Ovarian cysts occur more
often than you may realize, often dissolving without the need for
medical intervention and without symptoms. When symptoms do occur you
may feel a dull ache or a sense of fullness or pressure in your
abdomen; ovarian cysts are just one condition that may cause pain
during sexual intercourse.
The formation of cyst-like
structures is normal during your monthly menstrual cycle when a
follicle forms inside the ovary. During ovulation the mature follicle
ruptures and releases an egg; however, if this process does not
complete itself appropriately the most common type of ovarian cyst is
formed--functional ovarian cysts. Other types of ovarian cysts
include dermoid cysts, cystadenoma cysts, endometrioma cysts, and
polycystic ovarian syndrome which results in multiple cysts on the
ovaries.
Ovarian cysts can be a
frustrating experience whether your doctor takes a "wait and see"
approach, prescribes oral contraceptives or other hormones, or
concludes that surgery is the answer. How do you cope with the
symptoms and treatments of ovarian cysts? Join one of these forum
discussions or start one of your own and find the support you need to
help you deal with ovarian cysts:
I Want
Another Baby!
"I recently went to my doctor and had a pelvic and pap smear done
because of a constant pain in my left side and really painful
periods. He also scheduled me for an ultrasound, ...well I get a call
back saying that my pelvic and pap were negative, but the ultrasound
detected that I have a large cyst on my left ovary. My question is
aren't the pap smears suppose to detect ovarian cysts? Because mine
came back negative. Also is it a good idea to be put on birth control
to shrink this or should I just get it removed? I am 27 and still
want one more child; I have a seven-year-old son now :) Somebody
help! Give me some advice if you have gone through this! I am really
scared!"
KRYSTYNA2
Could
It Be Cancer?
"I just found out
that I have a small ovarian cyst near my right ovary. Needless to
say, I am scared. My doctor's suggestion was to wait and see if the
problem corrects itself. I am willing to do that in order to avoid
any type of surgery. But I am certainly worried about cancer. My
question is, could this have been brought on by my sexual positions?
I have always had sharp pains on the right side and only the right
side of my pelvis when I am ovulating. But this time it was scary
because I was doubled over in pain for about twenty minutes. I am
fairly young, (24 years old), athletically built and have had no
prior problems. There are no cases of cancer in my family."
AMF360
What
Is This Pain?
"I had my period
about 2 weeks ago; I have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and have
ultrasound 3-month follow-up on Tuesday. My question is, I have read
about ovulation pain, and it says pain on one side; my pain is on
both sides (both ovaries) and it's really sharp stabbing pain,
usually about 1 day. Does this have to do with my cyst, or is it
ovulation even though it's only on one side? It hurts so badly I can
hardly move. It hurts worse when I go to the bathroom (either way)
and sometimes I don't want to do #2 because it hurts too badly. Any
help would be appreciated."
JDCHAMBERS
Are
They Really Ovarian Cysts?
"I had a tubal
ligation (laparoscopic) Dec. 20. Afterwards, the doctor told me he
saw, through the scope, 'fairly large' cysts on each ovary. He was
reluctant to remove them there because they may be too large to do
laparoscopically, and it could have required a difficult emergency
transport to the hospital, so he left them there. He indicated that
because functional cysts on both ovaries that large are not that
common, they are probably endometriomas or dermoid cysts, and that an
ultrasound is the next step. He has told me to take it very easy in
the meantime -- no active sports and no intercourse -- so as to
minimize the chance of them twisting or rupturing. But the ultrasound
is not scheduled for another couple weeks (it will have been almost
four weeks since they were first discovered). I have had no
discernible pain; two years ago I had a cyst and small fibroid found
on an ultrasound (cyst must have been functional and dissolved, as
the pain went away). I'm 42 and don't plan on having children. My
questions: Can a doctor tell for sure by looking at these through the
scope that they are not more serious (i.e., cancerous)? If these are
bad enough to restrict my physical activity, how come I'm having to
wait so long for an evaluation and probable surgery? Should I be
seeking quicker evaluation/treatment, or is this timetable typical? I
would like to have these taken care of and get on with my life!"
NANCY12659
