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Paraovarian cyst in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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A parovarian cyst of the ovary during pregnancy is dangerous because, if not properly monitored by a doctor or due to a diagnostic error, it can be complicated by conditions that are dangerous for the pregnant woman, such as: torsion of the cyst stalk, rupture of the cavity of the cystic formation, suppuration, leading to the development of an acute abdomen.
It occurs at any age and can lead to deformation of the fallopian tube. This type of cyst is characterized by fairly slow growth and is not prone to malignancy.
[ Causes of paraovarian cyst during pregnancy
The reason for the development of a paraovarian cyst during pregnancy is the abnormal development of the tubules of the appendages due to poor ecology or the mother's use of medications, stress. Because of this, a cavity is formed in the appendages - a paraovarian cyst, covered from the inside with flat epithelium and containing fluid with a large amount of mucinous substance. The blood supply to the cyst is provided by the vessels of the fallopian tube and the walls of the cyst. Also, a paraovarian cyst very rarely occurs due to a violation of hormonal regulation at any age on the part of the hypothalamus and thyroid gland.
Its development can be accelerated by taking a warm bath, staying in the sun for a long time, overusing solariums, abortions, chronic inflammation of the uterine appendages, diseases of the endocrine organs, especially the thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism), and STDs.
A parovarian cyst during pregnancy occurs as a cavity formation from the ovarian appendage.
Often, cysts are first discovered at a young age. Their growth is provoked by endocrine diseases and early sexual development.
Symptoms of paraovarian cyst during pregnancy
The walls of the cyst are thin, slightly mobile, such cysts do not manifest themselves in any way until they twist or rupture. Inside, the cyst is filled with transparent liquid. All complications begin with constipation and urinary disorders, sometimes the abdomen increases in size. Then there are aching pains in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back, spotting bloody vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, which is very frightening for pregnant women, but in fact is not a sign of a threat of termination, but a symptom of a paraovarian cyst of the ovary.
An asymptomatic small paraovarian cyst during pregnancy does not require treatment. If it is detected during pregnancy and does not bother you in any way, it is observed. If it bothers you, an operation is performed after birth to remove it during laparoscopy. The birth is carried out carefully, trying not to change the position abruptly.
Complications of paraovarian cyst during pregnancy
Rupture of the cyst is always accompanied by nausea, vomiting, high temperature, bleeding. The skin becomes pale, tachycardia and arrhythmia are observed, pain on palpation, gas and stool retention, frequent urge to urinate, diarrhea.
When a cyst twists, vessels may be pinched and necrosis may occur. Then shock from severe pain develops, which cannot be relieved with painkillers. The woman may die. Most often, cyst displacement and torsion occur during sports and intensive housework.
Suppuration of a paraovarian cyst occurs as a result of the spread of the infectious process into the cavity of the cystic formation. Symptoms of this complication are manifested by signs of general intoxication, pain in the lower abdomen and the appearance of signs of peritonitis.
Left paraovarian cyst during pregnancy
A left paraovarian cyst during pregnancy is located in the ligaments, between the ovaries and the uterus, on one side. It causes pain in the lower abdomen on the left, since it can stretch during pregnancy. Doctors recommend removing paraovarian cysts at the stage of pregnancy planning. Large cysts can twist and rupture during pregnancy. If a cyst detected during pregnancy is larger than 6 cm, with cloudy contents, inflamed, it is recommended to remove it.
There are no ways to treat a cyst other than surgery. The risk of a cyst recurring is zero. It also never degenerates into cancer.
Women with paraovarian cysts are registered with a dispensary. But doctors reassure: a paraovarian cyst cannot have a direct negative effect on the course of pregnancy. It is important to prevent complications. With a small cyst, you can live through pregnancy, but it is better to remove a large cyst in the middle of pregnancy, when anesthesia does not have such a detrimental effect on the fetus as in the early stages of pregnancy.
Right paraovarian cyst during pregnancy
A right-sided parovarian cyst is found in 5% of women during pregnancy. If you have a parovarian cyst, refrain from sunbathing and visiting a solarium. In case of intensive growth, the cyst can be removed at 4 months of pregnancy without causing harm to the child. Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back on the right are direct indications for removing the cyst using laparoscopic surgery. It leaves no traces, it does not require general anesthesia, unless the cyst ruptures and its contents leak into the abdominal cavity.
If you have been diagnosed with a paraovarian cyst, you should avoid sudden turns and jumping.
Diagnosis of paraovarian cyst during pregnancy
A paraovarian cyst during pregnancy is detected by ultrasound or during a gynecological examination in the chair. Usually, a paraovarian cyst is detected only on one side. Very rarely, both ovaries are affected.
There are known cases of spontaneous resorption of small paraovarian cysts, but they are very rare.
Sometimes it happens that an unqualified ultrasound specialist can confuse a paraovarian cyst with a tumor.
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Treatment of paraovarian cyst during pregnancy
In most cases, treatment of paraovarian cysts during pregnancy is performed using laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy is a gentle surgery, the incision is made above the pubis. 90% of gynecological surgeries are performed laparoscopically, by inserting microinstruments through tiny incisions: sterilization by ligating the tubes, removing the ovary, polyps, uterus, restoring tubal patency, treating endometriosis, etc. The surgical field is treated, and the doctor makes several incisions no larger than 7 mm. The abdominal cavity is filled with carbon dioxide, and the anterior abdominal wall is raised above the internal organs, facilitating access. The image is sent to the screen. The use of thermal and laser coagulators reduces blood loss. A short rehabilitation period and skin without scars, less severe pain, a significant reduction in the likelihood of adhesions, minimal disruption of tissue blood supply are the undeniable advantages of laparoscopic technology compared to open access. If the surgery is performed during the day, the woman can already walk on her own in the evening. Functionality is restored within 2 weeks.
The fallopian tube is located next to the paraovarian cyst, it is almost closely adjacent to it. Therefore, it is important not to injure it. Damage to the fallopian tube leads to infertility. Therefore, laparoscopic access is preferable. After such an operation, it is always possible to achieve complete recovery and there are no relapses. The blood supply to the tube and ovary is not damaged, so you can easily get pregnant again.
If the operation is done "the old fashioned way", through an abdominal incision with a scalpel, complications in the form of bleeding are possible in the postoperative period. Given your "interesting situation", doctors can keep you in the hospital for a long time after abdominal surgery to remove the cyst. After laparoscopy, you are usually discharged on the 3rd day. During laparoscopic intervention, instruments are inserted together with a video camera.
More information of the treatment
Prevention of paraovarian cysts during pregnancy
There is no way to prevent a parovarian cyst during pregnancy - it is formed in the mother's womb. But only a gynecological examination in the chair or ultrasound can detect an existing cyst.
It should be noted that in order to avoid complications and prevent surgical intervention, a paraovarian cyst during pregnancy requires dynamic monitoring.