I've been told my ovaries are polycystic

[Pioneer]

I had an ultrasound scan due to pelvic pain/pain during sex, and at the time the sonographer said that it seemed fine and she couldn't see any cysts or anything else to worry about.

When I spoke the gynae registrar the next time I was there, he said "the scan was fine...well, your ovaries are polycystic, but that doesn't matter, it's ok". I asked what exactly he meant by that and he said, "Well about 80% of people of your age have this - it's nothing to worry about and it won't be what is causing your pain".

I was about to go into theatre for a small op, so I didn't question it further, but I had always thought that women with polycystic ovaries sometimes had other problems such as weight gain, irregular periods, problem skin etc (I have all these).

I know they are not serious problems at all, but I would have thought that someone would have sat down and gone through the scan results with me.

Or have I got it totally wrong - is this a common thing and I am getting it mixed up with something else?

Any help much appreciated .

Pioneer - mainly just bumping for you but DW has polycystic ovaries. For other reasons she has to have a full pelvic scan every year. Pretty much as you experienced the Dr just says the polycystic ovary condition she has is not a problem.

However, I know it can in some cases cause ovulation/fertility problems, as well as more benign but stil distressing conditions such as the ones you describe. I would push harder for an explanation if you are concerned AND especially if you have pain. DW has had severe gynaecologcal issues in the past and sometimes she has found the medical profession oddly dismissive of her when she wanted a proper explanation.

DW is not being treated for hers as it is not too severe but I am sure others will be able to tell you much more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and treatments.

I'm one of the lucky ones too. Fat, spotty and hairy are all words that describe me. Trouble conceiving? Yep, tick that box. TBH, I don't really think about it, my family is complete and I am completely without vanity which is lucky considering the state of me! Verity, is I think the name of a charity that offers advice and support.

Pioneer - I was told that you can have polycystic ovaries without having PCOS which is the conditon (bad luck kreecher) that is linked with fertility problems and weight gain. But if you have symptoms I would suggest you could get it checked out.

All it means is that sometimes when you've ovulated it hasn't popped and it creates a cyst. If you've ever had irregular periods then this is probably why.

I had an u/s at a fertility clinic and the consultant noted that I had polycystic ovaries but she said I did not have PCOS. I don't have the other signs and symptoms of PCOS. She said, like your Dr, that many people (I was early 30s then) have polycystic ovaries without it causing any issues at all. I did take Clomid to concieve my DC but not sure whether the polycystic ovaries were anything to do with it or not. I do/did have slighlty long, slightly irregular cycles.

You can have cysts on your ovaries without actually having PCOS.........if you don't have any symptoms then you don't have PCOS. If however you're fat spotty and hairy like me, then you do! I've been very lucky in that mine hasn't affected my feritlity so far (have 2 DCs), even though I had been told I would need help to conceive becasue I wasn't ovulating.

Thank you for the replies everyone .

I am obviously getting confused with polycystic ovaries and PCOS.

I'd say I have mild symptoms - much of the weight gain is self inflicted , but I do find it harder than ever to lose it. Also my periods that used to come every 4 weeks are now 5-6 weeks or longer inbetween.

I'll have a chat with the gynae next time I am there, but I am reassured that it is hopefully not PCOS.