IVF Support, Advice & Friends

So I went for my baseline today.  Mixed news, but we don't know if it is bad exactly. 

Ok, so it's bad, but not train wreck bad. 

The cyst may or may not cause us any trouble but is taking up all area that they expected the whole darn ovary to take up (figure that makes sense).  The doc thinks if we don't have some excess hormones running around in my baseline blood work this morning, I could go through with the cycle - but that my left ovary won't be much good to me. 

The right has 6 follicles visible before starting meds.  The left - can't see anything cause of the darn cyst. 

If the blood work comes back ok and we're not in a hormonal train wreck tomorrow, then we have to decide if we want to go for it with one ovary working for us.

How do you really make that decision?  There are just so many variables!!  My gut says "there's no time like the present" but then my head thinks that it's a lot of money to have 1/2 the luck. 

Any of you guys had cysts that didn't cause any problems as predicted?  Any of you have last minute cancellations of your cycle because of cysts?

I just don't know what to think - the doc was so "matter of fact" about any question we asked. 

i have had cysts every time i have stimmed..the last time my cycle was successful but miscarried..this is what i had to work with..a lazy left ovary with a small cyst..the right was my better one and the cyst on that one took up over half the ovary..they got 6 eggs at retrieval..1 immature..4 out of 5 fertilized..transferred 3 and all 3 took although one was a blighted ovum...i used to get really distraught over cysts (i have very aggressive endo that loves to appear as ovarian cysts)..but through all of this i have learned that it takes the right protocol to stim what you do have to work with..i will be starting another ivf cycle in late jan and this time my re is going to do everything in her power to make my right side cyst free, since we have the time..your re may be able to aspirate the cyst..the only other thing to do is a lap..some cysts resolve themselves within a week..others just stay, it depends on your situation..but best of luck to you..my re always let me stim with cysts as long as my estradiol was fine which it always was..

jenn 

I have had cysts b4 a cycle. My Re let me go ahead and cycle, they said the cysts wouldn't effect anything. One cycle that I had a cyst was canceled due to poor response. Another cycle, the cyst ended up being 44mm and even though the RE will never say it, I believe it screwed things up. I know it sucks waiting things out, but if you are paying out of pocket and if your Re believes in a slight chance that the cyst will have an effect, I would postphone the cycle. Either that or just start the stims, see what happens and if you don't have a good response, cancel before going to ER. You would still be out some money but not as much as if you went to retrival.

Good Luck!!

Since you have not started the expensive meds yet... i would wait till your body is ready.  YOu want the best possible chances..s possible and you are at a good time to stop and wait .   I woudl hate to see it cancelled later after you spent a ton of money on meds

~A~

I started my second cycle w/a cyst on my left ovary.  I don't remember the size but it was in the 20s.  In any event, my E2 was perfectly fine so I stimmed.  The cyst ruptured by my first u/s... go figure.  But, my RE was only able to retrieve one egg from that ovary that cycle... even though they were tracking several follicles on that ovary during the cycle.  Again, go figure.  I did get pregnant that cycle, but it was a chemical pregnancy.  I've read that starting w/a cyst or even aspirating the cyst and continuing w/the cycle lessens your chances of success... fewer number of eggs and lower implantation rates.  But, i've also read/heard so many success stories despite terrible odds -mine included :)  In all honesty, as pp said, if you're paying out of pocket you might want to wait for the cyst to resolve.  Believe me, I know how hard it is to be patient w/you're in the process.  If you have great insurance, like i do, and your doctor is ok w/you stimming then go for it.... if you don't mind the possibility that it may not be your best cycle.  You just might get lucky!  Lots of luck!       

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