IVF with ovarian cysts?

[DJ202]

Hello fellow IVF warriors! I hope you're doing OK!

I have recently started my third cycle (mild IVF with 150IU pergoveris) and had my day 7 scan yesterday. Some pretty small follicles on the left ovary (which if underperforming again!) and a few bigger ones on the right one. My concern is two large follicles/cysts found on that ovary - they are 3cm and 4cm. The sonographer said that in such a case, the likelihood is that the cycle will be cancelled. I went back to my clinic who today told me to continue as previously, without any indication of concern.

Since yesterday, I've managed to do some reading of the scientific papers on cysts and IVF and the papers overwhelmingly seem to suggest very poor IVF outcomes when cysts are present, few low quality eggs and also very limited pregnancy rates. Do you have any experiences of cysts during your IVF cycles? Were your cycles abandoned? If not, what rationale did the doctors provide? I'm worried and concerned as I really don't want to go through it all with another terrible outcome (my second cycle was a complete disaster with 19 days of stims, 4 eggs retrieved and none fertilised despite ICSI). Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated as I'm really worried!

Thanks so much!! xx

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, sorry to hear this.

I had a FET planned in January but at the baseline scan they found a 1cm cyst in my ovary.

They took some bloods and said if it’s producing hormones then the cycle would be cancelled as this interferes with the meds that I was on..

Unfortunately it was so they cancelled, put me on norethisterone for 10 days then I had a bleed and it went with that bleed. Was able to start my FET on that bleed.

Have your clinic taken bloods to check?

Xx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

Thanks a lot for getting back to me, Millbanks! I'm afraid my clinic haven't asked for bloods to be taken, just another scan in a few days' time! I'm concerned as this appears quite unprofessional! I wonder if they've properly reviewed the reports and scan photos I've sent them (my clinic is abroad). I've got back to them requesting a rationale for why they'd want me to continue despite the cysts. Really appreciate you sharing your experience! x

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

It's hard because we have to really take our clinic's word for it don't we! I'd never experienced it before so I asked on here and that is common in the UK (to take bloods to check). Perhaps they are thinking because there are 2 and they are large, that they don't want to risk it? I was so disappointed when they cancelled - but it was for the best and it did clear up - so maybe that is the best option for you too? xx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

That's exactly my thinking! The clinic seem unconcerned about the cysts though and want me to continue with the meds as per usual. I have a consultation with the doctor Thursday just before the scan - let's see what he says! x

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

They must know something we don't!! Fingers crossed that you can go ahead xx

[Fudge1980]

Hey 👋🏼 I’ve been cancelled 3 times in a previous cycle and this fet from cysts. Don’t be alarmed this is just my story. Mine were All over 10cm though apparently my body likes to grow giant cysts. They did recommend I have them removed via surgery as it’s safer and preserves your ovaries for future treatment. First was a dermoid cyst that definitely needed removing,second was another type of cyst, my insides were a mess because of cysts being left. Last cyst was a functional cyst so they were happy to drain it turned out it filled my abdomen and they took over 1.2ltrs. If they say your fine to continue then I would continue! If they say it’s better to get them drained or removed I would do so. All depends on type of cyst and size,I paid £60 for the blood test to check it this time to make sure it was ok just to drain it. Yours sound like functional cysts which they will most likely go on their own so if they aren’t worried I wouldn’t be either. Good luck lovely I’d trust what they recommend you do xx 💕

[DJ202 in reply to Fudge1980]

Hi fudge, thanks for your message! Wow 1.2l, that's really big! My 4cm and 3cm ones can't really compare with this! Your message has put me at ease a bit - I guess I have to trust the doctor as there isn't more that I can do than make my concerns heard. I've got another scan on Thursday where we can check the development of the follicles and also those cysts. I'm just mindful that it may have a negative impact on my cycle which I really want to avoid given my bad history of IVF failure! x

[Fudge1980 in reply to DJ202]

Make your concerns known and also trust your doctor 💕 you have to trust your gut too! Good luck let me know how your next scan goes xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi DJ. My feelings are that they should probably be drained, as they will just keep feeding off your oestrogen if it is raised. See what they say and good luck! Diane

[DJ202 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane!

[Fr_Traveller]

I had a cyst at my day 7 scan (smaller than these) and the cycle ended up being cancelled as it was driving all my hormones a little mad, esp oestrogen. The consultant said this could impact the quality of the other eggs, so suggested we didn't proceed. We abandoned the cycle and I started northestirone on day 14 - before my bleed it was still there and then on day 2 of my period it was gone. It's possible that yours is a different kind of cyst though, only the consultant can say that really. Hope this helps, best of luck xx