Left Ovarian Cysts: What You Need to Know Before Marriage

Multiple cysts in the left ovary?

Hello Doctor: Recently, I underwent a premarital health check-up because I am getting married.
On the day of the check-up, I was close to my ovulation period and had a Pap smear and a vaginal ultrasound.
During the examination, the obstetrician informed me that my left ovary was about to ovulate and everything was normal.
However, when I received the health report, the family medicine doctor did not elaborate on my condition (left ovarian multiple cysts); I only reiterated what the obstetrician had said, so the family doctor did not comment further.
After returning home, I searched for this term online and couldn't help but feel worried.
Could you please help clarify my concerns? Why did my health check-up reveal this term? Is there really something wrong with my body? Is there a possibility of infertility? Do I need to undergo more detailed examinations? Thank you in advance.

Xiao Jun, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/06

Dr. Xu Junzheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is possible that "left ovary nearing ovulation" was mistakenly recorded as "left ovarian multiple cysts." "Left ovary nearing ovulation" is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require concern.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2006/05/06

More Info

Understanding left ovarian cysts, especially in the context of fertility and pre-marital health checks, can be a source of concern for many women. It's important to clarify what ovarian cysts are, their implications for fertility, and whether further investigation is necessary.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. They are quite common and can occur in women of reproductive age. Most ovarian cysts are benign and often resolve on their own without treatment. The presence of multiple cysts on one ovary, as mentioned in your case, may suggest a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but this diagnosis requires further evaluation by a healthcare professional.

In your situation, the fact that your gynecologist indicated that your left ovary was about to ovulate is a positive sign. Ovulation is a normal physiological process, and the presence of cysts does not necessarily indicate a problem. In fact, the cysts that form during ovulation are called functional cysts, which are typically harmless and part of the normal menstrual cycle.
Regarding your concerns about fertility, having ovarian cysts does not automatically mean that you will experience infertility. Many women with ovarian cysts conceive without any issues. However, if the cysts are large, persistent, or associated with other symptoms (like severe pain or irregular menstrual cycles), further evaluation may be warranted. In such cases, a healthcare provider might recommend additional imaging studies, such as a pelvic ultrasound, or blood tests to assess hormone levels.

If you are planning to conceive soon, it is advisable to monitor your menstrual cycle and ovulation closely. If you experience any significant changes in your cycle or if you have difficulty conceiving after a year of trying (or six months if you are over 35), it would be wise to consult a fertility specialist. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if there are any underlying issues affecting your fertility.

In summary, while the presence of left ovarian cysts can be concerning, they are often benign and do not necessarily impact fertility. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers and seek further evaluation if you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms change. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly, allowing you to focus on your upcoming marriage and future family plans with confidence.

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