Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Infertility?

Ovarian cysts are usually small fluid-filled sacs located on or in an ovary. Most often, they measure around 1 to 3 cm in size. Ovarian cysts fall into different categories: functional and non-functional cysts.

Functional cysts
These types of cysts are the result of your normal menstruation. Typically, there isn’t cause for concern and they usually resolve on their own. “Cysts are a normal part of a fertile body’s process,” Dr. Elizabeth Kim, a Cedars-Sinai OB-GYN, wrote on their website. “What’s not normal is significant pain or ongoing duress.”

For Hilary R, a soon-to-be mom of two, an initial scare was ultimately followed by welcome news. “When my OBGYN told me I had a small ovarian cyst, I absolutely panicked. My first thought was that it meant I had cancer (which wasn’t the case). My next worry was whether or not it would impact my ability to have another child,” Hilary told Mom.com. “You have no idea how relieved I was when I went in for a pelvic ultrasound a few months later that only confirmed the cyst went away, but that I was pregnant again!”

Non-functional cysts
Dermoid cysts, cystadenoma, and endometrioma are other cysts and conditions that are not related to your monthly cycle. These cysts can be larger and also may cause pain or discomfort.

Symptoms caused by ovarian cysts
The symptoms that come with ovarian cysts depend on the individual, but typically present as pelvic pain, pain during sex, or constantly feeling full and bloated even when you haven’t eaten recently.

You also might feel pressure in your abdomen, changes to your digestion, and extra stress on your system if the cyst is larger than usual. “If you think about your belly as a closed compartment, a cyst that’s getting a little bit larger can press on and affect other things in that space,” Dr. Kim said.

More from Mom.com: How Do I Know if I’m Infertile?

The top of this list is the question, do ovarian cysts cause infertility? An ovarian cyst, in itself, will not cause infertility. You can experience several ovarian cysts in your lifetime and never struggle with infertility.

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and are trying to get pregnant, it’s important to know that ovarian cysts don’t typically cause problems with fertility, according to Penn Medicine. Also, it’s possible (and actually common) that you could develop ovarian cysts during early pregnancy, even though you’re no longer menstruating. Usually, these cysts are harmless just like most other ovarian cysts.

However, ovarian cysts (non-functional) are associated with underlying conditions. They can be a symptom of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. When you have these conditions, the likelihood of infertility increases.

More from Mom.com: Getting Pregnant With PCOS: What To Know

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.