If you’ve been told you have ovarian cysts and you’re hoping to start a family, you’re likely feeling a mix of emotions—worry, confusion, and perhaps fear about what this means for your future. Take a deep breath. While it’s natural to feel concerned, understanding the relationship between ovarian cysts and fertility can help ease some of your anxiety and guide you toward the right path forward.
The question of “can ovarian cyst cause infertility” weighs heavily on many women’s minds, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The truth is, most ovarian cysts won’t prevent you from getting pregnant, but certain types can present challenges that deserve attention and care.
Think of ovarian cysts as small, fluid-filled sac structures that develop on or within your ovaries. These formations are incredibly common—so common, in fact, that many women of reproductive age will develop them at some point without even knowing it. Your ovaries naturally go through a complex process each month during your menstrual cycle, and sometimes this process creates these fluid-filled formations as a normal part of ovulation.
During your normal menstrual cycle, your ovary develops what’s called a dominant follicle, which houses the maturing egg. This follicle grows larger as it prepares to release the egg during ovulation. Sometimes, instead of releasing the egg and dissolving as nature intended, the follicle continues to grow, creating what we call functional ovarian cysts.
The way cysts form is actually quite fascinating and speaks to the incredible complexity of your reproductive system. During the follicular phase of your cycle, multiple follicles begin developing, but typically only one becomes the dominant follicle. When this follicle doesn’t release its egg as expected, or when the corpus luteum (the structure left behind after ovulation) doesn’t dissolve properly, functional cysts can develop.
These functional cysts include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. The corpus luteum normally produces progesterone to support a potential pregnancy, but when it persists longer than usual, it can form a cyst. Most of these resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles.
Not all ovarian cysts are created equal when it comes to fertility concerns. Understanding the different types can help you better grasp how ovarian cysts affect your ability to conceive.
While small cysts rarely pose fertility risks, larger cysts can sometimes interfere with your reproductive system. Large cysts might affect the normal function of your ovaries or, in severe cases, cause ovarian torsion—a painful condition where the ovary twists on itself, potentially cutting off blood supply.
You should pay attention to symptoms like persistent pelvic pain, especially in your lower abdomen, irregular periods, pain during sexual intercourse, or difficulty with bowel movements. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have fertility-threatening cysts, but they warrant a conversation with a healthcare professional.
The approach to treating ovarian cysts while preserving fertility requires careful consideration. Many healthcare professionals recommend a “watch and wait” approach for small, functional cysts since they often resolve naturally.
Hormonal birth control is sometimes prescribed to prevent ovulation and reduce the formation of new functional cysts. However, if you’re actively trying to conceive, this option may not align with your goals, and you’ll need to discuss alternative strategies with your doctor.
When surgical treatment becomes necessary, surgeons work carefully to remove ovarian cysts while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. The goal is always fertility preservation, especially for women of reproductive age who want to maintain their options for getting pregnant.
Surgical removal might be recommended for larger cysts, persistent cysts that don’t resolve on their own, or cysts that cause significant symptoms. Modern surgical techniques often allow for the removal of problematic cysts while keeping your ovaries intact and functional.
Here’s what many women find reassuring: having ovarian cysts doesn’t automatically mean you’ll struggle with infertility. Even women with one ovary can often conceive naturally, as all the eggs needed for reproduction are distributed between both ovaries from birth.
However, certain conditions associated with cysts can impact fertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome can prevent ovulation, making it difficult to conceive without medical intervention. Endometriosis-related cysts may be part of a larger condition affecting your reproductive organs and menstrual cycle.
Pelvic inflammatory disease, while not directly causing cysts, can create an environment where both cysts and fertility problems develop. This highlights the importance of addressing reproductive health comprehensively.
If you’re concerned about how ovarian cysts cause fertility issues in your specific situation, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Many women with various types of cysts go on to have healthy pregnancies. The key is working closely with a healthcare professional who understands your individual circumstances and reproductive goals.
Your doctor can help you understand your specific type of cysts, monitor their progression, and develop a treatment plan that prioritizes your fertility while addressing any health concerns. They can also help you understand when surgical intervention might be beneficial and when a conservative approach is best.
Don’t let fear prevent you from seeking the care and answers you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with hormonal imbalances, concerned about how your cysts might affect your chances of pregnancy, or simply want to understand your reproductive health better, professional guidance can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Remember, having ovarian cysts is incredibly common, and for most women, they don’t stand in the way of building the family they dream of. With proper care, monitoring, and treatment when necessary, you can navigate this aspect of your reproductive health with confidence.
If you’re in the Columbus area and have concerns about ovarian cysts and fertility, the compassionate team at Columbus OBGYN is here to provide personalized care and support throughout your reproductive health journey.
We promise to take every moment of your care personally. Learn more about us.
