What is the Relationship Between Ovarian Cysts and Endometriosis?

Ovarian cysts are fluid--filled sacs that sometimes develop on the female reproductive organs called the ovaries. Various medical conditions can cause these cysts, but they are particularly common in women who suffer from a medical condition known as endometriosis. Endometriosis is the name of a condition that causes tissue that is normally isolated to the uterus to grow in other areas of the body, such as the intestines or abdominal wall. Ovarian cysts and endometriosis are among the leading causes of female infertility.

Some women who have ovarian cysts and endometriosis do not experience any symptoms, but unfortunately this is not common. Many women suffering from these conditions will experience at least mild degrees of pain, with some women experiencing such excruciating pain that it may interrupt normal activities. This pain is typically at its worst during menstruation. Sexual intercourse may become painful, and some women may experience bleeding after intercourse.

Ovarian cysts and endometriosis frequently cause interruption of a woman's normal menstrual cycle. This is a very common reason for female infertility. A woman normally ovulates, or releases an egg for fertilization, once per month. If ovulation does not occur, there is no chance of the woman becoming pregnant.

Prescription hormonal treatments are frequently used to treat ovarian cysts and endometriosis, often in the form of birth control pills. This type of treatment can be used to either regulate the menstrual cycle or stop it altogether. Women who do not have increased symptoms during menses may be able to take birth control pills as typically prescribed in order to regulate menstrual periods. If, however, the symptoms continue or are made worse during menses, the doctor may change the way the pills are taken so that the menstrual cycle is interrupted. Monthly injections given at the doctor's office may be given to stop the menstrual cycle as well, depending upon the method preferred by the doctor and patient.

Unfortunately, ovarian cysts and endometriosis cause so much pain that surgical intervention may become necessary. If the pain is severe or if the cysts become large enough to damage the ovaries, a hysterectomy may be suggested by the doctor. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus and other reproductive organs, often including one or both ovaries, are removed. A hysterectomy leaves the patient permanently infertile, so most doctors will only perform this surgery as a last resort when all methods of preserving fertility have proved to be unsuccessful.