Questionage 30, 1 child, last period 8-16/04
I have been TTC since Nov. 2003. When I stopped birth control last year May, my periods have been very irreregular (only had 4 periods since Nov. 2003). My last period was August 16 and I took Clomid on days 3 - 7. I didn't ovulate. I had a laproscopy done 11/10/04 for my right ovary. My doc found another cyst on my left ovary yesterday.
My progesterone was checked yesterday and it was 3. I am starting Provera today but my doc wants me to take birth control pills for 1 month to remove the cyst. Does cysts cause infertility or stop one from having periods, ovulating and/or conceiving? It sounds like birth control pills will prolong my conception. I can't figure out why I'm not ovulating.
AnswerIf you have an ovarian cyst that is less than 5cm in diameter, nothing need be done. If it is over 6cm, it should be shrunk. Cysts respond well to birth control pills. However, an ovarian cyst will not prevent you from conceiving or getting a regular cycle, or ovulating. Based on your progesterne value, you need progesterone supplementation to improve your luteal phase. The best method is via progesterone suppositories each day, or using Prometrium pills (200mg/day). Provera may or may not help. Certainly, taking birth control pills may regulate your period, but you may revert to irregular periods again when you stop the pills, so they will delay conception. If it has been more than one year that you have been trying to conceive, it is definitely time to start an infertility workup and Clomid should help with ovulation. YOu may have taken too small of a dose. Discuss it all with your doctor. Good luck.
