Recurrent Ovarian Cysts

[bf32164]

My girlfriend has been complaining of abdominal pain for about 8 months or so now.  During that time she has had two ultrasounds and both have confirmed the existence of ovarian cysts (although the first was on the left side and the second was on the right side).  She has been in excruciating pain when these cysts occur and yet both the hospital and the gynecologist have not indicated that anything was out of the norm after revieiwing the test results (my girlfriend is only 22 years old and as far as i can tell is a little young to be getting cysts that are this bad).  I'm just looking for any kind of help or advice that anyone can give.  My research on the net generally brings up that birth control is the best cure for recurrent ovarian cysts but my girlfriend has been on the pill for three years now ans only in the past years have the cysts started.  Is it possible that she would be better off by ceasing birth control and going back to her natural hormone cycle?  I would be more than happy to provide any further details if they are necessary but if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate hearing it because we have just about given up hope.  Thanks,

[lvfrogs]

I am sorry to hear that your girlfriend is in so much pain.  Laney basically said it all, but I wanted to add that on the upper right hand side of this page is the Health Pages, click on that and there should be a section to click on for cysts. Maybe that will give you more info too. If she keeps having painful cysts, maybe her doctor could try a different type of birth control, and ask about endometriosis.  You didn't mention that, but it is always possible that she is having some trouble with that too. Good luck and I hope you let us know.

[Laney8463]

Hi there,
Sorry your girlfriend is having so much trouble with cysts. Unfortunately, cysts are a common occurance with the menstrual cycle. Most come and go without any signs or symptoms. Some people have cysts and never even know they have them. They may be found inadvertantly during a routine pelvic exam. Others however have terrible pain and suffering from them. Most cysts resolve themselves and that is what probably happened to your girlfriend. If one was on the left, then gone and now there is one on the right. Since she is already on birth control, I suggest she talks to her doctor about how better to manage the pain or maybe find another type of treatment available. On a happy note, for no reason whatsoever, sometimes a person that suffers with cysts, all of a sudden won't get anymore. I hope that is the case for your girlfriend. Definitely have her talk to her gyn about how better to handle the pain. I found that by taking advil or ibuprophen it helped me immensely. Good luck and keep us posted
Laney