Ovarian Cysts After Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Bringing new life into the world is transformative, but your journey to recovery doesn’t always end at childbirth. For some women, new health challenges may arise, including ovarian cysts after pregnancy. While often benign, these fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, complications if not addressed promptly.

At Little Stars & She, a state-of-the-art women’s and children’s hospital in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, we’re dedicated to supporting your postnatal well-being with gentle, professional care from a team led by highly skilled gynecologists experienced in complex post-pregnancy concerns.

In this blog, we’ll discuss more about ovarian cysts, their implications after pregnancy, and potential solutions.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries. They are most commonly formed during ovulation as part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. While many resolve on their own without symptoms, others can cause bloating, pain, or irregular periods.
Cysts range in type, including functional cysts, dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, endometriomas or Cancer. Their severity depends on size, type, and persistence over time.

Curious to learn how this changes post-pregnancy? Keep reading.

There’s no single cause when it comes to cysts showing up after pregnancy, but a few key factors tend to play a role. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Persistent pregnancy cysts– Some cysts that develop during pregnancy don’t disappear right away and may continue growing postpartum.
• Restarting ovulation– If you’ve stopped breastfeeding or stopped birth control, ovulation resumes—and with it, the possibility of increasing size of existing cysts.
• Irregular menstrual cycles– Your cycle might take time to regulate after delivery, increasing the chance of ovulation-related cysts.
• Underlying conditions– Conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can increase the likelihood of developing cysts during or after pregnancy.

Understanding the root cause is crucial for appropriate treatment. Let’s look at the signs to watch for.

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Bloating or pressure sensation
• Irregular menstruation
• Pain during intercourse
• Sudden sharp pain indicating rupture or twisting

If you’ve experienced pain due to ovarian cyst during pregnancy pain, similar sensations may continue postnatally, warranting further evaluation.

Concerned about unusual abdominal or pelvic pain after pregnancy? Reach out to a seasoned gynecologist for a gentle, supportive consultation today.

During the initial consultation, your healthcare provider may ask about recurring pelvic pain, bloating, or cycle changes. If there’s a chance you’ve got an ovarian cyst, here’s how experts usually confirm it:

• Pelvic exam– A doctor may feel for any swelling or unusual growths around the ovaries during a routine check-up.
• Ultrasound (transvaginal or abdominal)– The most common and reliable method to spot and measure a cyst. This is often done during or after a pregnancy ultrasound.
• Blood tests (like CA-125)– Used to rule out rare cases of cancer, especially if the cyst looks complex or doesn’t go away.
• CT scan or MRI– In some cases, advanced imaging is used to get a clearer picture of the cyst’s type and location.

Want to know the available treatments? Let’s explore.

Treatment depends on the size, type, and symptoms of the cyst. Here’s what might be recommended:

• Watchful Waiting
  Sometimes, the best option is to simply monitor the cyst over time—many shrink or disappear on their own within a few months. Your provider may schedule follow-up ultrasounds to keep an eye on it.
• Hormonal Birth Control
  Birth control pills don’t treat existing cysts, but they can help prevent new ones from forming by regulating ovulation. It’s a common approach for women with recurring functional cysts.
• Pain Management
  Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help ease mild to moderate discomfort. For more persistent pain, your provider might recommend a customized pain management plan.
• Surgical Removal
  Surgery isn’t always necessary—many cysts shrink without intervention. However, in cases where ovarian cyst pregnancy complications were present, the cyst is large, causing severe pain, or shows signs of being complex or twists, laparoscopic surgery might be suggested. It’s usually minimally invasive with a relatively quick recovery time.
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions
  If cysts are linked to issues like endometriosis or PCOS, treating those conditions can reduce the chances of future cysts. This might involve medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both.

Feeling unsure about which route is right for you? Discussion with a professional can help make the decision clearer.

Wondering how to prevent recurrence? Read on.

While you can’t always prevent ovarian cysts, a few proactive health habits can help regulate hormones and support ovarian health:

• Maintain a balanced, healthy weight– Hormones and metabolism are closely linked, and keeping weight in check helps stabilize both.
• Track your menstrual cycle– Noting changes in your period can help spot irregularities or symptoms early.
• Manage stress– Chronic stress can throw hormones out of balance. Simple practices like deep breathing or short walks can help.
• Stay consistent with regular checkups– Routine pelvic exams can catch cysts early, even before symptoms appear.
• Use hormonal birth control if advised– For some women, birth control helps regulate ovulation and reduce cyst formation.
• Eat hormone-friendly foods– Whole grains, leafy greens, and foods rich in omega-3s support reproductive health naturally.
• Avoid smoking– Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of ovarian cyst complications.

Staying informed empowers you to take control of your postnatal health journey. Let’s dive into some commonly asked queries next.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can ovarian cysts affect fertility after pregnancy?

Sometimes. Most cysts don’t impact fertility, but certain types, like endometriomas, may cause complications.

2. What are the chances of cysts reappearing?

Cysts can recur, especially if hormone levels remain unregulated. Regular checkups help track changes.

3. Is surgery always required to treat ovarian cysts?

No, many cysts resolve on their own. Surgery is considered only when they’re large, painful, or persistent.

4. How can I distinguish normal post-pregnancy symptoms from cyst-related symptoms?

Persistent pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular bleeding should be evaluated; typical postpartum symptoms generally ease over time.

5. Can ovarian cysts affect pregnancy?

Yes, some cysts can complicate pregnancy, particularly if they rupture or grow large. Monitoring is key.

6. Which ovarian cyst is dangerous?

Huge complex or persistent ones, especially if they cause pain or don’t resolve, need a closer look.

7. Do breastfeeding hormones reduce cyst formation?

Yes, prolactin suppresses ovulation, which may lower the risk of functional cysts.

References:

https://www.clinicspots.com/blog/ovarian-cysts-after-pregnancy

https://wisdom.nhs.wales/health-board-guidelines/powys-gudelines/management-of-ovarian-cysts-found-during-pregnancy-mat-095/

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes and not for promotional use.