How long after ovarian teratoma surgery can one have sexual intercourse?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on March 17, 2025
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After undergoing surgery for an ovarian teratoma, generally, sexual intercourse can resume about a month later. However, the specific timing depends on the patient's recovery. Some women who are physically stronger may recover faster and can have sexual intercourse around a month post-surgery. However, if a female patient is relatively weak, recovery might be slower, and it is advised to wait until full recovery before engaging in sexual intercourse. It is essential to take contraceptive measures during intercourse to avoid pregnancy. After surgery, it is recommended to wait until at least three months post-surgery, when the body has recovered well, before attempting pregnancy. Regular prenatal check-ups should be done after conceiving.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to Determine if a Teratoma is Benign

Teratomas in women are classified into benign and malignant categories. Benign teratomas typically have a complete capsule and grow very slowly. Some women find that the size of the teratoma does not change significantly during follow-up exams. Malignant teratomas, however, grow quickly and can present severe clinical symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and pelvic masses, with some women also experiencing fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, blood tests for gynecological tumor markers can also be used for differentiation. For example, in malignant tumors, markers such as CA-125, CA-199, and alpha-fetoprotein are elevated to varying degrees, particularly alpha-fetoprotein. During a CT scan, malignant teratomas may show unclear borders, potentially indicating invasion into the surrounding tissues. Additionally, after surgical removal of the tumor, pathological histological examination can be conducted for further differentiation. For instance, malignant teratomas tend to have a higher proportion of immature components.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does ovarian teratoma affect menstruation?

Ovarian teratomas include mature teratomas, which are benign tumors. These benign ovarian teratomas do not affect menstruation. However, there are also malignant teratomas, which are immature teratomas. Immature teratomas can secrete hormones, and because they secrete different types of hormones, their impact on menstruation varies. If an ovarian teratoma is diagnosed, immediate surgical treatment is required, because if it is an immature teratoma, it is malignant. Prolonged presence can lead to metastasis. If a teratoma is detected early, early-stage malignant tumors can be cured through surgical treatment.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can teratoma be treated with medication?

Teratomas are divided into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors, commonly found in individuals aged 20-40, usually unilaterally. The contents of the cyst typically include substances like sebum, hair, and teeth. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors, though less common. They have a higher rate of recurrence and metastasis. Surgical treatment is generally recommended for teratomas, while medical treatment is not advised. Less frequently, laparoscopic surgery can be used for certain teratomas. If a teratoma is suspected to be malignant preoperatively, exploratory laparotomy is often performed. Postoperative outcomes are generally better for benign mature teratomas. In cases of malignant teratomas, chemotherapy may be required after surgery.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is a teratoma surgically removed?

When a woman has an ovarian teratoma, treatment should be determined based on the specific age of the woman, whether the teratoma is benign or malignant, and other factors. For example, if the woman is relatively young and has a benign teratoma and wishes to preserve her fertility, she can undergo ovarian teratoma excision surgery, which can be performed either laparoscopically or through an open surgery. During the operation, the entire teratoma can be completely separated and placed in a specimen bag to prevent contamination of the woman's pelvic cavity and avoid chemical peritonitis or granuloma. If the teratoma is malignant, then it is necessary to remove the adnexa and perform a comprehensive staging surgery. After surgery, based on the results of the pathological examination, it will be decided whether additional treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy are needed.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is teratoma a twin?

Teratomas have no specific correlation with pregnancy status. Teratomas are a type of ovarian cyst and are tumors of the ovaries. Generally, when teratomas are diagnosed clinically, hospitalization and surgery are required for treatment. Teratomas are not connected to twin pregnancies. Teratomas are relatively common in clinical settings, and the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by postoperative pathology. Teratomas can be categorized into benign and malignant types, each requiring different treatments.