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Prone to Large Ovarian Cysts, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding / Combined Pill Advice

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aliceb
aliceb

Hi there,

I've posted 2 threads before about my last large ovarian cyst and advice about copper coils, but thought I'd start a new thread as cirucmstances have changed somewhat smile

I've been strongly advised by my doctors to commence the combined hormonal pill asap to level out my hormones as I've got a history of large ovarian cysts (had my second one removed via keyhole last Monday after a 12+ week long and painful wait). The pill should stop more cysts forming and growing large.

However, I'm still breastfeeding my 16mo little boy and the advice is not take hormonal contraceptive whilst bf as it passes through to breastmilk and can mess with the child's own hormones, especially problematic with boys. Now I know 16mo is plenty old enough to stop bf but I really wanted it to be my son's decision to stop as it's very beneficial for his health as long as he wants it, not just acting like a daily vitamin pill but for immunity as well, plus it has essential amino acids not in foods that promote brain development. I think emotionally he would be fine stopping.

We've had such a long battle bf with a severe posterior tongue tie diagnosed late at 16 weeks which took several more weeks to settle down, I'm reluctant to stop it prematurely (before he's ready) because of our struggles.

I know ultimately if I have another large cyst I will find it difficult to look after my son again and my health is important to his wellbeing and development but I'm struggling coming to terms about the bf

The only other 2 options I have are removal of the ovaries or pregnancy (as pregnancy stops the ovulation). We were planning to ttc again around spring/summertime next year when DS turns 2. I'm not sure I want another baby so soon and would need to wait a little before ttc to let everything settle down from surgery anyway, but every monthly cycle is a risk of cyst growth rolleyes

If I went on the pill, dr says it takes 3 month to fully kick in (hormonal balancing wise), and usually 3 months off for periods to return to normal to ttc, and I'd be on it about 9 months if we go ahead with ttc #2 plan. But if I don't do anything to avoid further cysts and get another one I'll hate myself for taking the risk and inflicting another cyst on myself and family

I don't know what to do!!

The pill is not 100% cure for the cysts, I think gynae dr said works in about 50% of cyst-prone women. It's the other aspects that complicate the decision; the short term use and ttc next year. It might even mess my hormones up more to commence it and then come off it to ttc - not sure about any of these aspects! Also if we do conceive again I want to bf baby again so I'd have another similar predicament but with a newborn!

Part of the problem is not having much research on the effectiveness of treatments and likelihood of repeat cysts. I asked the gp if there was anything else I could do to prevent the cysts and he said no - hormonal is the only solution. Which is not true. The holistic approach looks at other things diet, exercise, stress, herbal supplements, aromatherapy etc etc. There's medical research into much of this and I'll be watching what I eat, keeping fit, avoiding excess booze, caffeine and stress like a saint, taking angus cactus herbal supplement and using lavender, bergamot, frankincense and cypress essential oils. These are all fine whilst continuing to bf and conceiving. Whether these things are 'enough' to prevent further cysts is just so unknown, but then as mentioned previously the hormonal pill is not a dead cert either. I was planning to do all of it to reduce risk as much as possible but just found the info about the pill and bf out today rolleyes

Anyone got any experince/advice on this issue please?!

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • june77782
    june77782 aliceb

    Posted

    Alice

    I know this is difficult but surely your health comes first. So far your cyst have been ok and removed what happens if you leave it and you get

    Really type. You've given your baby the

    Best possible start you now have to put your health first. A poorly mummy will be no use to him. But T the end if the day it has to be your decision . Wish you luck whatever option you chose x

    • aliceb
      aliceb june77782

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply June. I'd not considered the possibility future ones could be malignant after 2 simple fluid filled ones actually sad

      What's annoying is breastfeeding is actually supposed to reduce the chances of developing these kinds of problems!

      Of course my health is important to my child, I'm in no doubt about that. Would it then be selfish to have another baby and risk another cyst during the long wait to conceive? I'd have to come off the pill to conceive and it's 3 months before your periods return to normal plus however long natural conception takes - all that time potentially risking further cyst growth sad If I developed another large cyst and then got pregnant I'd be in a tricky situation then, well probably a painful one with cyst and baby competing for space.

      Shame there is no crystal ball to see the future eh? wink

  • june77782
    june77782 aliceb

    Posted

    Perhaps going in the pill for

    A while will give your body a boost, long enough for you to have break then Another baby. Is it always the

    Same ovary if so can they

    Not just remove that one , I know it will be possibly harder to conceive but it would not be out of the question. And you would not having to keep going through this. It is a lot to take in. Have you spoke to more than one doctor to get another view , even they differ on advice . X

    • aliceb
      aliceb june77782

      Posted

      It's been one on each ovary rolleyes Otherwie that might make sense as 1 ovary alone will do the job of both if one's removed.

      I spoke to the gynae consultant who said go on the pill and the GP today who both said hormonal is the only way. The other info I've found out through my own research.

      I'm not sure if going on the pill would help in the long term as when I come off it my hormone levels are going to drop again but my body will have got used to the artificial ones? I need more knowledge around this whole area... I don't know who to speak to as you only get 10mins with the GP and discharged from the hospital gynae. I guess I could ask GP for another referral but they take weeks to come through rolleyes

    • june77782
      june77782 aliceb

      Posted

      Alice

      Would you be able to have

      A private consultant , you would probably have to pay 200 to 250 but you would get a one to one with an expert and ask all the questions you like to help you make the

      Right decision for you x

    • aliceb
      aliceb june77782

      Posted

      I would consider that if I was confident in the dr yes... I'd like a more holistic view though. Both medical/tradition and 'alternative'/natural. Don't know if such a dr exists!
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