Ovarian Cyst, Strange Temps

Hello doctor,

I'm 38, ttc about 7 mos. and off bc pills 11 mos.  I was wondering about the symptoms of ovarian cysts. Each month since stopping the bc pills I feel a dull ache around O time for a few hours, no big deal.  I also get horrible pelvic cramps before and after the O aches each month that last all day.  However, this month was the first time I had REALLY bad ovary aches on both sides and the same pelvic cramps. But this time the worse than normal ovary aches lasted for a few days, along with nausea.

My BBT has been a little higher than normal this cycle during the follicular phase (Normal avg 97.5/This cycle 97.9). I got +OPK's on CD11 and CD12 and I'm now on CD14, possibly 2DPO.  However, my temps didn't rise as normal after O, (97.9 Pre-O up to 98.1 and 98.0 Post-O) although my current temps are about the same range as my normal post-O temps. I was wondering if it's because my follicular phase temps were higher that I didn't see a significant rise, or if I just haven't O'd yet. Also, what affect could a possible corpus luteum cyst have on my ovulation or body temps?

Thank you in advance for your help!!  

[Forum-M.D.-SP]

In my experience, painful ovulation is not usually due to cysts. Also, as long as your periods are regular and your OPKs are positive, you are no doubt ovulating. Temperature charting works to show obvious ovulation for most, but not all, women.

At any rate, rather than trying to guess, it is reasonable at your age to see a fertility doctor. Even though the definition of infertility is one year of trying, you have some symptoms, and at age 38 time is valuable. The only way to truly know what is going on is to do some hormone testing to evaluate your ovarian function, a sperm count, ultrasound, and perhaps a hysterosalpingogram.

Good luck.