Ovarian cysts are a fairly common occurrence for people who have ovaries. In fact, it’s estimated that about 10% of women experience ovarian cysts. And what’s more, you probably won’t even realize you’ve had one. However, many questions still come with the experience.
What are they, and what causes them? How do you know if you have one? At what point can they become a cause of concern? And most importantly, for women who want to carry their own pregnancy, can ovarian cysts cause infertility?
What are ovarian cysts, and what causes them?
Connection between ovarian cysts and infertility
While ovarian cysts on their own don’t directly cause infertility, there is a correlation between the two. They aren’t related because one causes the other, they’re connected because non-functional ovarian cysts can be a symptom of underlying conditions that cause and/or are related to infertility. Two common conditions that link ovarian cysts with infertility are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is related to a hormone imbalance. This imbalance causes irregular or non-existent ovulation, which in turn, can cause problems with getting pregnant. If ovulation isn’t occurring, then there is no egg to be fertilized or implanted. Current research suggests that abnormal growths on the ovaries due to PCOS (thought to be ovarian cysts), might actually be ovarian follicles that have stopped developing.
People who live with PCOS experience infertility rates as high as 70-80%. Diagnosing PCOS involves blood work and an ultrasound where cysts might be detected. Ovarian cysts do not cause PCOS, but they can be a symptom of the condition.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue (similar to the uterine lining) grows outside the uterus. These patches of tissue can be found in various places throughout the body, but are most commonly found near and/or around reproductive organs like the ovaries, fallopean tubes, or behind the uterus. This can impact infetility in a number of ways, for example, by changing the anatomy of your pelvis and inflaming the area or scarring, all of which can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant properly.
People who live with endometriosis experience infertility rates around 30-50%. Just like with PCOS, ovarian cysts are one possible symptom of endometriosis, but cysts aren’t the cause of endometriosis or infertility.
Medication and natural remedies to treat ovarian cysts
In most cases, ovarian cysts don’t need treatment and will resolve on their own. Like other conditions that aren’t causing your pain or discomfort, the best course of action is to watch and wait.
But if you need treatment now, there are natural remedies you can try at home, like over-the-counter pain relievers, a heating pad, or a relaxing bath, to soothe cramps. Or, if your doctor recommends medical intervention, there are medications to dissolve ovarian cysts that your doctor can prescribe. Other times, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention.
Note: If you’re experiencing severe pain, pain with fever or vomiting, or any symptoms of shock, you may be experiencing a cyst rupture, and need to seek immediate medical attention.
