysts fall into two categories namely, functional cysts and non-functional cysts. This is typically because they present different symptoms, requiring different courses of treatment.

Functional Cysts

Function cysts tend to resolve on their own, and without an ultrasound, one may never know they have this type of cysts. They are also the more common type of cysts because they form as a result of the presence of antral follicles which develop during ovulation. There are two types of functional cysts:

1. Corpus luteum cyst: This cyst forms after an antral follicle has released the mature egg within. The follicle continues to grow, reseals itself and fluid builds up inside it.  
2. Follicular cyst: This cyst forms when an antral follicle does not release the mature egg within it, and continues to grow. 

Non-Functional Cysts

Non-functional ovarian cysts could either point to an underlying condition, or can be benign. They include the following types:

Cystadenomas

Cystadenomas are benign tumours filled with a clear colored liquid that has a mucus-like consistency. They are quite common and do not usually have any accompanying symptoms. However, surgery is the typical treatment for them when they cause complications.

Endometriomas

Endometriomas are also known as ‘chocolate cysts’ because of their dark brown coloring. They form due to a condition known as endometriosis, in which endometrial tissue forms outside of the uterus. When chocolate cysts are present, they are indicators that there could be additional complications associated with the disease.

It was discovered that the likelihood of infertility is higher in individuals who have endometriosis. While no cure has been found, endometriosis has interventions in medicines and surgeries that are helpful in alleviating and managing its symptoms.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

PCOS, as its name suggests, occurs when multiple cysts are found forming on the ovaries. It affects about 20 percent of females during their reproductive years, and presents different symptoms than those of endometriomas. Acne, extreme tiredness, baldness or excessive growth of hair, weight gain, and even challenges in conceiving are the more common ones. Many times, these cysts can be managed using therapies that are medication-based.   

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Symptoms of ovarian cysts typically occur when a cyst grows too large or ruptures. Some of these are bloating, a sudden sharp pain in the lower belly or back, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, and vaginal spotting or bleeding.

If one experiences pain accompanied by heavy vaginal bleeding, dizziness or feeling faint, severe nausea and vomiting, or fever one should immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Treating Ovarian Cysts

There are several ways in which ovarian cysts can be managed, including observation, medicine-based therapy and surgical interventions. Let us look at the rationale behind the treatment options:

Observation

Since a majority of cysts tend to resolve on their own, many professional healthcare  practitioners will recommend waiting for the cyst to resolve on its own. As well, cysts can be monitored on a regular basis using ultrasound examinations. This is helpful in mitigating any issues that could arise in the future. 

Hormonal Treatments

In order to keep cysts from developing, hormonal treatments can be administered. The typical prescriptions are in the form of oral contraceptives, or hormones in the form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH). These regulate the menstrual cycles by restricting ovulation so that the cysts have no opportunity to form in the first place.

Surgery

When cysts are complex, very large or cancerous, they are removed using surgery. A laparoscopic surgery is non-invasive, and is used when cysts are small enough to be removed through small incisions that are made on the abdomen to give access to surgical tools. It is also used when the cysts are non-cancerous. Open surgery  is typically the option when cysts are too big to be removed through laparoscopic surgery, or if they are cancerous. 

Do Ovarian Cysts Cause Infertility?

Although they usually do not cause infertility,cysts have the potential of causing infertility because they prevent ovulation, create hormonal imbalances which affect ovulation, and also cause pain and discomfort which make having sex challenging or impossible. Specifically, PCOS is a leading cause of infertility all over the world. 

Seeking Expert Fertility Advice

Pregnancy is still possible even with cysts, but it all depends on their size and location, and any hormonal impact they may have had. With proper medical care, women with ovarian cysts have gone ahead to have successful pregnancies. Medication and surgical treatments have been effective in improving fertility. Following the removal of ovarian cysts one may need several months before their fertility normalizes. 

IVF With a Cyst

When a person is undergoing IVF treatments to help them become pregnant, it has been found that removing ovarian cysts ahead of treatments increases the likelihood of success. This is because ovarian cysts sometimes prevent the ovary from releasing eggs, as well, ovarian cysts sometimes makes egg retrieval more difficult. 

In Summary

Ovarian cysts could cause infertility depending on their type, even if they are typically harmless. Finding the right treatment not only improves fertility, it also increases the chances of becoming pregnant. If you want to start a family, and have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts, consult with a healthcare professional at contact Ivy Fertility to know the options that are available in preserving as well as enhancing your chances of becoming pregnant.