IUD Complications & Ovarian Cyst - A Personal Account

Question
Hello, I had the IUD Mirena placed in late 2008 and had to have it removed in early 2009 because I kept getting stomach pains and it bothered me a lot. Then I found out that the IUD moved and wasn't in the same spot it had been placed. So, this year I went for a routine pelvic exam and when my Dr pressed on my stomach it was very painful so she sent me for an ultrasound. I found out in June 2012, that I have an ovarian cyst the size of a lemon, and now in(Oct 2012) its the size of an orange, and it causes me a lot of pain, so much that I can't go about my regular activities, such as walking through the mall! My question is, can this be caused from the Mirena, since I have had ongoing stomach pains and nausea from the time it was placed until now? And, also how long can you have an ovarian cyst and not know it? Please help!!

Answer
I don't think that the Mirena you had could have anything to do with the ovarian cyst.  Since you've had pain since the Mirena was placed, the pain might be related.  Although you have an ovarian cyst, it may not be the cause of your pain.  Ovarian cysts are common, and most cause no pain.  Most women have ovarian cysts that come and go, and they are never aware of them unless they have an exam or an ultrasound.  A woman could have an ovarian cyst the size of an orange for years and never know it unless she had an ultrasound.  Ovarian cysts cause pain mostly when they leak or rupture, although it's possible for a cyst to cause pain without doing that.  Since your cyst is enlarging, you might need surgery to have it removed.  If so, that would be an opportunity for the doctor to look for other causes of your pain, such as endometriosis (which can cause both pelvic pain and ovarian cysts).