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Chocolate cysts - birth control?

Hi everyone, I have also posted this in the endometriosis forum as wasn't sure where was best.

I recently had an ultrasound due to severe pelvic pain.  I have been diagnosed with probable severe endometriosis and a 4.5cm cyst on one of my ovaries (gynaecologist thinks it is a chocolate cyst).

I am going to have surgery to have it removed but the wait could be about 4/5 months.  

Does anyone know if it would be worthwhile going on birth control pills whilst I wait for the cyst? Could this help with the pain and also stop the cyst getting any bigger?  I am so scared of it rupturing and have read that with each period it will grow bigger, so would surpressing periods via the pill help?

I have read that birth control pills can help with other cysts, but not sure about chocolate cysts .

Any advice/info would be amazing, thank-you in advance. xx
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Avatar universal
Please don't take the chocolate cyst as an indication that your fertility impaired.  I had a chocolate cyst removed when I was 15 via laparotomy and I was able to naturally conceive two healthy children with no issues.  My endo was severe though.  I did end up with ovarian cancer at the age of 37.  It is just my personal opinion, that any inflammation that is long lasting has the potential to lead to malignancy.  But, most endo does not result in an ovca dx.  Please try not to worry.  I worried about the same when I was young.  But, I have since met many ladies with endo like mine.  I do not think you need to worry about the fertility issue.  It is very stressful to have to deal with a cyst and the possible long term effects.  But, most are removed without causing future complications.  Keep the faith and keep us posted on how you are doing!


Shelly
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Avatar universal
That also depends. There are cases that faced with fertility problems and other that haven't had such problems. I know women that were able to have children and had serious problems with chocolate cysts. But I also know women that weren't able to conceive...
However, even if you don't have chocolate cysts or some similar problems, that does not garantee you that you will conceive right away without any problems. Today, with all the stress and all the health problems and different pollutions, it's not easy for anyone to concieve as fast as he wants.
So, yes, when you have chocolate cysts and similar problems the fertility problems are very likely, but it depends and there are exceptions. I know one woman who had chocolate cysts and other serious problems and just with one ovary she conceived and gave birth to a little girl. The doctors weren't optimistic about her case, because she had these kind of problems and was over 30, but it happend. So, everything is possible!
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Avatar universal
Thanks to all of you for your responses.  I am going to try the birth control pills until surgery, and have been advised to take them back to back (no 7 day break).  I really appreciate your responses and advice, I am finding it difficult to not worry and panic about everything, it has been such a shock.  I had no pain at all until last month.

I have read that the presence of a chocolate cyst automatically means your case of endometriosis is severe, and serious fertility problems are very likely - do any of you know if this is definitly the case?

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
P.S. Like the other medications, BCP also have side-sffects, so you should get more info about that. They are helpful, but also are going "against the nature", so it's not good to take them for a long period of time and without consulting a doctor from that area.
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Avatar universal
Hello,

I had chocolate cysts (also tumor) on my right ovary and I had a lap done five years ago. During the lap my right ovary was removed, because there were a lot of complications and the condition was very bad and serious. I had chocolate cysts on my left ovary too, so after the lap I strted with Yasmin BCP treatment. I am taking Yasmin for five years now and they are helping with regulation of the hormones and they stop the cysts getting bigger. Yasmin BCP really helped me and are helping me to "survive" until I decide to get pregnant, because they are contorlling the growth of the cysts. They are not 100% effective, there are periods when the cysts are getting bigger, but on the next check with my gyno they are "back in normal". It depends of the condition. Sometimes they can help you on permanent basis and you will not need to go on a surgery or some to do some other procedure. In some cases, eventhough you take these kind of pills, you are still having problems and they are not the permanent solution.
So, I think that it will be useful to take them, because they can help. I hope that in your case they will be a permanent solution for the problem and that you woun't need any other procedures!

Wishing you all the best!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think it would be helpful to try the birth control pills while you wait.  They are often effective in helping shrink this type of cyst and may help regulate your hormones.  Since you don't have a choice about the wait, it is a better to try this remedy.  Perhaps, you won't end up needing surgery if it does go away on its own. :)

Endometriomas (chocolate cysts) definitely can get better with bc pills.  But, they don't always get better with this treatment.  So, I am glad you are on the wait list for surgery.  You are right at the borderline in regards to size.  It is a good idea o remove it if it doesn't resolve.  I hope the bc pills help you!  Keep us posted on how you are doing!
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