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Does Chocolate Cyst Cause Infertility?


The endometrium, which forms the inside of the uterus and provides menstrual bleeding, is about 5 mm thick in the period following the menstrual period. The endometrium thickens due to certain hormones in the body during the menstrual cycle and reaches a thickness of 10-15 mm before the menstrual period.

If the egg released from the ovaries meets with the sperm and is fertilized, the embryo reaches the uterus in about a week and begins to develop by attaching itself to the uterus in preparation for pregnancy.


If the egg released from the ovaries is not fertilized by the sperm, the thickened lining of the uterus is expelled through the vagina with menstrual bleeding.


Although the exact cause is unknown, endometrial tissue may be located in a region other than the uterus (ovaries, inner abdomen, uterus). Endometrial tissue repeats this behavior that it exhibits in the uterus every month when it settles in regions other than the uterus. Just like the thickening that occurs in the uterus, thickening also occurs in other areas where it is located and is expelled with bleeding. These rashes that should not occur cause adhesions to form between the tissues in the reproductive system and this condition is defined as chocolate cyst (endometriosis).


The symptoms that may occur due to chocolate cyst are as follows;


  • Painful menstrual bleeding,

  • Noticing blood in the urine,

  • Diarrhea or constipation,

  • Pain during sexual intercourse,

  • Feeling of pain in the legs,

  • Low back pain,

  • Back pain,

  • Chronic pain in the groin,

  • Inability to conceive,

  • Bruises occurring anywhere on the body,

  • Blood in the stool,

  • Burning sensation while urinating,

  • It can be counted as nosebleeds that may occur during menstrual period.


Endometriosis, or chocolate cyst, is a relatively difficult problem to treat. It is a common disease today. It causes severe pain and a decrease in the quality of life for women. The problems caused by chocolate cysts vary depending on the location. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment planning are very important.


What are the treatment options for chocolate cysts?

In the treatment of chocolate cysts, the cyst is removed using open surgery or laparoscopy as standard. However, most physicians may aim to eliminate the cysts by using drug therapy before surgery.


Does chocolate cyst cause infertility?

Chocolate cysts can cause infertility. However, it is possible to prevent this condition with treatments. Not all women with chocolate cysts experience infertility problems, but chocolate cysts have been detected in 40% of women with infertility problems.


One of the most effective treatment methods for chocolate cysts is laparoscopy. With this method, the problematic area can be cleaned. If the patient's ovarian reserves are good after the treatment, there is no obstacle to having children. If the chocolate cyst is advanced, in vitro fertilization treatment can be used to help have children.



What are the chances of getting pregnant after chocolate cyst treatment?

In couples with infertility problems, the chance of getting pregnant after chocolate cyst surgery is around 40%. However, there are many factors that affect the pregnancy process. The woman's age, the duration of infertility and different causes that lead to infertility can affect the chance of pregnancy. If the patient is over 35 and the duration of infertility is more than 7-8 years, the chance of spontaneous pregnancy after chocolate cyst surgery decreases even more. Successful pregnancies can be achieved with in vitro fertilization treatment for women who cannot conceive spontaneously within 1 year after chocolate cyst surgery.


Can IVF treatment be applied for advanced chocolate cysts?

If the treatments do not provide positive results and the chocolate cyst is very advanced, the tubes may become blocked or closed. In such cases, surgical methods are insufficient. In cases where surgical methods are not successful, it is necessary to resort to in vitro fertilization treatment. Being careful not to be late for in vitro fertilization will increase the chance of success.


What are the chances of success in IVF treatment for women with chocolate cysts?

If the chocolate cyst is at an advanced stage, the chance of success is relatively low. However, if the chocolate cyst is in its early stages, there is a chance to have a child with in vitro fertilization treatment.

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