Ovarian Cysts and Infertility

During the course of their reproductive year, many women will have an experience with an ovarian cyst. There are several different types of ovarian cysts and most of them do not affect a woman’s fertility, but there are some types of cysts that may have a detrimental effect on fertility.

To begin, there are five types of ovarian cysts. The first, and most common, is known as a functional cyst. A functional ovarian cyst is tied to the menstrual cycle, with the cysts occurring as the woman gets close to ovulation. This type of cyst does not affect fertility and a functional cyst is a good indicator that your ovaries are working well, which is good news if you are trying to get pregnant.

Cystodenomas are a type of ovarian cyst that forms within the lining around the ovary. While this type of cyst does require medical attention, it does not affect fertility. Dermoid cysts are an odd type of cyst that contain tissue. This tissue may includenhair, teeth, and skin. As weird and unsettling as a dermoid cyst sounds, it does not affect fertility, though it will probably need to be removed.

An endometrioma is a type of cyst that can occur when a woman has endometriosis. An endometrioma is caused when tissue that would normally be found lining the uterus begins to grow on the ovaries. This is a type of ovarian cyst that can have an adverse affect on fertility, and your Ob/GYN will need to do some testing to make a diagnosis and then to go on to treat the endometriosis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome causes cysts on the ovaries and is the leading cause of infertility in women. A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome may not ovulate regularly, or often. Because of this, a woman with PCOS will have irregular periods. This unpredictable ovarian behavior along with a high level of androgens, an male sex hormone that is associated with PCOS can lead to numerous small cysts on the ovaries as well as infertility.

A woman with PCOS usually become aware of the condition shortly after she begins menstruating, as her periods never become regular. Additionally, there may be unusual hair growth associated with the androgen production, such as the growth of facial hair. Acne, weight gain and obesity are also linked with PCOS. A woman with PCOS may need help from a fertility specialist to achieve a pregnancy, though many women with PCOS do become pregnant naturally.

Ovarian cysts needs not to be a cause for concern in most cases. However, if you ever experience a sharp pain in the area of an ovary, or any significant pain the does not resolve, see your doctor to see you have an ovarian cyst that requires removal or treatment. Women who do have ovarian cysts that are associated with infertility will want to work closely with a specialist to maximize their chances of achieving a pregnancy despite their condition.

Sandhya Pruthi M.D.
Is There A Link Between Ovarian Cysts and Infertility
http://www.mayoclinic.com

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
http://www.mayoclinic.com