If you’re concerned that an ovarian cyst might be impacting your fertility, it’s completely understandable to feel worried and anxious. However, it’s important to remember that many women with ovarian cysts are still able to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy to term.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. They are relatively common and often do not cause any symptoms or require treatment. Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts, which form as a normal part of the menstrual cycle and typically resolve on their own within a few months.
While most ovarian cysts do not impact fertility, there are some types of cysts that can affect a woman’s ability to conceive. For example, endometriomas are cysts that form as a result of endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it. Endometriomas can damage the ovaries and reduce ovarian reserve, which is the number of viable eggs a woman has. This can make it more difficult to conceive or increase the risk of infertility.
Other types of cysts that can affect fertility include dermoid cysts, which are rare but can cause distortion or damage to the ovaries, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder characterised by multiple cysts on the ovaries and can cause irregular periods and difficulty ovulating.
It’s important to note that not all cysts will impact fertility, and even if a cyst is found to be affecting fertility, there are treatment options available
If you’re concerned about how ovarian cysts might be impacting your fertility, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your cysts are likely to affect your ability to conceive, and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a cyst that is affecting fertility.
Remember, even if you are diagnosed with a cyst that is impacting your fertility, there are still many options available to help you conceive. Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) can often help women with fertility issues become pregnant.