MORE confused after RE visit today

[ginnylynne]

I went to my RE this afternoon for cd5 ultrasound after my first IUI which failed and now I'm more confused than ever!! The u/s showed I have a big cyst on one side which the RE said isnt supposed to be there at this point in my cycle. She said that I might be having an ectopic p/g or it could be just a cyst and because of that I cant be put on clomid for this next IUI. I actually started spotting on last thursday which was the day before they wanted me to take a HPT for the Feb. 25th IUI but of course didnt make it that far. My bbs have also been VERY sore, to the point its been waking me up at night and Dr. said she may want to test my prolactin levels again at some point because last month the level was just a little bit high. RE wants me to come in on the 24th to have another u/s to get ready to do the next IUI because she is only counting my actual period from saturday when AF was a bit heavier. I'm freaking out now about why I would have a cyst as my RE gave me no explanation and doing an u/s on the 24th sounds way too late to me! Last month she told me I ovulate early and now this month it seems to me like we're going to miss it entirely going with this current timeline!! Anyone have any ideas from what you've gone through???

[China2007]

You have every right to be confused. I am really bewildered by a doctor who sent home a person she thinks may have an ectopic without finding out if there is a an ectopic or not. Ectopic pg can be very serious. Did you get a beta done? Even with an ectopic pg you will have a postive beta even if it is low. Waiting until the 24th to find out if you have a cyst vs an ectopic pg is ridiculous.
A cyst on a cd3 scan is normal that is why they do them. So I am not sure why she thinks this a strange finding.
Is her plan for you to do an IUI this month? With a cyst you may or not develop any follicles at all. If the cyst is functional and is putting out hormones your body will treat it as a follicle and probably won't develop another lead follie. That is why you are not on Clomid because the cyst would respond to the Clomid by getting bigger.
I think you should call and get some clarification because whenever I have had a cyst on the first scan I have been benched until after the next af. If you have an ectopic pg you HAVE to get tx or your tube could rupture and be wrecked for life.

Good luck, I hope it is a cyst not anything more serious.

Beth
ttc #2 on the bench until the thaw

[DrAussieMom]

I have gone through this twice. The cysts are never supposed to be there, but they are a result of the meds you are on. They will grow bigger if they put you on more meds, so you will be "benched" for this month, and they will do the same thing next month, most likely they will be gone (shed from AF), and you are back in the game.

If they are really large, they can put you on BCPs, but it seems there is only one, and it must be small if they are just putting you on the bench.

It sucks to have to wait, but if the cysts grew, it would rupture and stop the cycle anyway.

Good luck!

[ginnylynne]

Hey ladies, thanks for the response, I am just beside myself! The nurse from my Dr.'s office called and said the blood test they did for p/g came back negative, so at least I know that now. I really dont know why the dr. said its abnormal to find a cyst on cd5 but I think it's a big one because she did mention bcp as a way to get rid of it if it doesnt go away or turn into a follicle. My RE is terrible about explaining anything and after about 10 mins with us always signals the end of the visit by standing up and moving to the door. I am very frustrated with her and am planning to make an appt. w/ someone else just to get another opinion!! So the progesterone I was on can cause this cyst? I guess my RE is planning to do an IUI, she never really said either way, just that I need to come in for another u/s on the 24th. I hate feeling so DUMB about this stuff!

[China2007]

Well thank God it is not an ectopic.
Don't feel stupid, it is your doctor's responsibility to make sure you have the information to make informed choices about your care and tx. I think you should do more than just get a second opinion I think you should consider changing doctors. You pay good money for these services you deserve proper care.
The progesterone did not cause the cyst they just happen sometimes when a follicle either does not rupture or ruptures then fills with fluid again.

I hope you find your answers soon.

Beth
ttc #2 on the bench until the thaw.

[mmi]

Clomid and any other ovarian stimulant can cause cysts. They are not a big deal, other than you have to wait for them to go away before you can cycle again. Sometimes they go away on their own, sometimes they use bcps, and sometimes they need to be drained. In my first 8 tries with injections and clomid, I had cysts three different cycles(drained twice). Try not to get too bummed about it, it is a side effect of the med and just happens. It is very frustrating. To explain why they thought you might have an ectopic, when you are pregnant, the follicle turns into what is called a corpus luteum cyst. This is what supports the pregnancy by secreting progesterone, until the placenta develps and takes over. By ultrasound, you can't differentiate. Hang in there... be happy you are here on FT, the girls here know so much. WhenI was going thru my infertility hell, I did not have the internet! ugghh.

[ginnylynne]

Thank you both so much for the info!! I think I am going to switch Dr.s just for my own peace of mind, I need to feel in the loop about my own treatment! Do either of you think that my having very low progesterone levels has anything to do with this? I first tested at 4.3 and after a week of progesterone pills tested at 6.5, so its obviously one of my bigger issues. My RE said nothing about upping the dosage or trying anything else and I cant help feeling like she might be dropping the ball...I appreciate all the support and advice that just made my day! Take care and good thoughts!!!

[bluerug23]

Hi Ginny,
I don't have a lot of info, as I'm learning, too, but I went in yesterday for my cd3 baseline u/s and also had a cyst. However, mine is small and on the right side. I don't talk with my RE every visit, but the RNs have been great in the office with answering my questions and with general support. When she looked at the U/S pictures, she looked at the size and explained to me that I might be benched if the E2 levels were too high (meaning the cyst was producing estrogen). She said that the fact that the cyst was there was actually a good sign. I didn't ask further what she meant, but I guessed that it had to do with my response to the meds. In anticipation that I might be benched, she explained that she prefers to go on bcp those cycles - said it won't get rid of the cyst, but will help suppress it, and it should then go away that month. I felt good about that since I have Endo, and agreed that sounded like a good route.
So, I went away ready for the rest cycle with the bcp, even knew the date I would go back in - April 6 -for the next baseline test. But when she called me back yesterday evening, I had instructions to start injections. My E2 levels had checked out okay and the size of the cyst was okay. She did say they would keep a watch on the cyst and that there is always a chance the cycle might have to be cancelled in a case like this. I felt good about it and have decided to go for it.

I think you're doing the right thing - try another doctor, someone who is staffed with enough of the right people who are there for your questions and to support you. My RN had problems with infertility herself - had 2 laps and 5 miscarriages - now has 2 children. She took the time last Friday evening to look through my file and call me back at 4pm with more detailed answers to the questions I'd asked earlier in the day. I felt very well cared for. That's what you need and deserve from your office.

Good luck to you and keep us posted!

[mmi]

I bet your low progesterone was due to you not ovulating..... the follicle probably didn't rupture..... thus leaving you with the cyst. I have been thru so much, if you ever want just some personal questions, feel free to email me at mmi17@yahoo.com Hang in there, it will all be worth it someday.