Patients can overcome ovarian cysts with the right treatment
Patients at our Indianapolis fertility clinic receive high-quality care for ovarian cysts. A cyst can occur during a person’s menstrual cycle if fluid fills a sac within or on the ovary. While these cysts are usually benign (non-cancerous), they can still cause discomfort. They can also potentially interfere with the functioning of the reproductive system.
Symptoms like abdominal pain, irregular periods, bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue could suggest the presence of a cyst. Because these symptoms are similar to those PCOS might cause, people often confuse these fertility issues. The primary difference between the two is that PCOS causes hormonal imbalances while cysts do not always affect hormones.
Learn more about the kinds of ovarian cysts
When a person with ovaries reaches reproductive age, they have the potential to develop a cyst on or in the ovaries. While cysts on or in the ovaries often have little impact on a person’s fertility, some could affect a person’s ability to conceive.
Follicular cysts. When the egg in the ovary doesn’t release, a follicular cyst can occur. This type of cyst typically resolves on its own after the person has a few periods.
Endometriomas. When a person has endometriosis, a piece of their uterine lining can go through the fallopian tube and attach to the ovary. When this happens, a cyst can develop. Some refer to this kind of cyst as a “chocolate cyst,” as it fills with a dark brown fluid.
Dermoid cysts. Cysts that contain different types of tissue like hair, fat, bone and cartilage are dermoid cysts. If a dermoid cyst becomes too large, it can rupture.
Hemorrhagic cysts. A hemorrhagic cyst contains blood. It can result in severe pain if it bursts, as this causes blood to release into the abdomen.
The doctors at our Indianapolis fertility clinic can often detect ovarian cysts during a pelvic exam. If the doctor suspects a cyst, they can use a transvaginal ultrasound to determine its type and general location.
Before a patient can begin fertility treatments, their cyst must resolve on its own. Either that or the patient will require ovarian cyst treatment.
Ovarian cyst treatment can help patients bypass this common fertility challenge
After the doctor confirms the presence of a cyst, they discuss the next steps with the patient. For those not trying to become pregnant, birth control pills can be an effective ovarian cyst treatment. If the cyst isn’t causing pain, patients can also wait to see if it resolves on its own.
Treatments are available for patients experiencing discomfort from the cyst and those who are eager to take the next step on the path to parenthood. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive ovarian cyst treatment.
It involves the patient first receiving IV sedation. The doctor then passes a thin tube, called a cannula, through a small incision in the patient’s belly button. Next, the doctor inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide to enhance visibility.
They then pass a small telescope through the incision. This telescope sends images to a video monitor, which allows the doctor to locate the cyst. After locating the cyst, the doctor uses specialized tools for removal. After the ovarian cyst treatment, the doctor can usually clear the patient to move forward with other fertility treatments.
We recommend people struggling to become pregnant schedule a consultation at our clinic. During this consult, the doctor can help the person determine if they could benefit from certain fertility evaluations. Contact us for more information about ovarian cysts and infertility.
