I just found out today that I am not pregnant, as I thought. My period is a week late, and I am having cramping and other pregnancy symptoms. A negative blood test had my doctor concerned, so he sent me to the ultrasound tech. I have polycystic ovaries- multiple cysts around each ovary. She told me that this is not uncommon after having the Mirena (or any other hormonal birth control, like the pill). I had it (the Mirena) removed in December, but she said it can take months for symptoms like this to show up.
She was very supportive and affirming, and told me they will probably go away on their own in a few months. No medical treatment is required, and regular ovulation will start happening on its own eventually. But I'm so disappointed, and so worried that I won't ovulate again! Not mention being a hormonal wreck. I can't stop crying!
Anyone have advice? Their own experiences to share? I'd really love to hear from moms who had this, and got pregnant again. A doctor can tell me "You'll be fine," all day and night...but I need to hear from some moms, you know?
Thank you, in advance. Please no horror stories. I'm sad enough today as it is!
I knew I'd hear from great moms on this site. Thank you all so much!
Don't worry that you won't ovulate. I had the same problem with cysts and even lost an ovary bc the cyst grew so big, but my other ovary took over for the lost one and I ended up having three children!
Hi H.. I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Don't know if you've been officially diagnosed with that or not? Anyway, my advice is to find a GOOD Reproductive endocrinologist. Don't just go to a regular endocrinologist, as they often don't know enough about PCOS to do the right testing. I went to a few doctors, and gynecologists, plus an endocrinologist, before going to my current Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) who diagnosed and treated me. Without him, I would not have a child and be pregnant with baby #2 today. Your doctor may be right that your body will pick ovulation back up, but if it doesn't, have it checked out further. There's a great website for PCOS support where doctors are also discussed and recommended, as well as treatment options. It's www.soulcysters.net BTW, my RE is in Reading, PA. He used to be in Philly, and I stuck with him even when I moved to Texas for awhile--he is THAT GOOD. Plus, once you are diagnosed and put on a treatment program, you typically only have to see him once a year for blood work. So if you need a recommendation, e-mail me and I'll give you his info. Good luck--you'll be okay.
Hi H.,
Since you are a hormonal wreck, you might want to talk to your doctor about taking something to help straighten your hormones out. I was a hormonal mess after taking Depo provera (the BC shot). I went on the pill for ~ 3 months and it straightened me out immediately. I don't know if one or two months would do it or if the doc could recommend something that is not a birth control that could help you. I didn't start the pill until more than 6 months after I had had the last Depo shot, and my hormones were not showing any signs of improving on their own.
Best Wishes,
A.
I had no ovulation issues for 8 years then went on the pill for five years. When I stopped the pill, my period stopped coming. After trying to get pregnant for a year unsuccessfully I saw a reproductive endocronoligst who diagnosed me with PCOS. I was treated for it and now have a beautiful 1 year old.
Don't waste your time seeing an OB/GYN. See an RE and your body will be back on track in no time.
H. --
First off, calm down. Stress can throw your cycle completely out of whack, making your period late, making you stress even more, making your period even later. It's a vicious cycle.
All women develop ovarian cysts; they are the result of the ovum (egg) breaking through the ovarian wall during ovulation and leaving a small hole behind. Most times the hole closes, but sometimes a "bubble" filled with clear fluid will develop, creating a cyst. Most cysts resolve on their own and the women don't even know they had them. Even a large cyst that causes symptoms will resolve on its own given enough time. Cysts are surgically removed when they cause too much pain or become so large they are in danger of twisting the ovary and cutting off its blood supply.
Unless your doctor indicated that you have a low ovarian reserve, which is very unlikely at age 33, you will ovulate again. Your body has been through a lot. You say you had a cyst removed in December; I assume you had laparoscopic surgery. Surgery alone puts a lot of stress on a body, which needs time to heal. Anesthesia slows your body processes down as well, and it will take a little time for them to return to normal. Your hormones are roiling, creating even more stress. Adding to it by worrying excessively simply exacerbates the problem.
FWIW, I had an ovarian cyst removed seven years ago, only because it appeared as a solid mass on the ultrasound and the doctor wanted to rule out cancer. It turned out to be a benign chocolate cyst, nothing more than a cyst filled with old blood rather than clear fluid. I became pregnant six weeks after surgery.
You will ovulate again. This is easier said than done, but find ways to release the stress (exercise, yoga, meditation, writing in a journal) and relax.
Good luck!
I too had cysts before my first pregnancy. They did go away on their own but I still didn't get my period. My doctor had me take the fertility drug clomid and I was able to get pregnant in a few months.
I went off the pill months ago and still haven't gotten my period agin. My doctor gave me something that will "jump start" my cycle. I think it was called Provera. I haven't taken it yet but you could always ask your doctor if this is an option.
I know that it is hard to do but try not to stress out too much. It will happen when it is meant to happen.
I am a member of another message board where there are several women with PCOS who went on to have successful pregnancies. Yes, it is harder to get pregnant but there are things you can take so talk to your doctor about it. I think one of them took glucophage (maybe in connection with something else).
I'm sorry you got this diagnosis instead of the one you wanted...
Hi H.,
I've had cysts for years. In fact I remember having pain as a teen and now know this is what it was. Anyway, I've never had to have any removed but mine are sometimes painful. I went off the pill and 2 months later I was pregnant!
Thanks also for the info; I was constantly getting pregnancy symptoms. Can I tell you how many negative tests I've seen?
Know that it's possible to get pregnant after cysts and that you'll be fine. Enjoy your little boy and the rest will follow.
~Kristal
I had ovarian cysts before my first pregnancy - didn't know anything about it until one ruptured and caused a huge amount of abdominal pain. Because of that I had an ultrasound which showed the problem. I went on to conceive very quickly after that - no problem at all. I didn't need any treatment or drugs. My second baby took longer to arrive, but that was down to hubby rather than me, so I would say that the cysts had no effect on my fertility. I think a lot of women have them and don't even know unless they have a reason to have a scan.
Hope you succeed in getting pregnant soon - I know how hard it can be trying to get pregnant again.
I had ovarian cysts after going off the pill, but they weren't covering the ovaries. However, they went away on their own and I had no trouble conceiving my second child. Don't be sad, be hopeful. If the Dr thinks it is just a matter of time, try to be patient and worry until there is something to worry about. Good luck with baby #2!
