Ovarian Cysts and Infertility
Dr. Dan Gehlbach treats ovarian cysts to improve fertility
For patients struggling to get pregnant, Dr. Dan Gehlbach takes the first step in identifying potential hindrances to conception, including ovarian cysts. As part of your fertility assessment in our Kansas fertility center, Dr. Gehlbach will review your medical history, perform a physical exam and order a sonogram. These tools will enable Dr. Gehlbach to determine if ovarian cysts could play a factor in infertility.
Our Kansas fertility center expert explains how ovarian cysts develop
Women are born with two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. After puberty, eggs that a woman is born with begin to develop in the ovaries each month, and a mature ovum is released during your menstrual cycle.
Sometimes, Dr. Gehlbach sees ovarian cysts, fluid-filled pockets in or on the ovaries, in our Kansas fertility center patients. Typically, these cysts cause no pain or trouble. Common cysts, which may require treatment only if they grow large, usually do not impact fertility. They include the following types:
- Functional cysts The most common types of cysts, functional cysts include follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts and develop during the menstrual cycle.
- Cystadenomas Made from ovarian tissues, cystadenomas are usually filled with a watery liquid or a mucous material.
- Dermoid cysts Formed out of cells that generate human eggs, solid dermoid cysts may contain hair, skin or teeth.
Recognizing common signs of ovarian cysts
Although most ovarian cysts resolve without treatment, some cysts become larger and cause discomfort. Dr. Gehlbach offers these typical indicators of ovarian cysts.
- Pelvic pain, sometimes more pronounced before your period
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Pain or pressure on the bowel area and/or during bowel movements
- Fullness or pressure in your abdomen
- Bladder pressure that creates frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
Understanding when ovarian cysts contribute to fertility problems
For patients with underlying reproductive issues, ovarian cysts may actually disrupt the natural conception process. When cysts develop from endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, you may experience difficulty conceiving. Additionally, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone imbalance often marked by numerous small cysts on the ovaries. Women with PCOS tend to experience irregular menstrual cycles and may not ovulate regularly. Dr. Gehlbach will make any treatment recommendations based on the type and size of the ovarian cysts.
Turn to our Kansas fertility center for answers about ovarian cysts and fertility
At Midwest Reproductive Center, we offer advanced treatment for infertility, which includes addressing ovarian cysts. Dr. Gehlbach will perform a complete fertility evaluation and then determine the best course of action to help you achieve a successful pregnancy. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment in our Kansas fertility center.
