Small ovaries and pelvic pain

I recently (April 2010) had surgery to remove a mass from inside my left ovary. At the time a few spots of endo were found and removed, fluid filled cysts were drained from falopian tube, and inflamed apendix was removed. Since the surgery I have had continued lower left pelvic pain. The only results of the mass I got was that it was benign, they never told me what it was.

Since surgery I have had two ultra sounds to try and figure out what the pain is. Both came back normal... First question is what could be causing the pain if no cysts. In the last month the pain has be come more frequent and intense it is centered on the left side pelvic area. I will get occasional sharp pains that last a few moments that stop me in my tracks. Two instances where the pain had me hunched over. Other times just stabbing quick pains. In last two to three weeks back pain in lumbar and sacrum region with no injury. Last ultra sound was last week and one before was July.

Sonce surgery period is getting increasingly lighter and shorter. Been on necon7/7/7 for 9 years or so and always had heavier longer period  prior to surgery. I have ibs but gastro thinks lower pelvic pain is not related.

Prior sugery endometrium measure ments ( march 2010) 4.5mm, post surgery measures ( July 2010) 3.4mm and November 2010 2mm.

Last concern is ovary size. From my research it appears I have small ovaries my gun never mentioned this to me or never told me I lost some of my ovary tissue during surgery.

Ovary measurements before surgery (march 2010)
right ovary: 2.0 x 1.3 x 1.7cm
left ovary: 3.7 x 4.0 x 3.0cm

after surgery (July 2010)
right ovary: 2.5x1.3 x 1.4 cm
left ovary: 1.7 x .9 x 1 cm

are the sizes indeed concidered small if so what does this mean. Could tge size of tge left ovary be contributing to my pain, will it affect trying to conceive. My husband want to start trying soon.

Thank you and sorry so long.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, the first thing I would try (for the pain) is a good bowel clean out.
I often find that my patients get "backed up" after surgery because of the pain relievers.  Sometimes it takes something like Magnesium Citrate to get the "ball rolling".
This almost always helps the left-sided pain.
As to the ovary issue, there usually is some loss of ovarian tissue when a cyst is removed, but this is usually NOT enough to cause problems with ovulation/conception.  When you are ready to start trying, your doctor could order a cycle day 3 FSH level to get an idea of where you're at in terms of your ovarian reserve (number of follicles in the ovaries).
I hope this helps!
Dr B

[chap0188]

I should add I'll be 28 in January and I am slim in normal bmi.

[chap0188]

I should add I'll be 28 in January and I am slim in normal bmi.

Also, my breast have grown significantly since surgery and gained 5-6 lbs since surgery. And breast are tender on the sides. Several pregnancy test over past months negative and consistently take my pill every night.