non-visualization of ovaries in postmenopausal woman/pelvic pain

Question

Hi again -  I just found out my second ultrasound (pelvic) once again did not show my ovaries.  I do have pelvic fluid and some general right-sided pelvic pain.  I don't know whether or not to be relieved that my ovaries aren't showing...or not!  Has anyone else had this outcome?  Thank you so much!
Susan

LindaF · Answer

I know how that is. I wonder if men spend this much time thinking about their prostate?

Hopefully your biopsy goes well. Take a good dose of motrin prior as it will help with any cramping.

Linda

LindaF · Answer

Oh, wait, you're doing a D&C. Never mind :)

Linda

sk2006a · Answer

Isn't that just SO unfair.  Their main concern is prostrate, with fairly simple and accurate testing!  Unfortunately, I can't take much in the way of pain reliever tomorrow.  I have to have a second encoscopy with ultrasound on Thursday afternoon, so no aspirin products until afterwards.  Wah.  Not to mention, no eating or drinking until after a 2pm procedure.  Oh well, I'll be glad to get it all done!  thanks again for your kindness!
Susan

LindaF · Answer

I believe it is normal not to see ovaries in post-menopausal women. I think they worry if they do. I hear they go to about raisin size post-menopausally?

sk2006a · Answer

Hi Linda-
Thanks for your kind posting.  Of all the information available on the internet, I couldn't find much one way or the other on this topic!  So nerve-wracking, especially with a GYN who is impossible to reach!

Susan

LindaF · Answer

Oh, I know. I did see some journal references to it when I was doing my own research. I know they don't want to feel ovaries or visualize them on post menopausal women. It worries them. They are supposed to atrophy. Isn't that just lovely?

sk2006a · Answer

I guess if that's all that's wrong, I will consider myself truly blessed!    Not fair that everything else seems to enlarge as we women get older!  I'm having a D & C for the purpose of obtaining an endometrial biopsy tomorrow (due to pelvic fluid being seen on US), and all I could think was....what about those ovaries!

sk2006a · Answer

i just got it...it's a D&C in order to do a biopsy.  My cervix is closed - another joy of getting older ha ha!

LindaF · Answer

Well, now wait a moment here. Consider where the ultrasound probe GOES with a guy :)  We're at least used to things such as T/V ultrasound. We can get a laugh out of that, can't we :) 

I know what you mean about food. Not sure what time my surgery is but if it's 2 or 3, I'll be starving and eating myself up with stomach acid pain. Crazy!

L.

Linda J · Answer

Hi there, I just found a great website about the size of ovaries after menopause. It's good they can't find yours, as that is normal!

http://www.drapplebaum.com/menopause.htm

Go down to the section called "ovaries".

Hope this helps.

Linda J

sk2006a · Answer

Hi Again -  Thanks for the info.  I just read it, and it does sound hopeful :)  And as for that ultrasound probe, at least we have the option of "guiding" it.  Doubt the poor guys do!
  
Do you mind if I ask what type of surgery you're having and when?

Susan

sk2006a · Answer

oops - i just registered that there are two lindas!  thanks to BOTH of you!

Linda J · Answer

Hi, I had my surgery in March. I had a benign serous cystadenoma. I lost the left ovary and tube along with it.

Just had a colonoscopy on Friday to rule out any other issues. All was clear.

The other Linda, Linda F,  is having her surgery on Wednesday for a cyst that hasn't resolved.

Linda J

sk2006a · Answer

congrats on the all clear!  and, i'll keep linda f in my thoughts, too!

susan

sk2006a · Answer

I guess I should add....I would sure feel a lot more reassured if I didn't have pain in the area of my right ovary!

non-visualization of ovaries in postmenopausal woman/pelvic pain

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