Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Infertility?

By Nancy Amon
Edited by Taj Schlebusch

Published October 22, 2021.

Image showing the location of an ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a growth that occurs inside the womb. However, sometimes the womb’s lining can grow on the outside, and cysts develop. These cysts can cause pain and may also lead to serious health concerns.

But not all cysts are harmful and are simply part of the process. For example, some cysts develop during menstruation, and these are known as “functional cysts.”

There are various types of ovarian cysts that we will discuss within this article.

What Is The Main Cause Of An Ovarian Cyst?

The leading cause of an ovarian cyst is the development of the egg. Ovarian cyst rupture is a rare occurrence and sometimes only happens during strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse.

The follicular cysts occur when the follicle doesn't rupture to release the egg, but instead, it forms the cysts.

When a matured egg is released, it forms a water-filled sac called a corpus luteum that shrinks and makes the hormones for the development of the next egg. Corpus luteum cysts form when the corpus luteum sac doesn’t shrink but instead creates the cyst.

What Foods Cause Ovarian Cysts?

According to studies, there may be a link between dairy fat and ovarian function in women of reproductive age. The conclusion was that ovarian cysts were higher in women who consumed more dairy fat.

Who Is at Risk of Ovarian Cysts?

Women who are in productive, fertile years can develop ovarian cysts. Women may also experience endometriosis. Endometriosis is when the tissue lining grows on the outside of the uterus, it could also grow on the fallopian tubes and the ovaries.

Can Stress Cause Ovarian Cysts?

Studies suggest emotional stress can contribute to the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS happens because of the hormonal imbalance women experience when they are stressed.

There are many treatment options, including homeopathy solutions. Many women are not keen on taking more drugs and risk more side effects when experiencing hormonal imbalance and other issues causing the cysts. Instead, the natural route is what many people opt for and are looking to access.

Can Ovarian Cysts Be Harmless?

Most ovarian cysts are harmless and won’t affect fertility. But there are the ones that do, as mentioned earlier. We’ve already mentioned three types of ovarian cysts: functional, follicle, and corpus luteum cysts.

Other ovarian cysts include:

Dermoid cysts - Unlike fluid-filled cysts, dermoid contain solid features like hair, teeth, skin, and nails.

Cystadenomas - Cystadenomas are growths that come from the ovaries' surface and usually need treatment. Cystadenomas don’t cause INfertility.

Can Ovarian Cysts Be Left Untreated?

When ovarian cysts are benign or harmless, they can be left untreated. If they pose a health risk, then they should be removed. Symptoms of ovarian cysts include pain during intercourse, pelvic pain, constipation, frequent urination, bloating, and swollen belly.

When Should You Be Concerned About Ovarian Cysts?

Can ovarian cysts cause miscarriage? In the case of POCS, when the body doesn’t have a hormonal balance, it could risk a miscarriage. However, there are treatment options for this, including ovarian cyst removal and fertility treatment.

You should also be concerned if you are experiencing the following, as these are signs of infection:

  • pelvic pain
  • fever
  • nausea
  • vomiting

When ruptured ovarian cyst symptoms occur, it may require medical assistance.

To name a few, some symptoms of a ruptured cyst include:

  • foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • pain during sex
  • feeling faint
  • nausea and vomiting
  • bleeding
  • fatigue

Can Ovarian Cysts Soley Cause Infertility?

Most cysts cannot cause infertility. However, on the rare occasion that a cyst gets infected, it can cause infertility. But most of the time, the cysts are combined with another issue that leads to being infertile.

What Are the Chances of Being Infertile After an Ovarian Cyst?

Cysts are not all bad news. The majority of cysts are just the regular part of menstruation and fertility. Most women experience ovarian cysts in their lifetime.

You may be infertile if you develop one of these two cysts:

  • Polycystic ovarian cysts occur inside the ovaries and as a result of higher androgen hormone levels
  • Endometriomas (as a result of endometriosis)

Can a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Cause Infertility?

To some extent, a ruptured ovarian cyst could cause infertility, depending on the impact it has. For example, did it become infected? Is it twisted or posing other complications?

Ovarian cysts pregnancy symptoms may result in high blood pressure, especially in the case of PCOS. Cysts during pregnancy may also cause gestational diabetes.

Can Ovarian Cysts Indicate Infertility?

The presence of ovarian cysts doesn’t mean infertility.

Some other underlying factors to be aware of that could lead to infertility include:

  • A blocked fallopian tube, or tubes.
  • Celiac disease
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Past “tubal” pregnancy

How To Get Pregnant With Ovarian Cysts

Best Birth Control for Ovarian Cysts

Birth control that combines progesterone and estrogen works effectively to help reduce the development and symptoms of ovarian cysts. Other birth control that works well include injection, patch, and IUD.

Seeing as not all cysts are a risk to fertility, you could probably get pregnant as usual. If there are infertility problems, then infertility treatments are an option too.