Concerns About a Growing Ovarian Cyst
At 17 years old, I've been dealing with a persistent health issue since undergoing an appendectomy in January. Following the surgery, I have experienced recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), suffering from them five times in the past six months, with bacterial presence noted in three of those instances. Recently, medical imaging revealed the presence of a cyst on my right ovary measuring 5.1 cm by 5.1 cm. Upon consultation with three different medical professionals, I discovered that during my last ultrasound, the cyst appeared to have increased in size to 5.8 cm by 5.5 cm by 5.5 cm and showed some septations. The imaging indicated that it is a simple cyst filled with fluid, containing septations. My doctor prescribed Femilon and advised me to monitor the situation for 21 days to see if the cyst diminishes in size. Although the doctor did not directly discuss whether the cyst is benign or malignant, she mentioned the necessity of waiting to assess it further. In addition to the cyst, I have been experiencing abdomen bloating and have noticed a discharge that is either white or slightly yellowish green. Pain levels were notably high just before my menstrual cycle, and I also felt discomfort while urinating or having bowel movements, although the pain has subsided since then. However, I still feel tenderness when lying down or when pressure is applied to my abdomen. Should I be concerned about these symptoms?
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 10:30:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially with a growing ovarian cyst and recurring UTIs. Here’s a summary of the situation and what you can focus on:
Main Points
- You have a benign-appearing ovarian cyst that has shown slight growth and contains septations.
- You are experiencing abdominal bloating, discharge, and some tenderness.
- Monitoring the cyst with prescribed Femilon for 21 days is the current plan.
Explanation
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs and are common, especially in young people. Most simple cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and can often resolve on their own. The fact that your doctor recommended monitoring rather than immediate intervention suggests that she does not suspect malignancy at this time. Septations can sometimes indicate a need for closer observation, but many simple cysts contain septations while remaining benign.
The symptoms you’re experiencing, like bloating, discharge, and tenderness, can be associated with the cyst or may be related to recurrent urinary tract infections. It is important to pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms.
Next Steps
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Continue Monitoring: Follow your doctor’s advice regarding the Femilon treatment and keep track of the cyst's size and your symptoms over the next 21 days. Note if there are any significant changes.
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Symptom Diary: Keep a log of your symptoms, including the duration and intensity of any pain, bloating, discharge, and other related experiences. This may help your healthcare provider assess your condition better in follow-up visits.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, especially considering your history with UTIs. Hydration can help flush out bacteria and may relieve some urinary discomfort.
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Follow-Up: After the 21 days, have a follow-up ultrasound as recommended by your doctor to check the cyst's status. If you notice any alarming changes during this time—such as increased pain, significant change in discharge, or severe abdominal discomfort—reach out for further evaluation sooner.
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Discuss Concerns Further: When you have your follow-up appointment, don't hesitate to express your concerns regarding the nature of the cyst and ask about any further tests or evaluations if necessary.
It's completely normal to have worries about your health, but using this time to monitor and gather information will be very supportive in managing your situation. If there’s anything else on your mind or more specifics you’d like to understand, feel free to ask.
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