On Ovarian Cyst Removal & Fertility: How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After Surgery?
Just the thought of hearing the word “cyst” from your doctor can bring up a wave of worry and fear. We completely understand that.
In more common situations, cysts are benign (non-cancerous), but a possibility still exists that they can be malignant (cancerous).
While they can appear anywhere in the body, most cysts are frequently found in the ovaries, making women more susceptible to having one. But the good news is, there’s an option for ovarian cysts to be removed.
Your healthcare provider can offer ovarian cyst removal if your cyst is large and causing complications or symptoms, among others. Removing it entails undergoing a keyhole or open surgery.
Fertility considerations post-surgery are also a common concern when talking about ovarian cyst removal.
The most commonly asked question related to this is, “How soon can I get pregnant after surgery?” In this article, discover helpful insights into what to expect after ovarian cyst removal and how it may impact your fertility.
Understanding Ovarian Cyst Surgery and Fertility
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that form on one of the ovaries. Some may entirely be normal, and may come and go during a normal menstrual cycle–these are called luteal and follicular cysts.
However, there are also types of ovarian cysts that remain for a long time or cause symptoms such as discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or feeling bloated.
The pain can be either sharp or dull and typically affects one side. It might be experienced in the lower abdomen, deep within the pelvis, or in both regions. However, it is essential to note that the pain differs from one woman to another.
Ovarian cyst treatment depends on the size and type of your cyst, as well as your age and health status. It can range from watchful waiting to undergoing surgery.
Ovarian cyst removal may be recommended by your doctor in a gynae clinic if:
- The cyst is too big: If your cyst exceeds 10 cm and leads to discomfort, your gynaecologist might suggest removing it.
- It causes you too much pain: Removal may be a great option if it causes pain, disrupts your menstrual cycle, or contributes to difficulties in getting pregnant.
- It doesn’t go away on its own: Some cysts resolve on their own after a few menstrual cycles, while others may grow larger and not disappear without intervention.
- There is a suspicion of cancer: If there is any concern that the cyst could be cancerous, particularly if you are at an increased risk for ovarian cancer, ovarian cyst removal is an option.
Before removing an ovarian cyst, ensure to ask your doctor any questions you have so they can evaluate your specific situation and discuss all available options.
Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery: What to Expect
Types of Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgeries
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal is a minimally invasive surgery that involves a tiny cut in the lower abdomen. In this incision, your doctor will insert a tool with a small camera, allowing them to have a visual of your pelvic and reproductive organs and remove cysts as necessary. Your doctor can send the removed tissue for lab testing to check if it’s cancerous.
- Open surgery: An open surgery for ovarian cyst removal may be needed if your cyst is large or if your healthcare provider suspects it's cancer. Unlike laparoscopic surgery, open surgery requires a larger cut into the abdomen to remove ovarian cysts.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Ovarian cyst removal can trigger complications including an infection, bleeding or blood clots in the legs, swelling through the scar, and damage to other organs. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms during your recovery:
- burning and stinging urination, or not being able to pee at all in the last 24 hours
- tummy pain, vomiting, and fever
- red, painful, and swollen leg
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
Recovery Timeline After Surgery
The recovery period for laparoscopic surgery is faster than for open surgery. The procedure for the former usually takes about an hour. Doctors will monitor patients by requiring them to stay in a recovery or post-op room for two to three hours. A person who has undergone this kind of surgery generally can continue their activities within five days to a week.
Meanwhile, the recovery period for an open ovarian cyst removal surgery is significantly longer, with a one to two-night stay in the hospital requirement after the procedure. Patients should avoid intense physical activity for six weeks or longer.
Healthy recuperation after surgery requires monitoring and regular follow-up visits to your gynaecologist. Follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions and take prescribed medications as directed.
Routine checks with your healthcare provider post-procedure allow you to communicate any issues you may be experiencing. Your doctor can track your healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as they see fit.
Fertility Considerations Post-Surgery
On fertility matters, ovulation and menstrual periods generally normalise within a few months after surgery, provided the cyst is removed using laparoscopy. Several women in these situations can become pregnant within the initial months following the surgery.
However, if the cyst is determined to be cancerous or if the ovary needs to be removed, recovery and the restoration of fertility may become more difficult.
Meanwhile, a study revealed that there is a link between laparoscopic surgery and a decrease in a woman’s ovarian reserve–it means that the number of available eggs may be reduced. However, it also discovered that it can be restored within three months post-surgery in women of reproductive age.
Tips for Enhancing Fertility Post-Surgery
As far as trying for pregnancy is concerned, the best time to get pregnant post-ovarian cyst removal surgery is about three to six months. The exact time will depend on the patient’s recovery level, though, and during this period, they should practice a healthy lifestyle and diet to improve their immunity and health.
Dietary modifications for patients post-surgery include eating fibre, lean protein, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, among others. Avoid hot and oily foods, and eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
Vitamins and supplements that can also boost fertility and improve your ovarian health include folic acid, myoinositol, zinc, vitamins C and E, iron, etc.
In terms of physical activities, refrain from lifting heavy objects several weeks after surgery. If you want to get moving, light exercise like walking is a more ideal option.
Stress management and promoting emotional well-being are also other essential aspects of recovery. A soothing chamomile tea could provide relaxation through its anti-inflammatory properties that can combat pain and relieve stress.
Find Out What’s Best for Your Fertility After Surgery
If you have plans of conceiving after an ovarian cyst removal procedure, discussing your fertility goals and plans with a trusted gynaecologist would be helpful for you in understanding your recovery and reproductive health status better.
In cases where conception is delayed, a gynaecologist can assess and provide fertility treatments or interventions appropriate for your situation.
They can also offer comprehensive pre-and post-natal care, ensuring your health and the health of your future baby are well supported throughout the entire journey.
Led by Dr. Sheri Lim, Eden Women’s Health is here to support you. We are a committed and compassionate gynae clinic in Singapore, offering complete gynaecological treatment for various reproductive health issues such as PCOS, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis treatment, among others.
It’s time to be proactive about your health, contact us for personalised advice–let’s address your reproductive concerns, one step at a time.