Ovarian Cysts...when to worry?

I have ovarian cyst trouble almost regularly...I've been to the emergency room once and another time wasn't sure if I was having an appendicits...though from the ultrasounds pre emergency room visit it was 5 (mm I think? maybe cm? no idea). But since I get them frequently and I know they can be a health hazard it isn't quite practical to get an ultrasound every couple of months because Ive had aches for a week and my periods late...So how do I know when I should call the doctor? Im extremely small (not underweight but about 103 lbs) and Im certain its ovarian cysts...My parents are anti-birth control pills and thats the only advice Ive been given other than wait it out...so if anyone knows how long to wait before calling the dr please help :) thanks

From the sound of it you are young. If you are in the United States, your parents cannot control your reproductive decisions. Those are yours and yours alone. If your doctor feels that the pill will help you with this pain, then by all means do it even if you have to go to your local health department to get them.

I lived with the pain of ovarian cysts for several years until one ruptured and I had to have emergency surgery where they removed one of my ovaries by necessity before I bled to death from it.

YOU make the decisions regarding your body, not your parents.

Good luck! My prayers are with you! Report It

It's one thing to be anti- BCP but it's called stupidity when they refuse to allow you to take medicine that can help you feel better. Maybe your doctor can talk to your parents (with your consent) to explain the benefits, and hopefully convince them it's the best thing for you.
Good luck! Waiting it out isn't an option - if your parents don't let you take the BCP, get a pain pill from your doc.

I have ovarian cysts (PCOS) and am on BCPs. They are not 100% effective in keeping cysts from forming, I have one burst minimum of once a year, been on the pill for almost 8 years but they do help alot. Your doctor cant do anything to stop them but when the pain starts getting unbearable you should call, but just getting ultrasounds wont do much, they'll just tell you they are there or were there. I've been to ER one time because all they did was give me a shot of demerol, some phenergen and send me home. The best thing after the initial pain has subsided some is to get up and move around to help the fluid absorb back into your body. Try to get your doctor to prescribe some Anti-Inflammatory Pain meds and take it when you think a "attack" is starting and it will help ease it off. Also invest in a heating pad or hot water bottle to lay on your stomach that sometimes helps.

There are many other options for ovarian cysts or PCOS. I would recommend an endocrinologist. They can be a BIG help and w/out the use of BCP. Your parents would probably be more supportive of these methods and you would all be happy. Did you know that PCOS is a sign of insulin resistance? An endo doctor is more familiar with this than an OB/GYN. You don't have to "wait it out" you have so many other options. You sound young; start now.

Screw ur moms myths/ignorance (no offense), but having cyst is hazardous to your health. trust me i get them all the time. It's your body. and those things hurt if they rupture..I've been in the hospital about 5 times..the pills work. Cyst are fluid filled sacks, unmature eggs that never ruptured. The pills will mature the egg in the ovaries more consistently. Thus preventing the cysts from forming.