Ovarian Cysts and Pregnancy Tests: What You Need to Know

Question
I was wondering if ovarian cysts have any affect on pregancy test?? if so how and why??  i have read that they can give a false positive but have asked a friend in med school and he said that it is not true.  Just curious.  Thanks

Answer
Hello Zach from the U.S.,

The only ovarian cyst that can cause a false pregnancy test is one that is hormonally active and producing bHCG, as in some types of ovarian tumors.  Regular ovaries cysts DO NOT affect a pregnancy test not cause a false positive pregnancy test.

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf