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breastfeeding, likely have cysts?
About 4 yrs ago, I went through infertility treatments, and as a result, had several ovarian cysts, which resolved itself. Baby #2 is now 6 mos old (no fertility treatment needed... go figure!). With this baby, I've been breastfeeding her almost exclusively. I say "almost", because we do supplement with formula as I am not able to pump enough during the day at work to get enough to fill her up.
Over the past month, I had been feeling weird "twitches", and when I was at the OB today, she pushed on one side, and it was definitely tender (other side was not). She said "you have an ovarian cyst", and scheduled me for an ultrasound in about 3 wks.
I looked up some info, and it seems to me that most cysts are the result of things that happen during ovulation, and in fact it seems that cysts are way less common in women who are breastfeeding. My concern is that if I'm breastfeeding (thus not ovulating), is it more possible that it's a cancerous cyst, since it's not related to ovulation? Or is it possible to have a benign cyst even though I have been breastfeeding/pumping for 6 months? The doc didn't say the "c" word, and all she said was "we'll do the US, and then I'll consult with you afterwards about your options".
Am I getting worked up & worried over nothing? Or do you think I should be worried? I'm going to call tomorrow to see if I can get the US moved up at all (it's 3 weeks from now).
Thanks!
MST
Over the past month, I had been feeling weird "twitches", and when I was at the OB today, she pushed on one side, and it was definitely tender (other side was not). She said "you have an ovarian cyst", and scheduled me for an ultrasound in about 3 wks.
I looked up some info, and it seems to me that most cysts are the result of things that happen during ovulation, and in fact it seems that cysts are way less common in women who are breastfeeding. My concern is that if I'm breastfeeding (thus not ovulating), is it more possible that it's a cancerous cyst, since it's not related to ovulation? Or is it possible to have a benign cyst even though I have been breastfeeding/pumping for 6 months? The doc didn't say the "c" word, and all she said was "we'll do the US, and then I'll consult with you afterwards about your options".
Am I getting worked up & worried over nothing? Or do you think I should be worried? I'm going to call tomorrow to see if I can get the US moved up at all (it's 3 weeks from now).
Thanks!
MST
Can I have the link as well? My Dr wants me to get the IUD or stop nursing and switch to the pill. I'm currently on the mini pill. My son is 8 months old today
I am sending you a direct message with a link to an article that explains how it's possible to get cysts whle still breastfeeding and not ovulating. In short, ovaries are still doing something even when they are not ovulating. Sort of gearing up for a return to normal cycles.
Thanks for your response. I called the doc this morning, spoke with a nurse. She said there really wasn't any urgent need to move the appointment up, because I'm not really having any other symptoms (i.e., pain, discomfort, all the other things that are commonly seen, etc.). The only symptom I have is that I occasionally feel something odd around my ovary (I'm VERY in-tune to my body... I could even tell you when I ovulate!). But, definitely no pain or anything like that.
The nurse said that the main reason they are doing the ultrasound is simply to measure it, and track if it grows or shrinks on it's own. I'm assuming they'll also check to see what other characteristics are there, but I guess the phone call was mostly reassuring. While I know it's just a generality, I do not have any of the risk factors that they identify, other than that my dad is going through cancer treatments right now (prostate). No history of cancers amongst females in my family. So... I guess it's "wait & see". I've had so many other problems over the years, I can't help but to get nervous about something like this. And it doesn't help that I can barely find anything online about women who get cysts while breastfeeding (i.e., not ovulating)!
The nurse said that the main reason they are doing the ultrasound is simply to measure it, and track if it grows or shrinks on it's own. I'm assuming they'll also check to see what other characteristics are there, but I guess the phone call was mostly reassuring. While I know it's just a generality, I do not have any of the risk factors that they identify, other than that my dad is going through cancer treatments right now (prostate). No history of cancers amongst females in my family. So... I guess it's "wait & see". I've had so many other problems over the years, I can't help but to get nervous about something like this. And it doesn't help that I can barely find anything online about women who get cysts while breastfeeding (i.e., not ovulating)!
Yes, your body is less likely to ovulate during breastfeeding but it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Over 95% of all cysts are benign, and that is also in post menopausal women who don't ovulate. I know it's hard but do try and relax. I agree that getting the US moved up is a good idea. Do ensure they do both an abdominal and a transvaginal ultrasound. Please let us know how it goes.
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