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Large complex ovarian cyst
Today I found out I have an ovarian cyst on my right ovary measuring 8.5x6.1x8.1. I only found out because I had an IUD inserted 1 week ago and a pelvic ultrasound was ordered to check the placement of the IUD. The mass is complex and septated and echoic, the doctor wasn't very good at explaining what that might mean and now I'm awaiting a semi-urgent MRI to evaluate the characteristics of the cyst. I'm 25 and otherwise healthy no family history of ovarian cancer, I don't smoke and I've been on the pill since I was 16. Although I have stopped the pill 3 times in the last 4 years for probably 3 weeks at a time for various reasons....I'm just worried that it might be something sinister, im afraid of a) having cancer and b) losing an ovary. I haven't had children yet and I don't want to damage my fertility...I just need some support if anyone has anything to say that may help or share their experiences that would be helpful. Thank you.
Hey! I got my ovaries removed when I was 12 im 13 now and I'm doing all right so you will too! Don't be nervous the doctors will take good care of you
COMMUNITY LEADER
I am sorry you are going through this! It is good that you do not have a family history of ovarian cancer. Women without a genetic link for OC have a less than 2% lifetime risk for OC. MOST ovarian cysts including complex ones are benign.
I understand your concern about fertility. And the ovaries are even essential long after menopause. Studies show that they produce hormones (estrogen and androgens) into a woman's 80's and are essential for optimal health and well-being. The removal of any part of the "reproductive" system (an ovary, the uterus, and even the tubes) can permanently disrupt natural hormone production.
Too many women lose healthy ovaries for various benign reasons (ovarian cysts being one) when it is totally unnecessary. A surgeon with good cystectomy skills can remove a cyst of almost any size and type. Unfortunately, some women have found that the surgeons with these skills are outside their insurance network. I recall reading of a woman in California who refused to have her ovary removed even though she was beyond childbearing (likely for the reason I explained above). She had to go through a process to appeal coverage at in-network rates. And her insurance company did not want to pay. After fighting it, she ended up winning. So bottom line, it may be difficult to find a skilled surgeon but would be worth it so you can keep your ovary. The ovary is very resilient so leaving even a small piece is usually enough for normal hormone production.
I wish I had done things very differently when my gynecologist rushed me into surgery for a complex ovarian cyst. Even though the frozen section done while I was in the operating room showed that it was benign, my surgeon proceeded to remove all my female organs (both ovaries, uterus, and tubes). I was 49 at the time. The importance of those organs became apparent very quickly as I spiraled into suicidal depression and every SEVERE "menopausal" and aging symptom under the sun. It has been 9 years and I am still absolutely appalled that this happens a LOT.
Best of luck to you and let us know how this plays out.
I understand your concern about fertility. And the ovaries are even essential long after menopause. Studies show that they produce hormones (estrogen and androgens) into a woman's 80's and are essential for optimal health and well-being. The removal of any part of the "reproductive" system (an ovary, the uterus, and even the tubes) can permanently disrupt natural hormone production.
Too many women lose healthy ovaries for various benign reasons (ovarian cysts being one) when it is totally unnecessary. A surgeon with good cystectomy skills can remove a cyst of almost any size and type. Unfortunately, some women have found that the surgeons with these skills are outside their insurance network. I recall reading of a woman in California who refused to have her ovary removed even though she was beyond childbearing (likely for the reason I explained above). She had to go through a process to appeal coverage at in-network rates. And her insurance company did not want to pay. After fighting it, she ended up winning. So bottom line, it may be difficult to find a skilled surgeon but would be worth it so you can keep your ovary. The ovary is very resilient so leaving even a small piece is usually enough for normal hormone production.
I wish I had done things very differently when my gynecologist rushed me into surgery for a complex ovarian cyst. Even though the frozen section done while I was in the operating room showed that it was benign, my surgeon proceeded to remove all my female organs (both ovaries, uterus, and tubes). I was 49 at the time. The importance of those organs became apparent very quickly as I spiraled into suicidal depression and every SEVERE "menopausal" and aging symptom under the sun. It has been 9 years and I am still absolutely appalled that this happens a LOT.
Best of luck to you and let us know how this plays out.
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