Question

Hi,

I was treated for an ovarian cyst (right ovary) - a laparascopic surgery around 4 years ago, and was told everything is fine and I didn't need to worry. I just underwent a health check-up last week as I got a pain in the right side of my lower abdomen and during the ultrasound was told that I had a cyst on the right ovary of 3-4.5 cm in size.

I have read and was also told that these do not generally come back, but mine has and though this is rare but possible I wanted to know if there is any other way of curing the same, and if these can be cancerous.

Also what are the chances of this affecting pregnancy in the future. I am unmarried.

I appreciate your help.

Rajani

Answer

Dear Rajani:

Ovarian cysts are common, vary in size, can affect fertility, and are sometimes associated with cancer. Each month a follicle (a cyst like structure) forms on an ovary with an egg inside. The follicle produces estrogen before ovulation and progesterone after ovulation. The follicle collapses after ovulation and is supposed to disappear with the next menstrual flow.

Sometimes the follicle will grow too big during either one of these stages for various reasons. Many times they will drain by themselves. Other times, such as in your case, they persist and must be surgically drained or taken out. Some women produce a lot of ovarian cysts such as with polycystic ovarian disease. This disease can be mild to severe and is associated with lower fertility among other things. Some women will get occasional cysts that grow and persist and must be followed by your doctor. Cysts that persist, especially larger ones, are more associated with cancer. As long as you follow up with your doctor, you should do well.

I would strongly recommend that you find a certified natural family planning teacher who can teach you how to chart your menstrual cycles. This would give you and your doctor invaluable information about when the cysts develop in the cycle. This would help diagnose some of the possible reasons why the cysts are forming in the first place. And of course, this would help in treating them.

Unfortunately, most doctors simply put women on birth control pills and never look to find reasons for the cysts. This is not helpful to her and is contradictory in the case of polycystic ovarian disease.

I hope that this is of help to you!

Sincerely,
Gretchen V. Marsh, D.O.

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