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Do Ovarian Cysts Affect My Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Most cysts are almost invisible and do not cause any discomfort. Most often, a woman finds out about a cyst during a visit to the gynecologist or an ultrasound examination. In simple terms, a cyst is a small sac filled with fluid. Not every ovarian cyst is a malignant formation. The main danger of a cyst is that it is often imperceptible until it ruptures. If it happens, pain, internal bleeding and cramping ensue and urgent medical intervention is required.
Remember. Most often, an ovarian cyst does not negatively affect fertility. In this case, much depends on what kind of cyst has formed, what is the general condition of the woman’s body. In order not to miss the beginning of the development of a cyst, you should regularly undergo gynecological examinations.
The image illustrates polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
By http://www.scientificanimations.com - http://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70110226
Ovarian cyst that can reduce fertility
1. Endometrioma. This is a type of cyst formed as a result of endometriosis. In this case, the tissue lining the uterine mucosa begins to grow in the intestines, bladder, fallopian tubes, ovaries and on the outside of the uterus, forming seals. At the initial stage, the cyst resembles a small bubble, but if you do not start treatment in a timely manner, it grows and turns into a serious problem that negatively affects fertility. As it grows, adhesions form, the fallopian tubes become blocked and infertility develops.
2. Cystadenoma. A benign cyst developing on the ovary. When detected, treatment should be started immediately, although such a formation does not directly affect the decline in fertility. If cystadenoma is not treated, you can end up losing your ovary. An operation will be required, which can result in the formation of adhesions in the ovary.
Important. Many believe that after the removal of the ovary, fertility drops by 50%. This is not true. It decreases by 15-20%. It is better to avoid such problems and promptly treat any gynecological diseases.
3. Dermoid cyst. They form at birth and gradually grow. In such a cyst, hair, skin, or even teeth can grow instead of fluid. Such a cyst does not have a direct effect on fertility. However, when an ovary is lost, a dermoid cyst negatively affects the development of infertility.
The presence of an ovarian cyst is not an absolute sentence for the onset of infertility. You just need to undergo an examination, consult a doctor and begin treatment. Timely treatment helps avoid negative consequences, and even in severe cases, you can undergo a successful IVF cycle in NGC, get pregnant and give birth to a healthy child.
Functional cysts
They are the most common type of ovarian cyst. The cyst appears during menstruation. In essence, it says that all the necessary processes for normal conception are going smoothly.
- Follicular cyst. It contains a maturing egg that comes out during ovulation.
- Corpus luteum cyst (luteal cyst) that has degenerated from a follicular cyst after the mature egg has left it. It produces progesterone.
Having discovered even a small cyst, you should immediately begin treatment under the supervision of an experienced doctor. Only after completely getting rid of the disease can you not be afraid of fertility problems.
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst
The first stage of the disease is asymptomatic. Most often, a cyst is diagnosed after an ultrasound examination. Only when the neoplasm has grown enough, it becomes noticeable. Symptoms indicating that a woman has started to grow a cyst:
- the monthly cycle becomes longer and more painful;
- cycles become irregular, bloody discharge may appear after the end of menstruation;
- the appearance of aching and pulling pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the lower back and groin;
- ovarian cysts cause the urge to urinate more frequently;
- bowel movements are disrupted in the form of frequent diarrhea or constipation not related to nutrition;
- the abdomen loses symmetry;
- active attempts to get pregnant do not give results.
Note. If you notice any signs of a cyst, consult a doctor. You can't ignore the problem. It is easier to cope with the disease at an early stage.
Cause of cyst development
In each specific case, the causes that cause the formation of ovarian cysts are different.
- Hormonal imbalance. The body produces a lot of estrogens and prolactins, while there is a serious lack of androgens and progesterone.
- Chronic disease of the reproductive organs causes structural changes in tissues.
- Unsuccessful surgery of the pelvic organs.
- Many abortions or frequent miscarriages.
- Hereditary predisposition.
If you know that the risk of ovarian cysts is high, undergo preventive examinations and ultrasounds more often. With early diagnosis, it is easier to get rid of the disease without consequences for the reproductive system.
Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis
The doctor examines a patient suspected of having a cyst.
- Palpating the suspicious area.
- Examination with a speculum by a gynecologist.
- Pelvic ultrasound.
- Laboratory tests that determine the level of sex hormones.
Sometimes the cyst is so large that it can be determined by the doctor through the skin of the abdomen. Conservative treatment gives good results only when dealing with a functional cyst. The doctor prescribes suppositories and other drugs. Constant monitoring is required to determine how the treatment is progressing.
By Mikael Häggström - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34578470
Por Schomynv - Obra do próprio, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16365254
Indications for Surgical Treatment
Even with the removal of one ovary, fertility will decrease by no more than 20%. Therefore, a woman will be able to become pregnant and carry a child. If you have any fertility problems, contact the NGC clinic. The staff treats visitors as close friends and is always ready to help. Reproductive doctors use the latest developments, which increases the chances of improving fertility
- Absolute. Rupture or torsion. Suspected transformation into a malignant tumor.
- Relative. Rapid growth of the cyst. Discomfort, pain during sexual intercourse. Diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination.
- Other. Infected cyst. Conservative treatment has not yielded results.
To ensure optimal fertility and avoid the appearance of cysts, follow these simple rules.
- Do not neglect intimate hygiene.
- If you discover any gynecological pathology, immediately consult a doctor.
- Monitor your hormonal levels.
- Eat in regular portions, lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Regularly undergo examinations by a gynecologist and do an ultrasound.
If you notice any signs of a cyst, immediately go to the doctor.
If you suspect that ovarian cysts form and your wellbeing is on the decline, immediately consult a specialist. The NGC clinic employs experienced specialists who are able to solve the problem of decreased fertility and overcome infertility. The sooner you detect the onset of cyst growth, the easier it is to cope with the disease.