RE Results... So... Question (XP in TTGP)

longhornwino0907 · November 2014

Well, I had my first RE appointment this afternoon. Doc took our history, then took me back for an ultrasound. And found a cyst on my left ovary. So we're benched for the month to see if it goes away with the help of birth control.

The cyst sounded pretty large, at least to my uneducated ears. My left ovary measured 39 by 37 (mm? whatever measurement, he just said numbers). The cyst? 36 by 33. Obviously I could have misheard because that sounds really large compared to my ovary. But those are the numbers coming to mind. My right ovary measured something like 22 by 19, which he only determined after a minute or two of searching because he couldn't find it at first.

I'm disappointed. I'm sad. I've asked DH to just please let me be sad. I understand it's an answer and we're taking steps to fix the problem. But I'm still sad.

Now the question: is this cyst causing fertility issues? He didn't really explain the concern over it, and I was so dazed and whatnot that I didn't think to ask. Just nodded along with everything he said, took my papers with lab instructions for my HSG and blood work, and went on our merry way. I just don't know what affect this cyst could be having and am curious what you knowledgeable ladies know about these things.

I should note that I had a cyst on my left ovary back in June. Follow-up ultrasound in July showed it was gone. So now I'm not sure if this is the same one and the u/s tech missed it (doubtful) or if my left ovary just enjoys forming cysts.

SND1231 · November 2014

I am sorry for the bad news. I do not have much advice. But I just wanted to stop in and say that ill keep my FX that the cyst goes away and you wont be on the bench for long.

BunnyBerry · November 2014

It is possible that a cyst can produce estrogen and act like birth control (signal to your brain that a follicle is already developing, so stop stimulating follicle development this month). If your earlier cyst had resolved and now you have one again, there's a chance that it was the same cystic follicle doing its thing, but it doesn't really make a difference if it was the same one or a new one.

More likely this is just either a) the normal ovarian cysts that just happen to many women now and again, or b) a possible sign of PCOS (and although that sounds scary, it is quite common and highly treatable!).

I had always pictured cysts as being small growths on a bigger ovary, but it turns out that they are really large compared to the size of an ovary. A normal ovary is a couple cm long, and a typical cyst is also a couple cm long. I spent a couple months getting ultrasounds for 2 cysts (left and right) that were discovered before we were seeing the RE, and only after a few months I had an appt with the GYN who told me the images had shown a 5cm and a 6cm cyst.

Just imagining those things growing in my body made me so lightheaded, I couldn't hear anything else she was saying, the blood drained out of my brain, and I almost passed out- she realized and tipped me back on the table and took my blood pressure. I guess the point is, I understand how upsetting it is to think of a big ol' cyst growing on your ovary! But later I found that this was kind of typical.

I definitely went through a lot of sadness/emotional readjusting as the results of our testing kept coming back. Be kind to yourself, and if it helps, keep your eye on the prize.

longhornwino0907 · November 2014

Thanks ladies! I guess I just don't really know what his "worried" looks like since yesterday was our first appointment with the RE. But DH said the same thing last night: his reaction to seeing the cyst wasn't "oh shit!" So that's good. I feel a little better this morning, so there's that.

lebradford · November 2014

I had a 40mm cyst at my baseline for an IUI cycle (which was cancelled), and 4 weeks later it was much smaller and not producing much/any estrogen and I was able to start a new cycle. I was completely devastated that our cycle was cancelled, but it ended up not being a big deal in the big picture. Most cysts are "functional" and go away on their own and aren't a health problem.

Hang in there, I know being benched sucks.

meredithcarole · November 2014

No advice or experience, but good luck.

kistra · November 2014

I think that is pretty normal size for a cyst. I relatively frequently get 5-6cm (50-60mm) cysts. The first one took a long time to go away (4 or 5 months?) but since then mine have all been gone the next month. I don't know if it is affecting your fertility or not, but I hope it goes away quickly so you can start treatment!!

mrskimmell · November 2014

There are so many different kinds of cysts out there, I think that is why your RE is wanting to wait and see if it goes away. At least before taking any drastic measures. He doesn't sound too alarmed by the cyst, and as long as you told him about the first cyst and it seeming to go away then he should be able to gather some info and get a better idea on what is going on and give you a good low down on your next visit. Don't get too upset about being benched. It's just the firs step into a very long road. I know for us I honestly left with our diagnosis and for some reason just felt like well I will just magically poof and be preggo. And that's just not how it works. It's ok to be sad though. It's a shitty place to be stuck in the middle of limbo. Just make sure if you have questions you write them down. Feel free to google them but really don't trust too much in Dr. Google, he isn't all that certified ;P Just keep a list and you can bring it in with your next apt, say I had questions about this, I read this online, is there any truth to this, what options do I have about this. It's ok to come in with other ideas and therapies. Bring them up, he can explain to you why he thinks they are or are not an option for you and help you get a better grasp on where he is coming from. Remember that he went to school for this for a very long time, and he gets paid a pretty penny so he knows what he is doing. Not saying he is Jesus and will just put a baby in it, but have a lil faith in the guy and always ALWAYS ask questions. Don't feel worried how silly you look or you think the question is dumb. It's your body you have the right to know what is going on. Hope things start looking up for you guys here pretty soon and you aren't stuck in the 3T for too long!

longhornwino0907 · November 2014

@kistra‌ thanks for the info! Glad to know its not abnormally enormous. I was really freaked out when he started calling out measurements to the nurse!

@mrskimmell‌ I will definitely be writing down questions and asking! I also have the email and phone number of our clinical nurse, and I was told I could contact her with any questions I have. I was just in such a daze with all the information he was throwing at us that I couldn't think straight!

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