So for some context I am 27f, and my partner is 26m. I have the coil fitted and have a history of a not insignificant cyst on my left ovary. I found about this in 2022, and was told it would be monitored as it was 2x3x4cm. Told it may resolve, but the reason why I get random cramps on my left side and nothing much to worry about until I wanted to start having kids, and I was too young for it to be anything sinister. There were no follow ups, even though I bought it up in related check-ups (smear etc) and was never invited to a following scan.
About 2 months ago I woke up in extreme abdominal pain, and after a trip to a&e where they refused to examine me because there was no way my coil could have moved and even though I could barely walk they said it couldn’t be a burst cyst (no blood) or ovarian torsion. I was told to see my GP, and I booked in as soon as I could. Thankfully I have moved GPs, and the doctor was immediately proactive, explaining she’d get my scanned to rule out the coil having moved (my previous one had needed refitting because of this) or cyst activity. I got my scan and waited for my results. Hwne given them on the phone I was told it was nothing to worry about, the cyst I had was still there but smaller, about 1x 2x2cm, but my GP wanted an appointment to chat about the steps to go forwards, because I was still having pain (like heavy period pain 24/7) and she wanted to help.
That appointment was yesterday. Turns out it was not insignificant, and the receptionist had given me the wrong results (I’m not mad, mistakes happen and honestly it made me less nervous waiting for the appointment!). My cyst is now 5×5.5x4cm. it completely explains the pain I’ve been having, and although they are sure at this point it is not cancerous, I’m being referred on to a specialist as it’s getting to the point where I need to receive treatment. I have been for-warned that the gyno may recommend me to have kids and come back if it persists (as this sometimes resolves them), but as that is not in my plan for probably 5+ years, this is not an option for me. My other option will be to have the cyst and ovary removed. I understand the implications to my fertility (something which has already been in my mind because every woman on my maternal side except my mum has had issues conceiving), but kids are still a ‘it would be nice if it does’, but in this economy they’re getting less and less likely. I feel like I’m in a rock and a hard place. I either live in pain for the maybe someday I want kids, and deal with this later down the line, or I chose to remove the ovary to deal with the pain, and potentially have a fertility headache later down the road. My partner is being incredibly supportive, and he had said repeatedly it’s my decision and he’ll help me through whichever I chose, and he is of similar opinion that if we chose to have kids and it happens for us, great, but it won’t ruin our lives if it doesn’t.
Really, I’m not even sure I’m looking for advice exactly, but if people would like to share similar experiences it would be much appreciated, because within my immediate friend group/family, this is not something I can really discuss with people who can relate. It feels like a really huge decision that although I’ll get guidance from the doctors, it’s going to be up to me to make.
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I had a dermoid cyst on an ovary (so its not liquid, its a flesh tumor that grows) that needed surgery to be removed. The surgery was a laparoscopy, so not major opening of the abdomen, its 4x1cm cuts, keyhole surgery and the healing went smoothly, no complications, i was home in my own bed by 1pm the day of. I did lose the ovary completely, because the mass was too large and encased it completely, putting me at ansolid torsion risk. After the oorectomy, i developped Pre-menstrual dysphoric syndrom, due to lower hormone production. So now, in the days between ovulation and my period starting, im kind of a different person and it SUCKS. had the month, i seing from rage to debilitating sense of doom.
As i all ready had a child, i received a bi-salp at the same time, so now im sterilized. This part is good, but doesnt affect your case.
I have been told by doctors that its 100% possible to have a child naturally with little complication with only one ovary, i wouldnt let that influence your decision.
Good luck OP! You can ask me any questions you have on the procedure