ovarian cysts

I had a transvaginal ultrasound that showed 2 small cysts on my right ovary and 3 on the left.  Also 1 in my uterus.  The dr. said that they were all normal and not to worry about them.  They cause me alot of pain.  I have been suffering from cysts for the last 20 years.  I have never had mutiple cysts like this before.  Should I be concerned?  Should they be doing any kind of followup?  I am 44 years old and have had 4 children.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would probably repeat an ultrasound in 6-12 weeks.  If the cysts are 2 cm or smaller, they will almost certainly go away on their own.  Also, small cysts like that are unlikely to cause pain.  The "cyst" in your uterus is most likely a fibroid.  Again, a repeat ultrasound would be helpful to be sure that it is not growing.

If you were my patient, I would wonder about endometriosis.  I might discuss the possibility of a laparoscopy (minor surgery -- t.v. camera through a tiny incision near the belly button ) to rule out endometriosis--that is more likely to be causing pain.

Good luck!
Dr B