Two Questions

I've been dealing with PCOS since I was 15 or 16 (reflecting back I can tell this, wasn't diagnosed until a few years ago) the most painful part being the actual cysts.  The pain has been controlled the last few years with Metformin, but my PCP discontinued it right after my surgery since I was having trouble taking the horse pills and I was to start BCPs at my next cycle (which thank god just started) to control the cysts and prevent pregnancy, just in case I suddenly become fertile. Last week I went thru several days of extreme pain on one side that I know was a return of the cysts.  I am just wondering if anyone else had been on Metformin before and switched to BCPs to control the cysts. Did the BCPs actually work for that, or should I expect to deal with this pain each month? Second, has anyone been on birth control pills as their only form of preventing pregnancy and still gotten pregnant?  I'm 44 and I have never had to worry about birth control (both daughters are Clomid babies).  I definitely do not want to get pregnant at this point in my life but none of the secondary methods appeal to me or my hubby.  I might consider a diaphragm, but have heard they aren't very reliable and are pretty obsolete.  Eventually I will have a tubal, but I'm not up to another surgery right now.  I don't even know if I am any more fertile than before, I would just like some statistics to ease my mind or panic me enough to decide on a back up.

Hi, I for one can not take BCP because it whacks out my hormones more than they already are.. they make me depressed and horrible mood swings. Some woman do very well taking them though. When I have gone off the metformin the same thing happens to me.. My periods get irregular again and I get pain on right or left side and sometimes both sides.. when I had my daughter 4 years ago I had the Mirena IUD placed which is Levonorgestrel-releasing  hormone right into the uteris. The hormones don't go into my blood steam to cause havock and I have not had ANY ovarian pain since having it placed. I have been very happy with this form of BC.. THe risks of this IUD is very small.. it is NOT like IUDs of the past that our mothers used and caused problems. They are very safe now a days and very effective. Another thing I love about it.. I have not had a period in 4 years.. not a real one anyway .. sometimes very light spotting for a couple of days but not even panty liner worthy. It is good for 5 years and when it is time to replace it I am going to have another placed. It takes just a couple of minutes at a doctors appointment to place the IUD. THis has worked for me.. it may or may not work for you. You need to talk to your OBGYN about what is available for you that is the safest and most reliable with very little to no fuss that wont cause your hormones to go bonkers and cysts to return.

I have to agree with the above poster on the IUD.  I do not have one as my hsuabnd had the V.  But my mom, who is 49 has one.  She has had one for a couple of years ago.  My sister just had one put in a few months ago.  They both are extremly happy with it.  And "if" I ever had to consider BC I would go for it as well.

I'm not sure about the cysts...as I never had large ones just the small ones that never hurt at least prior to surgery.  Anyway I too had the Mirena IUD as a form of bc because I can't do the pill for malabsorption reasons and can't do condoms due to a latex sensitivity.  So...I loved my IUD and will be having another one after I have baby #2. Good luck Kristy

I have been on Metformin 1500mg since 1999 and it was the only thing that regulated my cycles and whenever I'd have an ultrasound for whatever reason, my cysts were gone.  I had lost a ton of weight.. but then took a stressful job and gained a lot back.  Then in 2003, I became miraculously pregnant and had my son (albeit prematurely due to pregnancy induced hyper-tension) ..in 2004.  I stayed on my metformin the entire pregnancy and thereafter and like clockwork...my cycles came.  When I gained a lot of weight after having my preemie son home for a year...I started researching WLS and had my Lap RNY in October 2007.  I went off Metformin 6 weeks prior to surgery just because I was having trouble with some digestive problems.  I then noticed my cycles were all messed up...coming 3-6 weeks late and after surgery...I was not getting my period for 6-8 weeks.  It was making me miserable.  I consulted with my regular physician about birth control, going on YAZ only to have a ton of left sided pain and misery for days on end.  I was severely nauseous and decided birth control was not my thing!  I started back on Metformin XR, only taking 750 mg once a supper time.  Although I have some "bathroom" issues first thing in the morning from it in the beginning...as I'm sure you may recall Metformin doing that the first month or so... it's been great.  I feel more energetic, and my cycles...are back on track.  I also noticed more weight loss as I was plateauing during that missing cycles time.  So I don't know if you can ever get off this med... when you have PCOS.. I had hoped so... but now down 85 pounds...I still have facial hair...and it seems to me I have more than before.....and I still need my metformin to get my period.  I don't care for Birth Control pills to treat PCOS....but if you're not looking to ever conceive again....then you may just want to get the tubal and be done with it.....it might be the pain free way to go.  Currently...we're using very traditional methods of birth control... my husband is in charge of that..if you get my drift....smile.  Having a nearly 4 year old...is birth control enough for us actually......SMILE....he's always around....so time to get together that way is pretty limited.  I am very conscious of my ovulation though....and are very careful about that stuff.  I want to get to a manageable weight before considering another child...and I turned 40 this past August..so having another...might not be an option due to my age anyway......not sure I'm up for it!  SMILE..... Hope I've helped some....I tend to ramble....sorry.  Hugs and best wishes to you.....Cheryl