The ovaries can grow fluid-filled sacs called cysts. Uncomplicated ovarian cysts typically do not have malignancy. Utilising ultrasonography or other imaging techniques, your doctor can determine the majority of cysts and their sizes. While most cysts don’t cause symptoms, a ruptured cyst may cause severe discomfort and soreness.
When attempting to conceive after receiving an ovarian cyst diagnosis, it’s crucial to realize that they rarely affect fertility. However, there are always outliers to the rule. Read on to know more about fertility issues and where to find a gynaecologist in Toronto.
What Is an Ovarian Cyst?
A sac filled with fluid discovered inside the ovary is known as an ovarian cyst. It’s a relief to know that most ovarian cysts are painless, innocuous, and go away after four to six weeks. Many women have common ovarian tumours.
The two most prevalent ovarian functional cyst kinds are as follows:
- Follicles with cysts. Follicular cysts develop when an ovarian follicle, the tiny sac where the egg forms, does not fully release the egg as it should at ovulation. Instead, it continues to grow and fill with fluid.
- Corpus luteum cysts. The corpus luteum contains malignancies. A corpus luteum develops after an egg is released from a follicle during fertilization. During pregnancy, the follicle sac transforms into cells that produce hormones and support the growing foetus and the remainder of the menstrual period. A cyst, however, forms if fluid accumulates in the empty follicle and the sac does not constrict.
Pathological cysts are distinct, less common types of ovarian lesions, and they consist of:
- Dermoids with cysts. These teratomas, which are ovarian germ cell tumours, may include teeth, hair, epidermis, or fat. Even though they have been prevalent since birth, they are frequently not acknowledged until later in life.
- Chocolate cysts. Also known as endometriomas, can appear in women with endometriosis. Since they contain blood or endometriotic fluid, these tumours may appear darker in colour. They might make you uncomfortable.
- Cystadenomas cysts. These might show up on the ovary’s surface. They frequently have an enormous size.
Endometriosis May Cause Cysts and Fertility Issues
Cysts typically do not make it more challenging to procreate. However, you might have problems getting pregnant if an underlying condition like endometriosis is the reason for the tumours.
Endometriosis is the development of tissues on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other external uterus structures that resemble the uterine lining. Although endometriosis does affect ovulation, it is still possible to become pregnant. To learn more about endometriosis therapy options that can support you in achieving your specific fertility goals, speak with your doctor.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ovarian Cysts
If you have clusters of pearl-sized cysts or follicles, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the significant reasons for infertility in women.
Your ovaries contain eggs, a remnant of a woman’s development as a foetus. These eggs are produced each month during the ovulation phase of your menstrual cycle. As the ova matures, fluid fills the tiny sacs called follicles, which house the eggs. Usually, the matured eggs are expelled from the follicles and brought to the womb for implantation.
The polycystic ovarian syndrome affects a woman’s ability to make enough hormones for her eggs to mature fully. The ovaries enlarge and fill with fluid, but the eggs do not release. The follicles remain inactive and do not ovulate.
If this occurs, your body might be unable to make the hormone progesterone, which is required to keep your period regular and for cycle monitoring.
Conclusion
Overall, ovarian cysts can create a great deal of confusion, worry and stress for those trying to conceive a baby. While some ovarian cysts may not threaten a woman’s fertility, others can cause fertility problems and even lead to infertility. In some cases, ovarian cysts can be surgically removed to improve a woman’s chances of conceiving.
However, it is important to remember that ovarian cysts are common and, in most cases, will not affect a woman’s ability to have a baby. Speaking to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about ovarian cysts and pregnancy is important for infertility treatment.
Dr. Fay Weisberg, a Fertility Doctor and Innovative Gynaecologist, has provided exceptional fertility services to the Greater Toronto Area. Contact First Steps Fertility Clinic to know more about cycle monitoring today!