Yes, you can usually get pregnant with ovarian cysts. In general, ovarian cysts do not cause problems with getting pregnant or during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive with ovarian cysts, it is natural to have questions.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on one or both ovaries. Sometimes, depending on the nature of the cyst, they can make it harder to conceive. If you're pregnant, your cysts will be monitored. If they become large, inflamed, or otherwise problematic, you may be offered surgery, usually in the second trimester. As with any surgery that happens in pregnancy, this will only be offered if your doctor is certain the benefits outweigh the risks to you and your baby.

It is important to note that ovarian cysts will not themselves harm your baby. Occasionally, if they are significantly large, they can cause problems during delivery, particularly if they are very large, and you may be offered a caesarean section.

What causes ovarian cysts?

The most common kind of ovarian cyst is an ovarian functional cyst. These are really hair follicles that formed during a normal menstrual cycle but didn’t break open to release an egg when you ovulated. Instead, they built up fluid. They usually go away by themselves.

Pathological cysts are less common and caused by abnormal cell growth. They sometimes burst, twist, or grow very large and cut off the blood supply to your ovaries (ovarian torsion), requiring surgical treatment. Women with PCOS will have cysts related to that condition.

Endometriosis sometimes causes blood-filled cysts on the tissue that’s growing where it shouldn’t be.

When might ovarian cysts cause problems getting pregnant?

Ovarian cysts can result from PCOS or endometriosis, two chronic conditions that can make it more difficult to conceive but far from impossible. Read more about conceiving with PCOS and conceiving with endometriosis.

Are ovarian cysts genetic?

It is unclear whether ovarian cysts are genetic. Some conditions that cause ovarian cysts to develop, such as endometriosis, are thought to be inheritable.

How are ovarian cysts discovered?

They may be discovered during a pelvic examination or scan when your doctor is looking for something else or investigating whether you have PCOS or endometriosis. If cysts are suspected, you will be asked to have an ultrasound scan and perhaps a blood test. You usually don’t feel an ovarian cyst unless it ruptures, twists, or results in ovarian torsion, as described above. If this happens, you may have pelvic pain, heavy periods, bloating, discomfort during sex, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying your bowels and should seek treatment.

Could my ovarian cysts be cancerous?

Most ovarian cysts are completely benign, but occasionally they can be cancerous. Less than 1% of ovarian cysts before the menopause will be cancerous, according to UK charity Ovarian Cancer Action.

How do you cure ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts won’t usually be treated unless they become large, obstructive, or otherwise problematic, in which case they may be surgically removed.

I’ve heard some women use birth control to prevent ovarian cysts.

This is preventative. Taking hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, or IUD, can prevent ovarian cysts from forming. Combination birth control pills contain oestrogen and progesterone and are often the most effective at blocking ovulation. However, birth control will not shrink or clear cysts you already have. Plus, you are trying to get pregnant! Birth control is not your ally. You should speak to your doctor or midwife if you have any questions or concerns about cysts, but unless they are related to PCOS or endometriosis or causing you pain, they are unlikely to keep you from getting pregnant.

For more evidence-based advice on conceiving a baby, watch Dr. Shree Datta’s Preconception Journey videos.

Can I get pregnant with ovarian cysts?