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nkendric · Dec 9, 2012, 06:20 PM

I have been experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding for a month and a half now, and have recurring "functional" ovarian cysts. However,
Every time these cysts arise, they rupture several weeks later.

What is happening? What should I do? I have gotten several pap smears and visited many emergency rooms in the past month and a half.

The bleeding is heavy (going through 1 'super' tampon every 2 hours or faster). This is accompanied by severe abdominal pain. My current cyst is 5cm on my left ovary (on an ultrasound, it was found that my cyst is bigger than my ovary).

J_9 · Dec 9, 2012, 06:44 PM

Have you seen a gynecologist about this? The ER really can only help you with immediate relief rather than a long term diagnosis and/or treatment.

dontknownuthin · Dec 9, 2012, 08:28 PM

You need to find a good gynecologist and pursue this further, sticking with the same doctor for the long haul until they figure it out. Two possibilities that come to mind are endometriosis - which can cause the kind of excessive bleeding you are describing; and polycystic ovary syndrome. Both are treatable but this is the kind of thing a doctor has to treat. With heavy periods, you risk the possibility of becoming anemic and if it's serious enough, it can be life threatening so don't mess around with this. This can all be resolved and managed but you have to do your bit and go to the doctor - not the emergency room but where you can get ongoing care.

nkendric · Dec 9, 2012, 11:28 PM

Thank you both for your input! I am actually headed out to see a GYN at 0800, Monday, 10 December. I will let you know how it goes! I surely hope it is neither of those conditions; my main concern is the never ending bleeding!
And you are correct, I have lost so much blood over the past month and a half that it has made me grossly anemic. I would rather not take iron supplements, but it seems like that is my best option at this point in time...

dontknownuthin · Dec 10, 2012, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by nkendric

Thank you both for your input! I am actually headed out to see a GYN at 0800, Monday, 10 December. I will let you know how it goes! I surely hope it is neither of those conditions; my main concern is the never ending bleeding!
And you are correct, I have lost so much blood over the past month and a half that it has made me grossly anemic. I would rather not take iron supplements, but it seems like that is my best option at this point in time...

Just an FYI - take the iron, for sure, if prescribed. Take it WITH vitamin C - it greatly improves absorption. I learned this after being on iron for years and having it be less than effective. I started taking it with half a glass of orange juice and the difference was huge. Iron is better than a transfusion by far.

With the kind of bleeding you are experiencing, they might want you to have a D&C procedure done. They basically scrape the surface of the uterus to stop the bleeding. It can often be done on an outpatient basis. If they recommend it, I would go ahead with it. Don't panic - while it's a surgical procedure it is not major surgery and you'll be fine.

Glad you're seeing a doctor.