Afraid of losing remaining ovary

4 weeks ago I had a dermoid cyst removed along with my right ovary and fallopian tube, which were too damaged to save.  The cyst was bigger than a grapefruit and was thought to be a functional cyst until they actually performed the surgery.  Now I have another cyst on my left ovary that is approx. 2cm.  I am told by my ob/gyn that this is a functional cyst and we are using the "wait and see" approach.  She put me on medroxyprogesterone acetate along with my regular birth control pills, which I have been taking for years.  My main concern is that I am going to lose my other ovary.  I am 26 and have not had any children yet, but I definitely want them soon.  I just hate waiting to see if this is going to go away.  I am concerned because the last cyst that I had did not give me any pain and this one is painful.  Does anyone know how quickly cysts can grow?  I have to wait until Dec. 29 to go for my next ultrasound to see how things are progressing.  I think I'll go crazy with worry before then!!!  How likely is it that a 2 cm. cyst will damage my other ovary?  

If anyone can give me any insight into this, I would REALLY appreciate it.  I think I've read everything on the internet there is to read about ovarian cysts, but talking to someone who has actually gone through this would help.

Thanks in advance!

[marskinner]

Thanks for your response RavenLady.

Yes, I had a lap and I feel like I am about 95% recovered from that.  I never really had any pain with that cyst and it was huge.    This new cyst is causing a lot of pain and my lower back is even starting to hurt now.  Aleve helps some.  When they did the surgery, my left ovary was completely healthy...three weeks later a 2 cm. cyst has formed.  I really do hope it's a functional cyst and will resolve itself on its own.  Yes my next US is on Dec. 29.  It can't get here quick enough!!!

They say that birth control pills will stop the formation of these functional cysts...but I was already on them!  Is that a sign that this new cyst could be a dermoid too?  Does anyone know how quickly dermoids can grow?

[bluehairedmary]

I agree with RavenLady. The 'wait and see' method is fine, even though you are feeling pain.  The cysts do grow, at different rates, but I think slowly.  I had a dermoid and waited a year until I had surgery (insurance issues).  It had grown about 1.5 cm in diameter, which is substantial, but not insane.  Better to diagnose it correctly than lose your last ovary, right?  Well, I wish you the best.  I know what you're going through, and am actually going through it again.  So, good luck to us both!