Over the course of the reproductive years, many women will experience an ovarian cyst. There are many types of ovarian cysts and most do not affect a woman’s fertility, but there are some types of cysts that can impair fertility.
To begin with, there are five types of ovarian cysts. The first and most common is known as a functional cyst. A cyst of ovarian function is linked to menstruation, when the anus occurs the woman approaches ovulation. This type of cyst does not affect fertility and a functional cyst is a good sign that your ovaries are working well, which is good news if you are trying pregnant
Cystodenomas are a type of ovarian cyst that surrounds the lining of the ovary. While this type of cyst requires medical attention, it does not affect fertility. Dermoid cysts are an odd type of cyst that contain tissue. These tissues can include hair, teeth and skin. As strange and disturbing as a dermoid cyst may sound, it does not affect fertility, although it will probably need to be removed.
Endometrioma is a type of cyst that can occur when a woman has endometriosis. Endometrioma is caused when tissue that is usually found lining the uterus begins to grow in the ovaries. This is a type of ovarian cyst that adversely affects fertility, and your Ob/GYN will need to do some testing to make a diagnosis and then proceed to treat endometriosis.
Polycystic ovary syndrome causes cysts in the ovaries and is the leading cause of infertility in women. A woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome may not ovulate regularly or frequently. Because of this, a woman with PCOS will have irregular periods. This erratic ovarian behavior along with the higher level of androgens, the male sex hormone associated with PCOS, can lead to numerous small cysts as well as infertility.
A woman with PCOS usually realizes the condition shortly after menstruation begins, because her periods never occur regularly. Additionally, an unusual pattern associated with androgen production, such as facial hair growth. Acne, weight gain and severe pain are also associated with PCOS. A woman with PCOS may need help from a fertility specialist to achieve pregnancy, although many women with PCOS become pregnant naturally.
Ovarian cysts should not be a cause for concern in most cases. However, if you ever experience sharp pain in the area of the ovary, or any significant pain that does not resolve, see your doctor to see if you have an ovarian cyst that requires removal or treatment. Women who have ovarian cysts that are associated with infertility may want to work more closely with a specialist to increase their chances of pregnancy regardless of their condition.
Sandhya Pruthi M.D.
Is there a connection between ovarian cysts and infertility?
http://www.mayoclinic.com
Polycystic ovary syndrome
http://www.mayoclinic.com
