Thank you for your question. I think this is a difficult situation for you and your parents to have to decide. The important information is whether or not these ovarian cysts have any abnormal pathology involved. I would like to know what your menstrual history is prior to making such a definitive decision about whether or not to remove your right ovary. If there is an ovulation problem, that can frequently be treated to avoid further abnormal cyst formation. Also, I would like to know if there has been any medical suppression treatment used to avoid cyst formation after the initial two surgeries.
It is reasonable to remove an ovary that continues to form cysts if medical therapy has failed and cysts reform causing this amount of discomfort. However, if the underlying cause for abnormal cyst formation is not determined and treated, the cyst formation may begin on the remaining ovary leading to further surgery. I have seen patients who have undergone surgery for
pelvic pain once a year leading to removal of the structure causing difficulty, until no pelvic organs are left. In one instance, despite sequential removal of the pelvic organs, the pelvic pain persisted.
I would think long and hard about removing an ovary at the age of 17 without trying every medical treatment available first. The strongest ovary suppression medication available in the US is Depo
Provera administration, which could be given until
pregnancy is desired. Ovarian suppression with Depo Provera is extremely powerful and may avoid further surgery.
I hope this answer helps and if you have further questions, I am available for consultation.