Question: I had a transvaginal ultrasound done at my gynecologist's office since my periods were less than 21 days apart for 3 months consecutively and I was having pelvic pain. (At first, an endobiopsy was performed to test for uterine cancer- results were negative. My gyno said she had to follow this test up with the transvaginal ultrasound before she could recommend a treatment to rectify the close periods.) The findings of the ultrasound read " Normal sized anteverted uterus with 8mm endometrium. Bilateral adnexa with follicles - the largest of which is less than 2 cm. No masses or free fluid." What exactly do these findings mean? What is a bilateral adnexa with follicles? Also, the ultrasound was done on 2/20/14 and I am pretty sure I ovulated on2/22/14. Since the pelvic pain continued, a CT scan was performed on 03/05/14. The CT reported an exophytic anterior uterine fibroid measuring approximately 17 mm and a small amount of fluid in the endometrial cavity (at this point I was in the 5th or 6th day of my period.) Does the CT scan say anything different from the ultrasound? Do I have any reason for concern? My gyn says the fibroid will resolve on its own and the pelvic pain is due to my IBS. Thank you.

Thank you for your response. The pain started about two weeks ago. It is located near my left ovary. It is a dull intermittent pain, but for the past two days has also had some burning ( I am not currently sexually active). As for what makes it worse or better, I am not sure. Maybe laying down? It does not awaken me from sleeping, as it is a dull pain. For the past 5 weeks, I have been experiencing around the clock gas/belching, 4 loose bowel movements (not diarrhea) by noontime and a reduced appetite which my gastroenterologist said were due to IBS and anxiety. I had a colonoscopy on 02/03/14 and it was clear. For the past, 3 weeks, I have had the strong urge to urinate and recently felt uncomfortable pressure on my bladder and have to urinate a few times during the night. My bladder is often tender and sometimes feels painful due to the pressure I think. When the urge to urinate started, I had a UTI test done at my GP's office and it came back negative. In the past week, I have been experiencing acid reflux which I never had before. From researching these symptoms on the internet, I am very concerned about ovarian cancer. I know it is rare; however, I have a family history of breast cancer. Maternal side - Aunt diagnosed at age 45, First-cousin diagnosed at age 40, Grandmother at 75. Paternal side - Aunt diagnosed at 60. I have read several ovarian cancer survivor stories in which they had early symptoms but the cancer did not show up on a ultrasound or CT scan. Also, several medical association websites mention that the ultrasound or CTscan do not detect early stage ovarian cancer and the only way to really detect it is by having a biopsy/laprascopy. I know this is a lot more information but I would appreciate your insight. The Gastro wants to give me more medication (Bentyl) for the IBS (I have been taking twice a day Metamucil for 20+ years for the IBS) and the gynecologist says to see Gastro for the ovary pain and a Urologist for the urination problem. I am not sure where to go next. Thanks.

Dear Dr Raichie, Again, thank you for your response. I am very appreciative of your suggestions of a diagnostic laparoscopy and a possible laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy as this would resolve my abnormal bleeding and fibroid and concerns about ovarian cancer. I think this is a very viable solution because as you stated once the laparoscopy is complete I can pursue and remaining symptoms. Next Tuesday, I have an appointment with a new gynecologist who is associated with the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Are most gynecologists willing to perform diagnostic laparoscopies or LSHs on someone with my symptoms? Is this a procedure I can insist on? I only ask because I know my last gynecologist (small suburb) refused any further testing (CT-scan and the CA-125 blood test- saying it was unreliable) when I told her of my continuous pelvic pain. Thank you and let me say you have been more helpful than many other doctors I have spoken to in person.