IVF candidate with recurrent ovarian cyst

Question

My story goes back to 1999 when I had my first surgery for cyst in the fallopian tube. The aftermath is: 1 Laparotomy and 2 Laparoscopic Surgeries, left- ovary and tube removed, right- half fallopian remains and ovary intact. With such a history I am obviously an IVF candidate. I had history of simple cysts which ruptured spontaneously and were treted conservatively. I have been on oral contraceptives since 10 years. In july i found a simple cyst which measured 2.6 cm, in september it was 3.6, and in november (yesterday) it was 5,8 cm. I was told to come back in 6 weeks for another ultrasound. I am 35, in perfect health apart from this and now I feel I have a ticking bomb in my abdomen. Do you think I should just wait considering i have only one ovary or look for a place to do aspiration of the cyst? Will the aspiration buy me some time for the IVF planning?

elenova · Answer

Thank u, hopeshell! U mentioned safeguarding my eggs, do u refer to eggs cryo preservation before cyst aspiration?

hopeshell · Answer

That is a tough situation. I don't think I would wait if I were in your shoes. That cyst is growing and has had plenty of time to resolve. I think it is important you work with a fertility expert before undergoing surgery. Sometimes (as you know) they have to take the ovary when the cyst grows past 5cm. It would be a shame to proceed with cyst aspiration before you had a chance to safeguard your eggs. If you wait and it grows at the same pace it has already grown, you may not have as many options. It would be a shame to proceed with the aspiration and end up with ovary damage. Large cysts can be tricky and there are no guarantees. I think it warrants a at least a consult with a fertility expert who may have some other suggestions. Best wishes!