Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Women with ovarian chocolate cysts may experience effects on their reproductive function. When the cysts are small, they typically do not significantly impact fertility. However, as the cysts grow in size, they can compress the normal ovarian tissue, causing ovulatory disorders and leading to infertility. Additionally, certain types of ovarian cysts, such as chocolate cysts, can cause adhesions in the female pelvic area. For instance, they may result in abnormal fallopian tube function, leading to infertility due to tubal factors. These cysts may also alter the pelvic environment, making conception difficult. If the ovarian cysts are malignant or capable of secreting hormones, they can also affect normal ovulation, leading to infertility.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do ovarian cysts hurt?

This ovarian cyst is generally a benign tumor change. Normally, ovarian cysts do not show any symptoms. However, as the cyst grows larger, it may cause an increase in abdominal size and bloating. It may also press on the gastrointestinal tract and the bladder, leading to corresponding urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, changes in body position may lead to acute abdomen, such as ovarian cysts, torsion of the stalk, rupture of ovarian cysts, and other conditions.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you get pregnant with ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are generally physiological and may affect pregnancy, as physiological ovarian cysts secrete hormones. At this time, there may be abnormal hormone secretion, or the cyst itself may be caused by abnormal follicle development, mainly presenting as follicular cysts. Therefore, if there is a follicular cyst, there is generally no normal ovulation, so pregnancy will not occur. Ovarian cysts can be observed for 2 to 3 months; if they are physiological, they will disappear naturally. If the ovarian cyst has not decreased in size or has increased after 2 to 3 months, it indicates that it is an ovarian tumor, and surgery is required.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of benign ovarian cysts

When women develop benign ovarian cysts, the clinical symptoms are somewhat related to the number and size of the cysts. For example, when the cysts are relatively small in diameter, they usually exhibit no clinical manifestations and are often only discovered during routine gynecological exams or ultrasound screenings. As the cysts grow in size, some women may experience heaviness and pain on one side of the lower abdomen, along with a sore back. These abdominal symptoms can worsen with excessive fatigue, staying up late, or during intercourse. Some women may also experience abnormalities in their menstrual cycle, such as changes in the amount of menstrual bleeding, duration of menstruation, or irregular vaginal bleeding.

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Are ovarian cysts serious?

Ovarian tissue is very complex in composition. It is the site with the most types of primary tumors among all body organs. Different types of ovarian tumors exhibit significant differences in histological structure and biological behavior. Benign ovarian tumors are typically small, often asymptomatic, and are usually discovered incidentally during gynecological examinations. As cysts grow, one may experience abdominal bloating or feel a mass in the abdomen. During examination, abdominal distention can be observed, the mass is usually mobile, percussion shows a dull sound, and there is no shifting dullness. If the tumor is malignant, there are often no symptoms in the early stages; later stages mainly present with symptoms of abdominal bloating, abdominal masses, and gastrointestinal symptoms. If adhesions occur with surrounding tissues, symptoms of compression, such as abdominal pain, back pain, and leg pain may also appear. Therefore, ovarian tumors should be treated promptly once detected.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to check for ovarian cysts?

There are two methods for examining ovarian cysts. Firstly, through a gynecological examination, especially in cases of sexual activity, a bimanual examination can be conducted. Under bimanual examination, a mass in one of the adnexal areas can be palpated, where the nature of the mass such as whether its boundaries are clear can be observed, as well as checking for tenderness. This allows for the examination of ovarian cysts. Another method involves an ultrasound. Generally, if performing an abdominal ultrasound, it is necessary to hold urine to view the ovaries clearly. If performing a vaginal ultrasound, especially in cases of sexual activity, this can be chosen; thus, the ultrasound can provide a clearer view. It is closer to the uterus and ovaries, and thus under ultrasound, the masses in the ovaries can be detected. Therefore, both of these methods are viable.