Ovarian Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form during your menstrual cycle (aka a follicle). We all have cysts on our ovaries since that’s how they work, but at times they can remain when they’re not supposed to be there. 

If a normal monthly follicle keeps growing, it’s known as a functional cyst. There are two types of functional cysts…

What Is A Simple Ovarian Cyst?

A simple cyst is basically a big follicle that didn’t realise it was time to stop growing and got bigger becoming a simple cyst. They usually disappear on their own in a few months or with down regulation drugs if you’re doing fertility treatments.

Your Fertility treatment cycle may get delayed due to a simple cysts. That’s because it can produce excess estrogen which won’t allow your protocol to have control over your cycle. 

What Is A Corpus Luteum Cyst?

The corpus luteum is the ‘shell’ of the egg that gets left behind and pumps out progesterone. It normally dissolves away if you don’t get pregnant in that cycle. If it doesn’t, it can fill with fluid and form a cyst. 

They can bleed into themselves which can be painful and is described as a ‘haemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst’. his is not the same thing as an endometrioma (see below) and does not mean you have endometriosis.

Your fertility treatment cycle may get delayed due to a Corpus Luteum Cysts because the progesterone it produces can delay your menstrual cycle from starting, or not allow for your protocol to have control over your cycle.

What are some other types of common benign (non-cancerous) ovarian cysts?

  • Dermoid cysts, Also called teratomas, these can contain tissue, such as hair, skin or teeth, because they form from embryonic cells. They are rarely cancerous.
  • Cystadenomas develop on the surface of an ovary and might be filled with a watery or a mucous material.
  • Endometriomas, aka chocolate cysts can develop as a result of endometriosis. Some of the tissue can attach to your ovary and form a growth of old blood.
  • Polycystic ovaries, is when you have over 12 small follicles – tiny developing eggs – on a single ovary. The cysts are caused by a hormonal imbalance, where the egg may not develop or ovulate as it should, causing irregular or missed cycles.

Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can become large, causing the ovary to move out of position. This increases the chance of painful twisting of your ovary, called ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion may also result in decreasing or stopping blood flow to the ovary.

What Are My Treatment Options For Ovarian Cysts?

Not all cysts need removing and most functional cysts will go away on their own. Your doctor will explain depending on the type, size and  your symptoms.

Treatment options may include down regulation drugs such as birth control pills or lupron, draining of a fluid filled cyst, or in severe cases, laparoscopic surgery.