Ovarian cysts and infertility aren’t always linked

While the presence of an ovarian cyst might sound alarming, our North Louisiana fertility doctor, David T. Vandermolen MD, reassures patients that ovarian cysts and infertility typically do not go hand in hand. In fact, our ArkLaTex Fertility and Reproductive Medicine team treats many types of ovarian cysts, the majority of which are benign, or non-cancerous, and do not affect reproduction.

Demystifying types of ovarian cysts and infertility

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid or other tissue that show up on or within an ovary. They are quite common in reproductive-age women and vary greatly in shape and size. While these cysts are often symptomless, in some cases, they cause problems, such as pelvic and abdominal pain or bleeding.

An ovarian cyst is often identified using transvaginal ultrasound, making it a common discovery in women undergoing infertility treatment. Dr. Vandermolen, our North Louisiana fertility doctor, is skilled in identifying the various types of ovarian cysts.

• Functional cysts – These are the most common type of ovarian cyst and often are symptomless. Fortunately, they generally resolve on their own. There are two types of functional cysts. Follicular cysts contain eggs, and corpus luteum cysts make progesterone, a necessary hormone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. We tell our North Louisiana fertility patients these cysts form naturally and can signal that the ovaries are dynamically working during a normal menstrual cycle.
• Dermoid cysts – Some people are born with these benign cysts that contain tissue, including hair, fat, bone or cartilage.
• Endometriomas – These are also called “chocolate cysts” because they form from old menstrual blood. They form in patients with endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue is mislocated and grows outside the uterus.
• Cystadenomas – These cysts develop on the ovary’s surface and are usually made of fluid or mucus. While these cysts can become large, they are typically benign.

Understandably, the presence of an ovarian cyst may cause concern, but Dr. Vandermolen will explain what, if any, relationship may exist between ovarian cysts and infertility.

We effectively treat different types of ovarian cysts

ArkLaTex Fertility prioritizes educating North Louisiana fertility patients about ovarian cysts and infertility. This allows patients to make informed family-building decisions.

In many cases, Dr. Vandermolen will recommend watchful waiting, which may delay the start of your fertility treatment cycle. Often, cysts resolve on their own in a few weeks or months.

For some, we may prescribe birth control pills to control cysts. However, if a cyst is growing, interfering with conceiving or causing pain, we may remove it using minimally invasive surgery. In rare instances, a cyst enlarges and causes the ovary to twist on the ligament holding it (torsion). This is a surgical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Our North Louisiana fertility doctor, David Vandermolen MD, has more than 30 years of experience identifying various types of ovarian cysts. Contact us to learn how ArkLaTex Fertility treats ovarian cysts and infertility, putting patients on the pathway to pregnancy.