Large Ovarian Cysts

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alicealice
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Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2014 1:01 pm
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by alicealice on Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:48 pm

Large Ovarian Cysts

I suffer from repeat large ovarian cysts and would like a solution that doesn't contraindicate breastfeeding.

So my not so brief history: I had no evident problems until January 2012 when I was admitted to A&E with acute urinary retention which turned out to be caused by a large (approx 10cm diameter) fluid filled benign ovarian cyst. I think it was on the right ovary. After a long wait it was removed via open surgery without damage to the ovary. I then got pregnant in May and gave birth in March 2013. In about February 2014, I developed similar symptoms to the later stage of the last cyst; back ache which turned to chronic pain, fatigue, night sweats, depression, skin problems, etc, so went to the GP suspecting a repeat cyst. Eventually I got a scan which revealed another large fluid filled cyst 8cm diameter on the other ovary (left). I was upped to max dose tramadol and naproxen to manage the pain, referred to pain management CBT and was off work sick. I continued to breastfeed my toddler after seeking advice from the Breastfeeding Network, a breastfeeding specialist pharmicist, and La Leche League. The cyst was removed via keyhole surgery in June 2014 at 10cm diameter and I was advised to take the combined pill to reduce/stop ovulation in hope this would stop the cyst production. However I wanted to continue breastfeeding and worried the pill contraindicated breastfeeding, and the pill wasn't a guaranteed solution anyway. I tried alternative remedies of milk thistle, angus castus, aromatherapy and optimised diet after consultation with a medical herbalist. However, I got another cyst on the right ovary the following ovulation - easily identified from symptoms. That one ruptured painfully before the scan which showed it had begin to deflate, but was most likely a single fluid filled cyst like the others. We decided to try to conceive again rather than stop breastfeeding or risk infertility through recurrent cysts and conceived next cycle.

I'm now 25 weeks pregnant (aged 31) and routine scans have revealed no evidence of cysts at all. I will be breastfeeding (probably tandem feeding baby and toddler) so will be in the same predicament about what to do about cyst risk when I start ovulating again. I have not had any hormone testing but I think the cysts are produced with ovulation. Periods returned around 8 months post-partum last time. Periods have previously been regular 28 day cycle, not heavy at all, without any major issues.

There appears to be no other solution to the ovarian cysts other then the combined pill, pregnancy or removal of the ovaries. I don't want another baby for at least several years after this one but neither do I want to lose fertility completely, therefore leaving the combined pill as the only option I know. I've researched the effects and risks of the combined pil on breastfed infants and they seem to be a possible reduction in milk supply, temporary effects of the hormones including increased breast tissue mass observerd, and no studied long term effects which is deemed the main risk. Having previously been really against the risk of taking the combined pill whilst breastfeeding, the benefits of breastfeeding a new baby outweigh the potential risks. A lot of this depends when my periods return and how old baby will be which is yet unknown. I would consider initiating weaning my toddler if not already self-weaned but breastfeeding baby til at least 1, ideally 2, is a priority for me. However, I really do not want to risk another cyst with 2 little ones to look after with potentially more major surgery, which is likely to be a major risk with the do-nothing approach based on my history...

So I would like to know: Are there any other options that I could consider? Is there any more up to date research on the effects of contraceptive hormones and breastfeeding? Will my GP (all locums) prescribe the pill with the knowledge I'm breastfeeding (I was prescribed microgynon30 before because he did not ask if I was breastfeeding and when I queried it he said I must not take it whilst breastfeeding under any circumstances, which I now understand to be not quite accurate). And also any further advice on this matter would be greastly appreciated.

Thank you, and apologies for the lengthy post!

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Infertility Network UK
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Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 10:37 am
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by Infertility Network UK on Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:15 pm

Re: Large Ovarian Cysts

Hi alice alice. Well, that is certainly a long history of ovarian cysts, pain and operations! I’m not too sure what to say to you here, except that your toddler and new baby soon to be will need a fit and healthy mum to look after them. You obviously have done extremely well feeding your toddler for so long. However, there is always the chance of an ovarian cyst popping up again, once you start ovulating again, then – dare I suggest – that you stop breast feeding when this happens? I don’t know, but I would go and have a serious chat with your GP and see what he/she recommends you to do, and go for the option that will keep “mum” well. I do hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well and that you have a safe delivery. Diane
Infertility Network UK
Charity Registration No. 1099960
For more information visit http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com

alicealice
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2014 1:01 pm
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by alicealice on Mon Mar 09, 2015 8:35 pm

Re: Large Ovarian Cysts

That's not a helpful reply at all and seems you have not read/understood my post.

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Infertility Network UK
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 10:37 am
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by Infertility Network UK on Wed Mar 11, 2015 1:03 pm

Re: Large Ovarian Cysts

Hi. I was sorry to hear that you felt that I had not understood your post, and apologise if you feel that I have missed your point, but I was trying to find a balance which would allow you to breast feed until such times as a cyst may perhaps be an issue. Obviously, should this happen, then perhaps readdress the issue with your GP? However, I do feel that you would probably benefit from asking one of the gynaecologists on the forum for his/her opinion. Diane
Infertility Network UK
Charity Registration No. 1099960
For more information visit http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com

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