When planning to start a family, you start checking off boxes on your list of things to prepare for. Part of that process is visiting your obstetrician to go over what to expect when you’re expecting. During one of your visits, you may be told that you have ovarian cysts. At first, you may be concerned, but they’re actually a normal part of your menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence in women with regular periods. They may even be an indicator that your body is working as it should. Our team at FemmPro OB/GYN is here to answer the question of “do ovarian cysts impact fertility?”
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in an ovary or on its surface. A woman has one ovary on each side of her uterus, each of which produces eggs. Most women develop ovarian cysts at some point in their lives. However, most of them don’t present any symptoms or cause any problems and often go away independently.
There are different kinds of ovarian cysts, each of which has its causes and symptoms. These include:
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cysts and develop during your menstrual cycle. There are two primary functional cysts – follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
Approximately halfway through your menstrual cycle, an egg leaves its follicle and works its way down your fallopian tube. If the follicle doesn’t open to release the egg but continues to grow, a follicle cyst develops. These typically are not accompanied by any symptoms and disappear within three months.
Once the egg begins its journey down your fallopian tube, the follicle is referred to as the corpus luteum. In some cases, fluid accumulates inside, causing a cyst to form. These cysts typically go away within a few weeks but run the risk of getting too big and causing pain.
The other types of cysts are less common and are typically due to an underlying condition or are present at birth.
Most ovarian cysts do not impact fertility. However, some types can. Functional cysts can show that your body is working the way it should and leading up to fertility. Cystadenomas and dermoid cysts are typically benign and don’t affect your ability to get pregnant.
The two types of cysts that may impact fertility are endometriomas and ovarian cysts due to polycystic ovary syndrome. Endometriomas are cysts that develop due to a condition called endometriosis. This condition occurs when tissues similar to those that grow inside your uterus, forming your womb, grow outside your uterus. That extra tissue gets trapped and causes pain, irritating to surrounding tissue, endometriomas, and sometimes can make getting pregnant a little more challenging.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which high androgen levels, or male hormones, are present in your body and affect the normal function of your ovaries and metabolism. Symptoms of PCOS can include irregular or absent periods, hair loss similar to that of male-pattern baldness, increased hair growth in some areas, acne, and unexplained weight gain. Cysts often develop in your ovaries as a result and can impair the process of egg development and release.
Being diagnosed with one of these conditions does not mean you can’t have a baby. With the help of our expert doctors, a smooth pregnancy is still possible. Our professional team has helped many women achieve their dreams of motherhood and have happy, healthy babies.
Staying on top of your health with an annual well-woman exam at FemmPro OB/GYN is a great way to monitor the development of benign cysts and start treatment early, if necessary. If you’re experiencing pain or anything abnormal, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with one of our expert providers right away. Contact our Garden City or North Massapequa, New York office, or book an appointment online.
