Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs in the ovary. Ovarian cysts are common and mostly, you have little or no discomfort. Most cysts go away without treatment within a few months. However, sometimes ovarian cysts can rapture or burst causing serious symptoms.
Symptoms that persist could indicate a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is a condition that causes irregular periods and other hormone-related problems, including obesity and infertility. Other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include hirsutism (increased growth of body hair) and difficulty losing weight.
Abnormal cell production
Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Anyone with ovaries can develop an ovarian cyst. Your chances increase based on your:
Age-Ovarian cysts are more common if you haven’t gone through menopause.
Pregnancy status-Cysts are more likely to form and remain during pregnancy.
History of ovarian cysts-You’re more likely to have an ovarian cyst if you’ve had one before.
Current medical conditions-You’re more likely to get an ovarian cyst if you have: endometriosis, hormone problems or if you’re taking certain medications.
Functional cysts- are the most common type of cysts. They occur because of ovulation.
Functional cysts generally shrink over time, usually within 60 days (about 2 months), without specific treatment.
Cystadenomas- These cysts form on the surface of the ovary. They can be filled with fluid that is thin and watery or thicker and mucous-like.
Dermoid cysts- Cysts that consist of cells that make up all types of tissue in the human body including hair, teeth, skin and brain tissue.
Endometriomas- Cysts filled with endometrial tissue, same tissue shed during menstruation.
Pelvic exam to feel lumps or changes.
Ultrasound scan- This procedure uses soundwaves to create images of your body’s internal organs. It detects the location of a cyst and whether it is primarily fluid or solid.
Although fibroids and cysts can cause some difficulties in conceiving and during pregnancy, they are not directly related to fertility in any way. Having fibroids and cysts does not automatically make you infertile.
Cysts due to endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) might be the cause of infertility during conception and need to be treated.
