Achieving a successful pregnancy is a dream for many women. Undergoing the nine months of pregnancy is crucial, as it is filled with a lot of doubts and misconceptions. Any changes that happen during this period, make you overthink whether it would affect your pregnancy.
Dermoid cyst is one of the rare conditions that happen during pregnancy, which women often doubt to be a sign of failed pregnancy, due to its unusual appearance. So, is it a failed pregnancy? This blog will help you understand dermoid cysts and their association with pregnancy.
Is Dermoid Cyst a Failed Pregnancy? Clarifying the Myths
No, a dermoid cyst is not a failed pregnancy. It is often confused because of their composition, and unusual appearance. They are made of hair, teeth or other elements from a specialized cell, and not from the fertilized embryo. They are congenital, that are present at birth but may not be seen later in life.
The Role of Dermoid Cysts in Fertility and Pregnancy?
In most cases, dermoid cysts are not linked to pregnancy, thus it is not a sign of failed pregnancy or a miscarriage. Although it is not directly related to fertility, if the cysts are large or cause complications, it may affect the functioning of the ovary, making conception more difficult. However, pregnancy is still possible with this condition.
What Causes Dermoid Cysts?
The exact cause for the formation of dermoid cysts is unknown. However, it is believed that dermoid cysts are caused due to specialized cells, that have the potential to develop into various tissues. These cells when entered during fetal development, can grow and develop in an unusual way over time, which leads to the formation of cysts.
Recent studies have found that the cysts are formed due to germ cells, that become egg or sperm cells. These cells are of three layers,
- The ectoderm forms the skin, hair, sweat glands and teeth.
- The mesoderm forms the muscles and connective tissue.
- The endoderm forms the gut and various internal organs.
Derma Cyst Ovary: The Link Between Ovulation and Cysts
Derma cysts are commonly found on the ovaries and are usually harmless. But, sometimes can interfere with ovarian function and ovulation, but, it depends on the size and location of the cyst.
If the cyst is large enough or could cause trouble, it can affect ovarian function, interrupting the release of eggs for conception and fertilization.
The significant-sized or symptomatic cyst could potentially affect the hormonal balances, that regulate the menstrual or ovulation cycle.
It could sometimes develop into ovarian torsion, where ovary twists, due to weight. This becomes a serious condition, affecting the ovarian function, including the ovulation. It can also lead to temporary or permanent damage to the ovary if left untreated.
The dermoid in the uterine doesn’t always affect pregnancy, but in rare cases, it affects the ability to ovulate, which normally leads to a surgical procedure.
When to seek a Doctor?
If you experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abnormal bleeding, bloating, abdominal pressure, fever, and other unusual symptoms. You need to consult a doctor for medical attention, as they are some of the causes of dermoid cysts.
Treatment Options for Dermoid Cysts
Surgical removal is the best way to effectively eliminate dermoid cysts and there are two different treatment options based on the cyst type.
Ovarian Cystectomy
It is a type of surgical process, where a part of the ovary containing cysts is removed from the ovary without removing the ovary itself. This process is carried out using laparoscopy (for smaller incisions) or laparotomy (for larger incisions), and is carefully removed and the ovary is left intact to preserve its functionality.
Oophorectomy
It is a surgical procedure, where the ovary is removed. Unilateral Oophorectomy is the process of removing one ovary, and Bilateral Oophorectomy is the removal of both ovaries. This procedure is done when the cyst is large, problematic or cancerous, which could lead to serious conditions. This process is carried out using laparoscopy or laparotomy, based on the complexity.
Removing both ovaries will end menstruation, thus requiring a Hormone Replacement Technique. In the case of Unilateral Oophorectomy, the hormone production and fertility continues to remain in the ovary.
The Impact of Dermoid Cysts on Pregnancy Outcomes
Dermoid cysts generally don’t affect pregnancy outcomes for most of the women. But they could lead to complications like ovarian torsion, cyst rupture or infertility. Many women with dermoid cysts can have successful pregnancies despite cysts when monitored and provided with utmost care.
Conclusion
In summary, dermoid cysts are an unusual tissue that is grown in the uterine, which is composed of hair, skin, and fat. The weird looks are often misunderstood as a failed pregnancy, but they don’t have any direct association with each other. However, large-sized cysts or irritation-causing cysts need timely medical treatments, to avoid further growth or damage.
FAQs
No, dermoid cysts don’t always require treatment or surgery, especially when the cyst is small, and doesn’t cause any abnormality. But, if the cyst is large and affects the function of the uterine, it needs to be removed.
No, the dermoid cysts can not be prevented in most of the cases. However frequent pelvic examination and monitoring and early treatments may prevent further growth and complications.
No, an Ovarian cyst doesn’t always affect the pregnancy. It normally disappears during the early stages of pregnancy, however, if the placenta is on the ovary during the later pregnancy or if it causes ovarian torsion, it needs to be removed, as it has a risk of affecting the embryo, leading to miscarriage.
