Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

A cyst is a small, sac-like structure that is typically filled with fluid. Cysts may appear almost anywhere on the body, but are slightly more commonly found on the face, neck or trunk. The majority of cysts are harmless and cause people no issues at all. In the case of ovarian cysts, the cyst is attached to a woman’s ovary or ovaries.

In the majority of cases, ovarian cysts are painful and cause no problems at all. However, there are a small number of conditions relating to ovarian cysts which can cause issues, such as endometriosis or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome – also known as PCOS, according to the NHS.

Is there a link between ovarian cysts and infertility?

If you have found out that you have ovarian cysts – which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic – it’s natural to worry whether these may affect your fertility.

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this, as whether the cyst may cause infertility is largely down to where the cyst is specifically located, as well as the size and type of cyst. Functional cysts are typically harmless and don’t affect fertility at all. Indeed, they will resolve on their own in time.

On the other hand, an endometrioma can affect the ovaries’ function. Conditions like PCOS, as mentioned above, may affect a woman’s ability to conceive because there is also a hormonal imbalance associated with this condition which might affect the regularity with which a woman ovulates.

What other aspects of a cyst could affect fertility?

Surgical removal of cysts also carries a small risk, since nearby structures such as ovarian tissue could be damaged in the process.

For anyone with any concerns about cysts Manchester or your nearest location, it’s advisable to look for a specialist healthcare provider such as https://www.manchesterlumpsclinic.com/common-lumps/cysts/ who can diagnose cysts and, if necessary, form an individual treatment plan.

Luckily, the vast majority of women who have ovarian cysts will experience no difficulty at all in trying to get pregnant.