Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Infertility?

Several factors can affect a woman’s fertility and this is mainly because an assigned at-birth female’s reproductive system is beautifully complex. One factor that can play a role in their fertility is an ovarian cyst. Let’s take a look at what an ovarian cyst represents.

Key Takeaways

• Ovarian cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that can form on the ovary and are typically benign.
• While most ovarian cysts resolve on their own, some forms of cysts can be harmful and require medical intervention.
• While cysts rarely cause complications, they can be an indication of serious disorders like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop inside or on the ovaries. They are quite a common occurrence among women of reproductive age and can occur due to various reasons including pregnancy or menstruation.

These cysts are usually small and inconspicuous, resolve on their own, and you may go your whole life without knowing they are there. However, they can also be a symptom of a larger underlying health condition such as endometriosis and can cause pain or discomfort, or even rupture. 

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts present in two main ways

• Functional cysts
• Non-functional cysts. 

Functional Cysts

The most occurring cysts are functional ovarian cysts. They are a normal part of the menstrual cycle and are rarely a cause for concern. 

How do functional cysts form?

Eggs or oocytes in the ovary develop inside tiny, fluid-filled sacs called follicles. When one is of reproductive age, several follicles start to grow and develop every month. During ovulation, one follicle reaches full maturity and ruptures, releasing an egg. Sometimes, this isn't the case and the egg fails to release. When this happens, the follicle continues to grow and forms a cyst. 

Functional cysts can be categorized into:

• Follicular cysts form when the follicle stays intact and the cyst continues to grow instead of releasing an egg.
• Corpus luteum cysts form when the corpus luteum, a gland in the ovary that forms after ovulation, doesn’t break down and instead fills with fluid.

The only way to know whether you have a functional cyst is by doing an ultrasound, mainly because most functional ovarian cysts resolve themselves on their own.  

Non-Functional

Non-functional ovarian cysts can fall on either side; they can be benign or an indication of more serious issues. These cysts include:

Cystadenomas 

Cystadenomas are a common type of non-functional cysts and according to the National Institute of Health, they rarely come with symptoms or complications. They are small and benign tumors filled with a clear, mucus-like liquid. If they need to be removed, they can be easily removed through surgery. 

Endometriomas

Endometriomas form when the endometrial tissue forms outside of the uterus due to endometriosis, especially in severe cases of endometriosis. According to a 2010 study, women suffering from endometriosis are significantly more likely to experience infertility. Even though there is no cure for endometriosis, there are surgical and medication-based treatments that can address its symptoms and minimize its impacts.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

PCOS is a condition that affects around 20% of women. With this condition, a number of tiny cysts form on the ovaries. While the cysts themselves may not need to be removed, PCOS symptoms can have long-term effects that include weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, baldness, extreme tiredness, and difficulties conceiving. Similar to endometriosis, PCOS has no cure but its symptoms can be treated with medication-based therapy.

Ovarian Cysts and Pregnancy

Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence during early pregnancy, but they also tend to be harmless just like most other ovarian cysts. Still, some cysts can continue to grow throughout your pregnancy and rupture, twist, or even cause problems during childbirth. 

For this reason, it's important to walk with your OB/GYN during your pregnancy journey if you have a cyst. 

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

In most cases, ovarian cysts do not present any symptoms. In fact, many women live without knowing that they have a cyst at all. Nevertheless, sometimes the cyst grows too large and can even rupture. For anyone with cysts, symptoms can look like: 

• A sudden, sharp pain in the lower belly or back
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Abdominal bloating
• Menstrual irregularities
• Fever which could be a sign of infection
• Severe nausea and vomiting, which could be a sign of an ovarian torsion
• Fever (may indicate infection)
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Faintness or dizziness

Do Ovarian Cysts Cause Infertility?

Most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and do not cause infertility on their own. Nevertheless, they have the potential to impact fertility negatively. Ovarian cysts can cause infertility by:

• Causing hormonal imbalances that can affect ovulation. 
• Causing blockage and preventing the ovary from releasing an egg.
• Causing pain and discomfort that can make intercourse difficult or impossible.

Another factor that comes into play is PCOS. The World Health Organization identifies PCOS as one of the most frequent causes of infertility across the world, although the exact mechanism by which it causes infertility requires more research to understand fully.

Talking to a fertility clinic like Dallas IVF when diagnosed with ovarian cysts is important as the compassionate healthcare professionals at the clinic will offer you several treatment options available that can promote pregnancy. 

Treating Ovarian Cysts

Treatment options for ovarian cysts depend on the cysts you have. They include the following.

Monitoring the cysts: Since many cysts are benign and asymptomatic, they don’t require immediate treatment. A healthcare professional’s first line of response is usually to monitor the cysts using ultrasounds to prevent any potential issues in the future. The recommendation will be to wait a few months and many times, the cyst will resolve on its own. 

Hormonal treatments: Hormonal treatments like oral contraceptives or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH) are typically used as preventive measures. They are given to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation to prevent cysts from forming in the first place. 

Surgery: For women suffering from large or complex ovarian cysts, the only solution may be surgery, especially if the cysts have the potential to rupture. The healthcare professional will perform an invasive surgery called a laparoscopic surgery. Here, small incisions are made in the abdomen and a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted to remove the cysts. It is important to understand that any surgery on the ovaries can remove or damage healthy ovarian tissue and eggs or cause scar tissue. This may make natural pregnancy more difficult.

Bottom line

While Ovarian cysts are a common condition that can cause infertility, proper treatment, and management can improve fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant. In some cases, cyst removal may be presented as a treatment option if the cyst is large or looks like it can rupture.