4 cm Ovarian Cyst

In 2002, they were going to do a L ovarian cystectomy and end up doing a L salphingo-oophorectomy. For over a year now, I’ve been complaining to my primary care doctor of a mild intermittent pain mostly on my right side and also, in my right groina and lower back. Early October this year, I had an ultrasound done that revealed a 4 cm ovarian cyst. I had another one done this month and was told that it is basically the same size. I have used birth control patch to see if it will shrink in size but my pain is becoming more severe and stationary. I’m not sure if this information will help but also, in addition to the pain I’ve been having, I also have the following symptoms: bloating (especially after sexual intercourse and around my menstruation); irregular menstruation; irregular bowel movements (constipation/diarrhea/irritable bowel), mild to severe pain during/after (lasts more than a day or two) sexual intercourse, and nausea that comes and goes. Should I have my right ovary removed? How will it affect me not having both of my ovaries? Is it possible to just remove the cyst? I am hesitant in doing a cystectomy since they we’ren’t able to do that on my left one.

Dear Wendy-
We do not recommend removing the entire ovary for benign cysts….once you remove your last ovary, you will begin menopause and probably will have the associated signs…hot flashes, sleepless nights, dry vagina, etc. It would be our recommendation to simply remove the ovarian cyst and reconstruct the ovary.
Your symptoms of bloating, nausea and intercourse pain may be associated with Adenomyosis, which is uterine endometriosis. Please read our website section on this disease..your symptoms are also similar. That would require a different type of surgery for a resolution.
Good luck
Dr. DJ

I am a 36 year old female, who just had surgery about a month ago. I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis. My doctor was suppose to remove my left ovary, but due to the severity of this disease she could not. So, instead she removed my right one. But, my left side hurts so much, that i can not sleep at night due to severe pain in my left leg & left ovary. I am so confused, because i am taking pain pills for about a month & want to stop taking them, but what other alternative do i have. The pain is so ,so bad. The doctor said she could’nt do anything else for me, but suggested a full hysterectomy! Please help. Any advice will help! Thanks

Dear tharriso-
As long as you have estrogen cycling in your system, endometriosis can spread. We do not recommend hysterectomy as the surgery for your condition. You need to have aggressive laser treatment to remove the existing implants in your pelvis. Long term effectiveness may require 2 procedures, but we have seen excellent long term results. Hysterectomy is an irreversible surgery..try to treat your endo first before that final option.
I would recommend a second or third opinion.
Good luck