Can you get pregnant after removing a teratoma?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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Whether a woman can conceive after undergoing teratoma surgery depends on the postoperative histopathological examination. For instance, some women have mature teratomas, which are benign lesions. After the removal surgery that spares the ovarian tissue, menstrual cycles can return to normal, allowing for possible pregnancy. However, if the postoperative pathology results indicate an immature teratoma, which is a malignant condition, further extensive surgery may be required, such as pelvic lymph node dissection or a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy involving the uterus and its appendages, which might result in the inability to conceive.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can one have sexual intercourse with a teratoma?

Teratoma is a type of ovarian cyst located within the abdominal cavity. Generally, the presence of a teratoma does not affect the patient's ability to have a normal sexual life. However, it is advised not to engage in overly vigorous sexual activity, as intense sexual activity can cause torsion of the ovarian cyst in the abdominal cavity. Once torsion of the ovarian teratoma occurs, it can lead to torsion of both the fallopian tube and the ovary on the affected side. Following torsion, the twisted fallopian tube and ovary lack blood supply, which can further lead to ischemia and necrosis. In such cases, it becomes necessary to surgically remove the affected fallopian tube and ovary.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The difference between ovarian teratoma and cysts

Ovarian teratomas are a type of ovarian cyst, and clinically, ovarian teratomas are not differentiated from ovarian cysts. Because ovarian teratomas and ovarian cysts are not diseases of the same category; teratomas are one type among the various classifications of ovarian cysts. Therefore, there is no difference between ovarian teratomas and ovarian cysts, and clinically, they may refer to the same category of disease.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat ovarian teratoma

The treatment for ovarian teratoma can only be addressed through surgical methods; this type of teratoma cannot be treated effectively with medication or conservative approaches. Therefore, once an ultrasound report indicates the presence of a teratoma, it is often advised to undergo surgery as soon as possible. After the surgery, the removed tissue should be examined pathologically again to check for any malignant tendencies. The majority of teratomas are benign, with only a very small number of undifferentiated ones showing malignant potential. Hence, most teratomas require surgical treatment at a hospital. There are different surgical options for treating teratomas, including open abdominal surgery and minimally invasive surgery. If conditions allow, most people will opt for laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian teratomas.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can teratoma affect pregnancy?

Teratoma is a relatively common disease that occurs in the ovaries of women, caused by abnormal differentiation of reproductive cells during the embryonic period. Teratomas are classified into benign and malignant types. Teratomas can indeed affect a woman's ability to become pregnant and can pose a threat to health. Potential complications include torsion, rupture, and infection of the teratoma, which can gradually lead to other concurrent conditions. If not treated promptly, it could cause acute diseases and threaten a woman's ability to reproduce, affecting the happiness of the entire family. When an ovarian teratoma enlarges or undergoes degeneration, it may prevent the normal movement of eggs or fertilized eggs, thereby affecting normal fertility. Upon detection of a teratoma, surgery is generally required for treatment.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does ovarian teratoma affect the fetus?

Ovarian teratoma is a type of gynecological disease, originating from germ cells, and is a relatively common type of ovarian germ cell tumor. It can be divided into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. As for the impact of ovarian teratomas on the fetus, it depends on the size and type of the teratoma, as well as the parts it involves, especially teratomas of the testes and ovaries that involve male and female reproductive functions. When suffering from an ovarian teratoma, it is advisable to undergo surgery actively, and to plan for pregnancy after the disease is cured, in order to ensure the healthy development of the fetus.