An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that settles on the ovaries, and are usually results from regular ovulation. These cysts are very common, do not cause any symptoms and usually go away on their own, that most women do not even realize they’ve had it. However, sometimes ovarian cysts can cause discomfort, pelvic pain, bloating and they also have the tendency to grow bigger. 

Ovarian cysts are one of the top reasons why patients visit a clinic, and one of their major concerns is their ability to have children after ovarian cyst removal. In the following sections, we share things you need to know about ovarian cysts, the ovarian cyst removal procedure and provide answers to the question: Can I still conceive after an ovarian cyst removal?

Ovarian cysts don’t always need surgery

As mentioned, ovarian cysts often go away on their own and do not cause for alarm. Some are small and non-cancerous; thus, surgical removal is not necessarily required. For cysts that are asymptomatic or do not cause any pain or discomfort, prescription medication is already enough to do the job. Surgical removal of ovarian cysts is usually required only for those patients who experience symptoms like pain in the lower pelvic area, or the cysts continue to enlarge and become potentially cancerous.

To detect ovarian cysts, our doctors perform a routine pelvic examination. When ovarian cysts are detected, you will have to undergo ultrasound so we can determine the type, size, location and what makes up your ovarian cysts to help us recommend the best treatment plan and if you require surgical ovarian cyst removal.

Most ovarian cysts can be removed through laparoscopy

Ovarian cyst removal is typically performed through the use of laparoscopy. It is a keyhole surgery where a small incision is made in your abdominal area. Then, a cannula is inserted to blow carbon dioxide into the pelvis to give the surgeon a better view of your ovaries. To remove the cysts, a laparoscope, a small hand-held device with a camera attached is inserted to give the surgeon a real-time view of the ovaries and the cysts. With the use of a surgical tool, your surgeon carefully removes the cysts (cystectomy) and may perform necessary procedures like biopsy where a small sample of tissue from the affected ovary is taken and evaluate. After the procedure, the laparoscope and tools are removed and the incisions are stitched close or with the use of surgical tape. 

Throughout the surgery, you’ll be under local anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. Laparoscopy is also used as a diagnostic tool to detect ovarian cysts as well as other problems of other abdominal organs.

Laparoscopy is usually an out-patient procedure, meaning you can go home after surgery ad proper assessment, although there can be cases where you’ll be advised to stay overnight in the hospital for further observations. Since laparoscopy is a surgical procedure, someone should accompany you to help you get home post-surgery.

Ovarian cyst removal don’t typically cause problems with getting pregnant

Ovarian cysts in general, do not cause problems with fertility. And the same can also be said about ovarian cyst removal. If you are still planning to conceive or have children after ovarian cyst removal, we make sure that we preserve as much of the affected ovary as we can to ensure that your fertility is not affected.

Sometimes, the cysts can be too large and can be cancerous that the affected ovary needs to be totally removed (oophorectomy). If the remaining ovary is unaffected or preserved, then it can still perform normal functions. Also, while it is still possible to get pregnant (assuming you still haven’t been through menopause) after an ovarian cyst removal, it may be a lot harder compared to having a healthy reproductive system.

However, ovarian cysts can be accompanied by some underlying conditions like endometriosis (where cells lining the uterus grow or settle outside the uterus) and polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS (where the follicles build up with fluid but do not release the egg resulting to several pearl-sized cysts) that can cause infertility in women even after treatment. There are also cases where both ovaries will have to be removed and this means you will not be able to produce eggs anymore. Still, it is possible to get pregnant by implanting an egg into your womb through assisted reproductive technology (ART). For these cases, we usually refer patients to a fertility specialist to help them successfully conceive.

When you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and still want to have children, it is important that you have proper gynecology care to help you with every step of the way. There are certain steps you can take to achieve your goals. This is why, at PK Women’s Clinic, we offer a wide range of gynecological services and the best course of treatment options to help women live healthy through all stages of their life.