Complex Ovarian Cyst

[Heather723]

I am 29 years old and currently trying to get pregnant. I began having extreme pain at the same time as ovulation and ended up having an ultrasound to find out I have a complex right ovarian cyst measuring 2.1cm with adjacent right adnexal and free pelvic fluid (left ovary measures 2.8X2.5X3.0cm and my right measures 4.3X3.0X3.6cm). Now, I have no idea what any of this really means! Reading lots on the internet which is just causing more confusion. Any medical advice? Suggestions on treatments? Or even idea of my chances of any infertility issues resulting.  There was also blood found in my urine which my one doctor is not sure what that is from. I also have began my period 3-4 days early the past few months, where before my cycle was like clockwork, and not sure if the cysts could be causing any of this. To top it off, I also have lymphedema in my right leg (toes to thigh) and not sure if that could have any cause/effect of these annoying cysts. I will be seeing my doctor soon but hoping to get some ideas about this before hand - even important questions I should ask my doctor. Thanks!

[Heather723]

Thanks for the advice and information! I will be sure to ask my doctor about getting the scan done.  I have had my kidney's checked in the past and this time around no bacteria was found in the blood indicating it is not a UTI. As far as the lymphedema - I have had it for 7 years now with no real understanding why.  Just know that it is primary lyphedema and I just have to live with it. When I was originally diagnosed (2 years after the swelling had started) the vascular surgeon told me to not bother getting pregnant but since then I have been to a Fertility specialist and my lyphedema therapist who have both said it will be uncomfortable and an extra strain on my leg with the extra swelling due to pregnancy but that I am safe to go ahead and the swelling related to the pregnancy will go back to normal. As far as everything else, if anything positive can come from having these cysts, maybe it can explain why I haven't been able to get pregnant yet and once all cleared up it will happen much sooner.  That is what I am hoping! Thanks again for your reply. Keeping my fingers crossed that the doctor has good news for me!

[hopeshell]

I am very sorry to hear you are having so many problems.  There are many types of complex cysts and most are benign.  Yours is still small at 2.1cm.  You want to look at the cyst size and not the overall measurement of the ovary as far as treatment is concerned.  But, any complex cyst runs a very small chance of being malignant and that is why close follow-up is essential.  If you know you are not pregnant now, you may want to ask for a CT scan or MRI to get a better idea of the type of cyst you have.  The radiologist is often able to tell the type of cyst after one of these scans.  Usually, there are no long lasting fertility issues from cysts.  But, complex cysts that grow large can sometimes cause the ovary to have to be removed with the mass.  The other ovary usually kicks and makes up for the loss.  

I am really not sure what is going on with the blood in your urine and lymphedema.  Have you had your kidneys checked?  Infection is a common cause of lymphedema.  I think it is important you find the cause of those symptoms before getting pregnant.  Pregnancy puts a great strain on the body and you want to make sure you remain healthy.

Try not to worry about the cyst.  Odds are with you that it is benign and will resolve.  But, I really hope you can get some help for the other issues.  Good luck on conceiving in the future! :)

Take care,

Shelly