Were you prescribed birth control as treatment for an ovarian cyst? Thoughts?

[marshallms]

I'm 28 years old, 3 years ago I had an ovarian torsion (twisted ovary) due to a monster 4in ovarian cyst. I lost my left ovary, but now the Gyn says I have a 2.5" cyst on my right ovary. She put me on Junel Fe 1/20 eight months ago and I really don't know that I want to stay on it but I don't know if I have a choice. I feel emotionally devoid ... a lack of interest; I don't have an opinion about anything. In the morning, almost every morning, I have a swift mood change where I feel incredibly sad and cry for a few minutes for no reason but then the feeling is gone. My boyfriend and I have not had intercourse in 8-9 months primarily because I just feel nothing down there (despite trying). "Down there" I'm incredibly dry and its starting to get where its uncomfortable to wipe when I pee due to it being so dry. These side effects are not .... the end of the world but I would like to have sex in my future. I want to know if any of you have problems with ovarian cysts and how you are coping? Is hormonal birth control my only option? If I stop taking it, do I risk blowing my only ovary? My gyn...(the only one my health care covers) told me I could try a sex therapist...but I feel like that doesn't address the moods or lack of...thoughts?

[AnnieBrooke]

Why does the ob/gyn not just do a needle biopsy and draw the fluid out of the cyst? I don't see her putting you on bcps long term just to try to manage a cyst.

[marshallms]

They can do that? She never mentioned a needle biopsy...I'm going to do some research on that.

[AnnieBrooke]

Well, if the bcp are to control your hormones, it sounds like they are possibly controlling them a little too much. Could you try another brand of pill? The dosage might be better. I don't think a sex therapist will help a lot because it doesn't sound like the problem is your attitude, (unless of course, the problem really is that you just aren't excited about this partner any longer).

[marshallms]

I don't think it's my attitude either....I love my boyfriend and on top of that he's been working out so he's lookin pretty fine I must say. I just wish my body would realize that.  My feelings changed when I had my ovary removed and I guess I'm just worried that half my feelings and personality was removed with it (despite doctors claiming "you can function normally with just one".)