A dermoid cyst is a benign cyst that forms in your ovaries. They are fluid-filled tissue growths that are formed from cells that would have developed into your skin, hair, teeth, etc.
Most times, these cysts are diagnosed when women go for an ultrasound scan during pregnancy. And they fear whether these cysts will cause a failed pregnancy.
In this article, we will clear the air on what a dermoid cyst is and whether they will have an effect on your pregnancy.
Is A Dermoid Cyst A Failed Pregnancy
No, having a dermoid cyst does not necessarily mean that you will have a failed pregnancy. Ovarian dermoid cysts are benign, non-cancerous growths in your ovaries, and they are one of the most common ovarian growths in women.
Most women only find these growths when they visit a doctor for a pregnancy scan. As these cysts are non-lethal and do not show many symptoms, most women only diagnose this issue when they go for an ultrasound imaging procedure.
In most cases, these dermoid cysts have been noted to remain stable and not disturb pregnancy. However, if the cyst starts to grow larger in size(more than 5cm in diameter), it must be removed as it can cause a miscarriage or other complications like ovarian rupture or torsion.
Visiting your gynecologist and taking an ultrasound soon after your confirmed pregnancy can help you diagnose and take the necessary precautions to prevent any complications from these dermoid cysts.
Diagnostic Methods For Dermoid Cysts
There are two ways you can diagnose a dermoid cyst. Dermoid cysts don’t have distinct symptoms and mostly can’t be identified unless you do a diagnostic test for other reasons like pregnancy or other health conditions.
Here are some diagnostic methods through which your doctor can identify a dermoid cyst.
1. Imaging Techniques (Ultrasound, MRI)
Most often, a dermoid cyst is diagnosed during an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. Dermoid cysts have a distinctive appearance, allowing for higher accuracy, and experienced doctors can clearly identify them in your ovaries.
In cases your doctor couldn’t identify the cysts through an ultrasound, you will be asked to take an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to get a clearer imaging of the cyst’s size and structure.
2. Physical Examination
Dermoid cysts can also be identified through pelvic and abdominal examinations. During the examination, an experienced healthcare professional can identify a smooth bulge or painless mass in the ovary.
You can then undergo the imaging techniques we discussed above to diagnose if it is a dermoid cyst.
Key Differences In Symptoms
As discussed above, dermoid cysts are not harmful and don’t have a definitive symptom as long as the cyst is small and does not affect you.
However, if your cysts start growing in size, it can affect your body and show certain symptoms. Some of those symptoms include
- Mild fever,
- A notable increase in the size of the abdomen,
- Severe abdominal pressure and pain,
- Bloating,
- Unexpected sudden weight loss,
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, etc.
The ones we saw above are common symptoms found in the majority of women with this condition. However, there are certain less common symptoms that some women might experience with dermoid cysts.
- Pelvic pain
- Difficulty emptying the bladder and bowel
- Mild aching in the back and thighs
- Pain during sexual intercourse and menstruation
- Tender breasts
- Frequent urination
Impact Of Dermoid Cysts On Fertility
Dermoid cysts, as long as they are small, do not cause a definitive impact on your fertility. Even during pregnancy, they won’t affect you if you take the necessary precautions and the cysts don’t grow larger than they already are.
Dermoid cysts are not formed due to any abnormalities in your menstrual cycle. They are germ cells that atypically grow in your ovaries when you are growing in your mother’s womb. Therefore, they won’t have any impact on your ovulation or egg production.
However, they might indirectly affect your fertility in a few ways:
- If the cysts need to be removed, the surgery might sometimes harm your ovaries. The surgeon needs to be careful while performing the surgery.
- If the cysts grow larger in size, they can twist the ovary (torsion) or cause an ovarian rupture. In severe cases, you might have to remove the affected ovary.
Know that the majority of women don’t have any fertility problems with a dermoid cyst. If you are concerned about your fertility, you can consult your doctor.
Why Choose Me For Your Pregnancy Issues?
Having certain issues and concerns during pregnancy is common. However, you don’t need to worry too much about it if you have the guidance and support of the best fertility doctor in your area.
With over 11+ years of experience in gynecology, obstetrics, and infertility, Dr. Rukkayal will give you all the support you need during your pregnancy. So, don’t worry if you have any issues and seek expert advice to overcome it.
Conclusion
Dermoid cysts are common and are found in almost 10–20% of pregnant women. The issue is not of concern as long as it is short and does not affect your fertility.
If you feel any pain in your lower abdomen or feel a bulge in your stomach, consult your doctor immediately and diagnose the condition.
Yes, you can definitely get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby with a dermoid cyst. However, consult your doctor and take certain precautions to avoid complications like miscarriages from arising.
Yes, in almost 70% of the cases, dermoid cysts have been noted to be congenital, that is, acquired since birth. These cysts are sometimes diagnosed during childhood or during adulthood when the patient undergoes an ultrasound scan.
No, a dermoid cyst is not an ectopic pregnancy. A dermoid cyst is a benign ovarian cyst that is formed in your ovaries when germ cells grow atypically in your ovaries instead of where they normally should.
Dermoid cysts do not affect your fertility in any way and are not formed due to the changes in your menstrual cycle. Dermoid cysts are tissue growth and won’t affect your fertility unless they grow large and painful.
