What is the difference between a follicle and a cyst?

[maiseycat]

I didn't think I had PCOS because I got an ultrasound done which came back "satisfactory." Though, my gyno commented when I went in to see him about birth control that I could have it because it was noted on my US that I have several follicles on my left ovary. He said there are better tests that he does to diagnose PCOS. But wouldn't it be clear from the US if I had cysts or not? I'm guessing the follicles seen COULD be cysts? What are the chances that the follicles are a normal thing?

I should've asked more at the appt., but I was so surprised as I thought PCOS was ruled out. My US results were sent to two doctor's offices, and I'm usually called if a test comes out abnormal, if even somewhat. I've had abnormal periods since age 18, but I always get them at least every 2 months, typically every month or every other month. The only change now (I'm 28) is that on months I don't get one, I get wild, extended PMS. Pelvic pain is a symptom so I thought I'd rule out cysts/PCOS/tumors. I'm confused because an US is a diagnostic tools for PCOS. What else would diagnose it? I'm not sure if I want more tests b/c it's kind of a moot point. PCOS can't be treated. I've gone on birth control to try to get my cycles under control. That was my main concern at this time. Is it true cysts don't cause infertility, just coincide with it? Doctor doesn't think I'm infertile... just that I may need help getting preg (not trying to at this time and may never need to). How important is a PCOS diagnosis and does it sound like I have it? It's odd b/c it's tied to insulin resistance. I'm definitely not diabetic, not overweight - I have a few odd body hairs here and there but nothing abnormal.

[maiseycat]

I know birth control is supposed to make cycles more regular once you come off of it, but will you then ovulate more often (once you've been on it for a few months, then go off)? My problem is the skipped periods; I didn't know that skipping periods over time could lead to cysts. I wish I could ovulate once a month. I'm too young for friggin menopause!

I likely do ovulate some since I often get 3 periods in a row, then skip one or two months, but is it possible that I'll ovulate more often once being off the pill? I'm not going on the pill for birth control purposes, but to shut things down for awhile.

[91004]

If I am remembering this right when the doc told me it is that follicle present all the time. When we ovulate the follicle is what makes the egg. When the follicles are there they sometimes fill with fluid and when they don't disappear on their own they can turn into a cyst and keep filling with fluid. They keep a watch to see if it will disappear or how big it grows to determine wether or not it needs to be removed. Birth control is used to treat cyst also.