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birth control & ovarian cysts & endometriosis

I have a history of hemorrhagic cysts and endometriosis. I previously (May 2009) had my right ovary/fallopian tube removed due to a hemorrhagic cyst and endometriosis (with a bad doctor that scared me and overreacted, I think). In August, I had another "major pelvic pain episode" that led to the diagnosis of two 3 cm. complex cysts on my left ovary (after 2 sonograms, a CT scan and MRI). I sought a second opinion (since doctor #1 was saying things like biopsy and surgery). The 2nd doctor suggested watching, waiting and going on the birth control pill. After less than 2 months, the sonogram revealed that one cyst dissipated, and the second cyst had shrunk to 2 cm. I think both cysts are gone. The pain is completely gone.

I do not want to continue taking birth control pills for a variety of reasons (hives, loss of sex drive, weight gain, and fatigue). However, I also don't want to risk loosing the left ovary is a large cyst develops again. Here is my thinking: since these last 2 cysts dissipated so easily by going on the pill, would it be wise to request sonograms to watch the ovary (maybe every 3 - 6 months). If a cyst develops, I can go back on the pill to alleviate the cysts (like it did this time). Or, am I playing with fire? And, the endometriosis is bad, but my symptoms are only around my period. I can deal with that.

ANY suggestions would be so greatly appreciated.
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Avatar universal
I am sorry for the confusion in my last post.  Obviously, you will have to trust your gut on what is right for you.  But, if I were in your shoes, I would try to stay on the pill.  Both your current and long term history show a pattern and it will likely repeat again if you stop taking the pill.   Often, women with cysts and endometriosis have very high levels of estrogen.  This estrogen dominance can raise your risk for many cancers in addition to causing more cysts.   As far as the negative side effects, I agree with the above poster who suggest trying different types of pills to see if one causes less unpleasant symptoms.   Good luck! :)
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Avatar universal
If you have concerns about the pills you can discuss the options with your gynae, there are many types of pills available. You might have to change them few times till you get the type that suits you the best. I have been on pills for past 10 years and after changing 3 or 4 types I found the one that only makes me a bit moody. You have to consider either preserving your ovary or deal with minor discomfort. Its not that bad after all. Good luck to you!
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Avatar universal
Hi Shelly,
Thank you for your post. I failed to mention that I'm not trying to conceive. I have to 2 children. I was on the pill for 15 years (from 18 years old until I conceived my first child), which I believe prevented the growth of endometriosis. I got pregnant right after getting off the pill. I think because the endometriosis didn't have time to take over is the reason I got pregnant so easily each time (my pregnancies were back to back essentially).

My dilemma is that I'm almost 40, have severe endometriosis and in just over 18 months have produced probably 5 complex cysts. For the first surgery in May 2009, there were cysts on both sides, but I just lost the right ovary. Surgical report said that the cyst was hemorrhagic. I was told to take the pill, but did not follow that advice. This last episode (Aug. 2010) revealed 2 complex, 6 cm. in total. The cysts dissipated after 2 months of the pill. Now that I'm "clean", I want to stop taking the pill.

I'm was just wondering if anyone had experience with taking  the pill to control getting cysts. Again, being almost 40, I just don't want to take the hormones, but also don't want to risk loosing the left ovary to a big cyst. Ugh.

Thanks again for posting. I'm really at a loss as to what to do. :(
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Avatar universal
You definitely have a complex situation.  I think you should follow your heart and try to conceive if the cysts are gone.  The concern is that you will have a complex cyst that needs to be removed during your pregnancy.  So, perhaps, you may wamt to get another scan to be sure that your cyst is gone.   If it were me, I would want to know that it was only a simple cyst and very small before I attempted to conceive.   Otherwise , you may be facing surgery during your pregnancy.

Best Wishes,

Shelly
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