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Original poster

Ovarian cyst ache

22 replies

SignificantSalamander · 12/01/2025 17:04

I have a complex ovarian cyst which the gynaecologist says is not harmful so they are watching it, scanning every 3 months. Recently the side it is on has been aching/cramping every day. This happens all month, not just at ovulation. It woke me up the other night, but usually is just an ache. Should I mention this when I go for my next scan? Or just put up with it. Has anyone had any experience with anything similar? I'm worried it means it's growing.

OP posts:
PebbleDashAtOne · 13/01/2025 01:09

Definitely mention it!

Sherunswithwolves · 13/01/2025 01:11

When is your next scan?

LionRumpus · 13/01/2025 01:14

I had one in my twenties that was painful. I was sent straight into hospital and had it whipped out three days later.

I hear things are different now and they will leave women in pain with them (which is dreadful!,). But I'd really mention it, because twenty years ago the pain would have meant you'd be off for an op.

Original poster
SignificantSalamander · 13/01/2025 17:25

@Sherunswithwolves mid Feb. It's a scan and blood test with a phone call for the results, so I don't meet the doc face to face at all.

@LionRumpus it's not agony, just like mild period cramps but on one side and throughout my cycle.

OP posts:
Sherunswithwolves · 13/01/2025 18:12

So five or six weeks away. I think I would call and ask for it to be noted and perhaps reviewed by the doctor as it is a new development. I'm not a health professional and it might not be anything to be concerned about - but the doctors won't be able to assess until you tell them.

LoafofSellotape · 13/01/2025 23:56

LionRumpus · 13/01/2025 01:14

I had one in my twenties that was painful. I was sent straight into hospital and had it whipped out three days later.

I hear things are different now and they will leave women in pain with them (which is dreadful!,). But I'd really mention it, because twenty years ago the pain would have meant you'd be off for an op.

In my 20s I had one and had an immediate op, I'm on my 50s now and have just waited 18 months for a large one to be removed. It's dreadful to be left in pain,it's so nice to be pain free now.

LionRumpus · 14/01/2025 00:30

SignificantSalamander · 13/01/2025 17:25

@Sherunswithwolves mid Feb. It's a scan and blood test with a phone call for the results, so I don't meet the doc face to face at all.

@LionRumpus it's not agony, just like mild period cramps but on one side and throughout my cycle.

Mine wasn't agony either. It was just bothering me. That was a good enough reason back then to have it straight out.

LionRumpus · 14/01/2025 00:30

LoafofSellotape · 13/01/2025 23:56

In my 20s I had one and had an immediate op, I'm on my 50s now and have just waited 18 months for a large one to be removed. It's dreadful to be left in pain,it's so nice to be pain free now.

Edited
Show quote history

18 months?? 😮😮

LoafofSellotape · 14/01/2025 07:54

LionRumpus · 14/01/2025 00:30

18 months?? 😮😮

Show quote history

And I was on the urgent list! Should've been done within 6 weeks. I was so grateful I wasn't in more pain than I was,it was bearable but unpleasant.

Original poster
SignificantSalamander · 16/01/2025 18:25

Ugh 18 months is so long. Do they leave men in pain this long?

OP posts:
LoafofSellotape · 16/01/2025 19:04

SignificantSalamander · 16/01/2025 18:25

Ugh 18 months is so long. Do they leave men in pain this long?

I'd like to say no but I know someone who had a catheter for a YEAR with prostate problems. Honestly,it's a joke!

My advice if you need an op is to look at waiting lists for hospitals as it's your right to choose where to be treated and you can choose one with a shorter waiting list. I didn't know this . Good news is when I was treated the care was fantastic.

LightCameraBitchSmile · 16/01/2025 20:07

How big is it? Mine hurt like this when they got to about 5cm and were ready to come out!

PotaytoPotahhto · 16/01/2025 20:11

Found out this week I have one after my periods became absolutely painful. Doctor said plan is to just leave it and review in a year. He seems to have ignored what I said about being in agony every month…

Wonder if a female gynae would have been better.

NancyBellaDonna · 16/01/2025 20:21

I have this. A dull ache on my left side. I have a non complex ovarian cyst that is scanned every three months. I think it's 7cm. Also have a regular blood test (CA125) which is the lower end of normal. I am way past menopause BTW. After my latest scan GP said I will be scanned once a year now. I mentioned the little ache and they are unconcerned.

There is good info on the NHS website about ovarian cysts which are apparently very common.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/

Original poster
SignificantSalamander · 16/01/2025 22:04

@LightCameraBitchSmile last time they said it was 3cm, but it wasn't hurting then. Do you reckon it has grown, hence the pain?

OP posts:
LightCameraBitchSmile · 16/01/2025 22:07

Maybe, I had one on each side, both complex dermoids, but only the right side ever hurt even though they were the same size.

My surgery was successful but within a year they had returned even though 'dermoids don't come back' 🤦‍♀️

LoafofSellotape · 16/01/2025 23:00

LightCameraBitchSmile · 16/01/2025 22:07

Maybe, I had one on each side, both complex dermoids, but only the right side ever hurt even though they were the same size.

My surgery was successful but within a year they had returned even though 'dermoids don't come back' 🤦‍♀️

I thought dermoids were there from birth and gre slowly?

Walkingwithdinosaurs · 16/01/2025 23:09

Hi, I’ve not been diagnosed but I am fairly sure I have these as I feel
painnon my left side especially when ovulating or sharp stabbing stretching pains along the left of my abdomen.

I do have endometriosis but the doctor says it’s not linked 🤦‍♀️ basically just get on with it. He also said they go away and not to worry hence no diagnosis.

should I ask for a scan?

fivebyfivebuffy · 16/01/2025 23:37

I have a chocolate cyst from endometriosis which is about 9cm and causes me a lot of pain, it's like someone is gnawing on my ovary
Waiting for surgery but it's been a long wait for diagnosis etc, about 14 months so far

LoafofSellotape · 16/01/2025 23:39

LightCameraBitchSmile · 16/01/2025 22:07

Maybe, I had one on each side, both complex dermoids, but only the right side ever hurt even though they were the same size.

My surgery was successful but within a year they had returned even though 'dermoids don't come back' 🤦‍♀️

I've just googled,sounds like they grow back when they weren't removed properly.

LoafofSellotape · 16/01/2025 23:39

Walkingwithdinosaurs · 16/01/2025 23:09

Hi, I’ve not been diagnosed but I am fairly sure I have these as I feel
painnon my left side especially when ovulating or sharp stabbing stretching pains along the left of my abdomen.

I do have endometriosis but the doctor says it’s not linked 🤦‍♀️ basically just get on with it. He also said they go away and not to worry hence no diagnosis.

should I ask for a scan?

Yes, absolutely.

Wilscat · 27/07/2025 09:11

Following this because I’m in the same boat. I have one ovary and one tube on my right side. I lost the left 2 years ago due to a dermoid cyst rupture, I have been TTC for about 10 months now. Had a miscarriage in April after a scan they found me to have a few small cysts on my right ovary, largest being 3.5cm. I have dull aches all the time in that area, no pain bad enough to go to a&e but it can be painful enough for me to need paracetamol and pain relief. Theres not much they can do for me other than “waiting to see” i have reapeated scans booked but have had to push for them.

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