QuestionHi,
I am awaiting a laparoscopy to remove a 7cm cyst on my left ovary. My symptoms started about 3 years ago when I woke up in agonizing pain at about 5am. I had sickness and had just started menstruation. I fainted and then after about 2 hours the pain subsided and I was able to sleep. This then continued every month on the first day of menstruation. It does not seem to be so severe now although I do have pain killers to help. When I saw my gynecologist in august he said that it looked like a endometriotic cyst and my laparoscopy is due to take place on the 9th November 09. My question is, does this mean that I have endometriosis and is it likely to affect my fertility (I am 28 and me and my husband would like to start trying to conceive as soon as possible).
Thank you.
AnswerHello Georgina from the U.K.,
Yes, an endometriotic cyst is a form of endometriosis. In fact, the finding of an endometriotic cyst (called an endometrioma), is usually classified as stage IV endometriosis (severe). It causes extensive scar tissue formation within the pelvis and around the ovaries and tubes. This form of endometriosis can definitely inhibit fertility, resulting in most patients having to do IVF.
You'll have to wait and see what your doctor finds on laparoscopy to know exactly how much the pelvis has been affected. Why did it take 3 years to schedule a laparoscopy?
Good Luck
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
