Ovarian cysts are common and usually form during your menstrual cycle. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. However, some ovarian cysts can cause pain and may require treatment. Some people who deal with ovarian cysts come to our clinic specializing in egg donation in Canada because they worry that the cysts will affect their ability to conceive, whether they want to become an egg donor, be a surrogate, or are looking for fertility consulting for themselves. In this article, we will discuss what ovarian cysts are and how they affect fertility.
Outline
- What Are Ovarian Cysts
- How Ovarian Cyst Affect Your Fertility
- Cyst caused by endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Ovarian Cyst And Pregnancy
What Is Ovarian Cysts
These are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. Diagnosis of most ovarian cysts is done through ultrasound or using other imaging diagnostic methods. These diagnosis methods allow physicians to see the size of the cysts. In most cases, simple cysts are never cancerous and do not cause symptoms but can cause sudden pain and discomfort when they rupture. Understanding your egg donation responsibilities is important if you are considering donation while managing ovarian health concerns.
Ovarian Cyst And Fertility
Ovarian cysts do not always cause problems with fertility. Therefore, if you are trying to get pregnant but have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, know that this may not be an impediment to your fertility. However, there are circumstances when an ovarian cyst may cause problems with your fertility. If you are wondering “do I qualify to be an egg donor” while dealing with cysts, it is best to speak with a medical professional first.
An ovarian cyst may cause problems with your fertility when:
- The cysts are caused by an underlying condition like endometriosis
- You have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Cyst caused by endometriosis
While cysts do not generally cause fertility issues, it might be hard for you to get pregnant if the cysts are caused by endometriosis. This is a condition in which tissues similar to the uterus lining implant or grow outside the uterus, like on your ovaries or fallopian tubes.
While women with endometriosis can still get pregnant, about 30% to 40% of those diagnosed with this condition struggle with fertility. For those exploring alternative paths to parenthood, learning about the surrogacy process or egg donor options in Canada may be helpful.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women with clusters of pearl-sized cysts or follicles possibly have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a leading cause of infertility in women.
Eggs in a woman’s ovary are present from their development as a fetus. These eggs are contained in tiny sacs called follicles which fill up with fluid as the eggs mature. Each month during the menstrual cycle, the follicles break open and mature eggs are released to the womb for fertilization.
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, some hormones needed for the eggs to be mature are not present/made. Because of this, the eggs are not released for fertilization even though the follicle will grow and fill up with fluid. This may also interfere with your menstrual cycle as the body may fail to make progesterone, a hormone involved in your cycle. You can read more about common infertility myths to better understand what does and does not affect your chances of conceiving.
Polycystic ovary syndrome may also increase a woman’s risk of:
- Gestational diabetes
- Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
- Miscarriage
- Premature delivery
Ovarian Cyst And Pregnancy
During early pregnancy, ovarian cysts may be common but harmless, just like most others. Problems may, however, arise if the cysts grow throughout your pregnancy.
For example, cysts that continue to grow throughout pregnancy may:
- Rapture
- Twist
- Cause problems during childbirth
Women should, therefore, not only be under the regular care of an obstetrician/gynecologist during their pregnancy but throughout their lives. If you have concerns about how ovarian cysts might affect your ability to donate egg, consult your doctor.
Talk about your ovarian cysts and fertility issues risks with your obstetrician/gynecologist for the best treatment options.
Fertility Match offers fertility counselling in Canada.
As you can see, ovarian cysts are common and, in most cases, harmless. However, they can have an effect on your fertility. It is important to talk to a doctor about your options and ensure that you are getting the best possible care. At Fertility Match, we offer fertility consulting canada to women in Canada who may be struggling to conceive. Our team of experts will help you understand your options and make the best decision for you. You can explore our egg donation process canada page or read success stories from families who found their path forward. Browse our egg donor database or review egg donor qualifications to learn more. If you are beginning your fertility journey or are interested in more information about fertility or egg donation in Canada, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.
