Beware, Miom and Cysts Can Affect Fertility? Expert Reveals the Impact on Women's Reproductive Health

Illustration of a woman being sick (Unsplash)

TANGERANG - Reproductive health problems such as myomas and cysts are often considered similar by the general public, although both have different characteristics and impacts. Although most of them are benign, these disorders should not be trivialized because they have the potential to interfere with quality of life and affect pregnancy opportunities in women.

dr. Budi Santoso, Sp.OG, FMAS, Specialist Doctor of Eka Hospital BSD, explained that the fundamental difference lies in its structure. Mioma is a growth of muscle tissue in the uterine wall, while cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually form in the ovaries.

Real Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy

One of the biggest concerns of patients is regarding reproductive function. Dr. Budi explained that the impact of both on fertility has different mechanisms.

"Cysts, especially those related to the condition of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can reduce the chance of pregnancy because they are formed from immature egg cells. Meanwhile, in the case of myoma, although it rarely causes total infertility, its presence while pregnant can trigger serious complications such as placental solusio, fetal growth restriction, to the risk of premature birth," explained dr. Budi Santoso.

Beware of Symptoms that are Often Ignored

Many women are unaware of the existence of myomas or cysts because their small size often does not cause symptoms. However, as they grow, there are signs to be aware of:

Abnormal bleeding: Very heavy, long periods, or bleeding outside of schedule.

Pelvic pain: A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen, pain during sexual intercourse, or severe stomach cramps during menstruation.

Physical changes: The abdomen swells at the bottom or increased urination frequency due to the pressure of the mass on the bladder.

Preventive and Early Detection Steps

Because the exact cause is not yet known absolutely, dr. Budi emphasized the importance of maintaining a lifestyle to minimize the risk of hormonal imbalance.

"Maintaining ideal body weight is very important because obesity triggers an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone which play a role in the growth of myomas. In addition, regular pelvic examinations and ultrasound are the best way to make early detection before the condition gets worse. Surgery is not always the way out; sometimes periodic monitoring is enough if handled as early as possible," added dr. Budi.

For women who are planning to get pregnant or experience chronic pelvic pain symptoms, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor to ensure that the uterus and ovaries are in optimal condition.