Ovarian cysts for the first time.. Any advice would be appreciated!

[lsdno1]

Okay, I found out on the 6th of December that I have ovarian cysts, they sent the results to my doctor as 'Urgent'. I received a letter saying they've referred me to a gynaecologist for 'further review'.

From doing research, I know they're only going to send me away with an Ultrasound appt for one months time to see if they're still there.. But like, I've had this pain for ages. I used to walk around when I was 15 bent over and just thought it was really bad period pains, oblivious that there was such a thing as an ovarian cyst.

It's only just been picked up now as I was referred to have a pelvic scan by the clinic when they couldn't find anything to explain the agony I was in.

I don't know when my gyn. appt. is, but I'm going to ask for the cysts to be removed straight away as I can't handle the pain any longer.

What I'd like to know is, is it too soon to even think of them being removed? Considering I've had the pain for years without even realising what it could be (I was told when I was 15 that I had a grumbly appendix, and when I went to the clinic this year they diagnosed me with pelvic inflammatry disease, then changed their mind and said it's something to do with my bowels and that's when I asked for a scan), would getting them removed be a better idea than just waiting for another scan?

I don't know if I'm worrying too much about it or not..

So any responses, advice, anything would be very much appreciated.. Thanks to anyone who can help.

[skepticalpeach]

They usually recommend surgery for cysts that are 5cm or larger. You may also have had problems with endometriosis. I'm sure you'll find some clarity after an ultra sound!

[lsdno1]

Thanks for responding, that was really helpful. Yeah I have jumped to conclusions. I don't know anything about the cysts yet, I'm still awaiting a letter with the time and date of my appointment for the gyn at the moment.

I will probably post another question up here when I find out more details. Thank you for your help :)

[MarieMichele]

You need to know a lot more before jumping to the conclusion that you need surgery.  It may be so, and it's good that you are mentally prepared for this possibility, but let a gyn tell you what you really have first, such as what size and type of cysts.

Previous pains could have been cyst related or they could have just been part of the normal menstrual cycle for you.  Pre- and post-ovulation activity is more painful for some women and that is "normal" for them.  Cysts can form and break down on a monthly basis.  The ones that stay for many months are the ones that need to go.

Cysts can cause enough symptoms that you can think you have bowel issues and other disorders when you don't.  It could explain the mystery behind past health issues for you.