Ovarian Cyst and borth control

[EarDoc]

I have never had a problem with cysts, until I stopped taking birth control. I had pain on my right side and went for an ultrasound and they told me I have a few small cysts on the right and one had ruptured, but they were more concerned because I had one on my left ovary that is 2.8cm. I think this may have been caused by me abruptly stopping the pill a few months ago. My husband had a vasectomy so I figured why keep taking the pill, I didn't realize how much is would mess up my system. Now they are saying I need a test for ovarian cancer, even though the larger cyst is not complex in terms of vasculature, its just a precaution. My question is has anyone else had this occur after they stopped taking birth control? I have never had a problem with cysts in the 29 years I have been alive until I started using and stopped taking birth control. I was only on the birth control for less than 1 year.

[old_before_my_time]

Unfortunately, your concerns have merit because many women lose an ovary(ies) for ovarian cysts. An ethical surgeon who also has good cystectomy skills should be able to remove just the cyst leaving your ovary or enough of it for normal hormone production. Our ovaries are too important to just yank one or both out. They actually produce hormones into a woman's 80's for good health and well-being. And the loss of just one can temporarily or permanently disrupt the whole process including fertility.

Although many cysts resolve on their own, yours has gotten too big to monitor since you are at risk for ovarian torsion which can choke off blood supply to the ovary causing it to die. Plus it can be very painful.

If you are not comfortable that your surgeon will or can "shell out" the cyst from the ovary, seek out a surgeon who can. A gynecologist who is a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist may be your best bet. Good luck to you!

[old_before_my_time]

I don't understand why they want you to do the ovarian cancer blood test (CA125). For one, you were told that "the larger cyst is not complex in terms of vasculature, its just a precaution." The CA125 is not accurate at diagnosing ovarian cancer. Benign conditions can cause an elevated result. I know someone who had a benign ovarian cyst (as proven by biopsy) and her CA125 result was over 1000. I had the same type of cyst and mine was in normal range (under 35).

Since most ovarian cysts resolve on their own, is the plan to just monitor this 2.8cm cyst?

If you do not have a genetic predisposition for ovarian cancer, then your lifetime risk is less than 2% (U.S. stats say 1.3%). Unfortunately, many women lose their sex organs (uterus and/or ovaries) unnecessarily. In most cases, this is overkill and causes a whole new set of problems. This is what happened to me as well as my friend who had the 1000+ CA125 and a number of women with whom I have connected since my surgery years ago.

[LadyDiqa]

I am 31 and was just diagnosed with a 9 cm cyst.  I am so afraid. I just want to be able to have kids as I have only been married for a year.  My doctor doesn't make me feel comfortable about having the surgery.  She seems to be in such a rush without assuring me that I will still be able to have kids.  This is the toughest thing I've had to deal with health wise.