Ovarian Cyst & Endometriosis: Monitoring, Diagnosis, and Surgical Removal - Patient Story

Question
3 years ago I went jogging every wednesday with co-workers and was the 1st one to have to stop because I got a little pain in my lower left side. I used to get the same pain when exercising for about 2-3 years prior to that. I has an ultrasound done and they found 2cm cyst on left ovary. I was monitored for 3 years. !st 2 years it didn't grow, then the last year it got up to 4.5cm I beleive and I had lap June 20, 2007, they found endo and surgically removed it from the left ovary. I was told to go on birth control but have read about possible blood clots and strokes related to taking birth control. I never had extremely painful periods, I still don't, I have had endo removed and it took forever to get big enough to remove surgically. Maybe mine isn't a severe case. Due to the worse side effects of taking things to prevent endo, would I be better off not taking birth control or hormone pills and see if endo comes back rather than posibly taking these pills if maybe not necesssary?

Answer
Morning Lisa,
    Well, from personal experience, I was on the pill for 15 years and it helped me immensely, however, I was a classic case with severe endo. I had extreme pain nearly all month with vomiting, back pain, headaches, fatigue, etc. I finally got off the BC pill due to migraines. Because my endo was so bad, I felt I really had to use the BC to control it....but I can see your point of view also. My left ovary was also, always my bad one. I had cysts removed from that ovary, leaving me with 3/4 of that ovary.
    Its sort of a catch 22 with you. Yes, you are right about the side effects with the  pill, but hormones would also keep your endo at bay...You could ride it out for awhile, but then endo may end up worsening...then again it may not.
    Because you are at a point that you are not experiencing any major pain and you have taken care of the ovary cyst...maybe see how you feel. I just hope your endo doesn't grow. Frankly, I'd feel better not being on the pill just because its another synthetic material in a womans body.
    Best of luck to you. I hope you remain feeling well and don't have to turn to the BC  pill...but if you do, it does provide a great temporary relief for endo. Take care.
Martha