recently diagnosed ovarian cysts, now painful period with passing tissue

[Mrs_Ska]

I am a 24 year old female and recently married.  During a contrast CT scan (trying to diagnose the source of severe gastrointestinal distress) the doctors found cysts on my ovaries.  Not long after they were found, I have started my period, noting that I have been having cramping and discomfort (which is very unusual for me).  The flow is unusually heavy and now I have passed a piece of what I can only describe as looking like tissue (firm, peach-colored mass, has lumps in it, looking almost like a little brain...of course I know it's not, it's just how I describe it.)  The tissue is the size of a large grape or black olive.  My sister (age 25) has had things like this happen to her, but on a much larger scale (the tissue she passed was the size of a grapefruit) but apparently they have told her she might not be able to have children.  I am just wondering if there is something I should be concerned about in regards to my own child-bearing capabilities as my husband and I would like to start trying in the next year or so.

[John Kim, M.D.]

Also, you should may sure that you are not pregnant and having a miscarriage by taking a blood pregnancy test called a quantitative beta HCG is you have been sexually active.  

[John Kim, M.D.]

The tissue can be old blood or clots. If you had an irregular period ie not a 26-32 day cycle and if you had ovarian cysts then you can get this kind of strange period.  As long as your cycles are regular now and you ovulate then it should not have any long term consequence on child-bearing but if you have irregular periods, you may not be ovulating regularly and may need help from a doctor to get pregnant.

[Mrs_Ska]

Thank you Dr. Kim for taking time from your busy schedule to answer my question.  I consider it an honor and a blessing that you would take the time to do this.  Thank you :)