Afternoon to all of my beautiful ladies!! Y’all know what today is...it’s #WomenWednesday! And yes I am still continuing “Let’s Talk About Her” Series. I really hope that all of the information that I have been sharing every Wednesday is really helpful and encourages you to be proactive with your health and even sharing awareness about with your friends, family, strangers, etc. Ladies, you only have one body. Take care of it. Embrace it. Cultivate it. Respect it. Get checked. Get tested. Get treated. Knowledge is has so much power WHEN you actually APPLY it into your life. Cool? Cool. Today, we are focusing on the ovaries...but particularly ovarian cyst. Then next week we will be talking about Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). So be on the lookout and SHARE! I personally want to thank you beauties soooo much for your awesome comments, insights, and sharing this good stuff. You all are absolutely amazing! But let’s get started with today’s topic ;D
ANATOMY 101: SO...WHAT ARE THE OVARIES? WHAT ARE THEY EXACTLY?
Women have two ovaries — each about the size and shape of an almond — on each side of the uterus. Eggs (ova), which develop and mature in the ovaries, are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years.
OK, SO WHAT ARE OVARIAN CYSTS?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. Many women have ovarian cysts at some time. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority disappears without treatment within a few months. However, ovarian cysts — especially those that have ruptured — can cause serious symptoms. To protect your health, get regular pelvic exams and know the symptoms that can signal a potentially serious problem.
Wait, There are different types?
There are 2 types of functional cysts:
Follicular cyst: A follicular cyst begins when the follicle doesn’t rupture or release it’s egg, but it continues to grow.
Corpus Luteum Cyst: When a follicle releases its egg, it begins producing estrogen and progesterone for conception. This follicle is now called corpus luteum. Sometimes, fluid accumulates inside the follicle, causing the corpus luteum to grow into a cyst.
Other Types
Dermoid Cysts
Cystadenomas
Endometriomas
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Most cysts don’t cause symptoms and go away on their own. However, a large ovarian cyst can cause:
Pelvic pain: dull or sharp ache in the lower abdomen
Fullness or heaviness in your abdomen
Bloating
When to see a doctor though?
Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
Pain with fever or vomiting
If you have these signs and symptoms or those of shock- cold, clammy skin; rapid breathing; and lightheadedness or weakness-see a doctor right away.
RISK FACTORS
Hormonal Problems: These include taking the fertility drug clomiphene (Clomid), which is used to cause you to ovulate.
Pregnancy. Sometimes, the cyst that forms when you ovulate stays on your ovary throughout your pregnancy.
Endometriosis. This condition causes uterine endometrial cells to grow outside your uterus. Some of the tissue can attach to your ovary and form a growth.
A Severe Pelvic Infection. If the infection spreads to the ovaries, it can cause cysts.
A Previous Ovarian Cyst. If you’ve have one, you’re likely to develop more.
HOW DO I PREVENT IT?
Although there's no way to prevent ovarian cysts, regular pelvic examinations help ensure that changes in your ovaries are diagnosed as early as possible. Be alert to changes in your monthly cycle, including unusual menstrual symptoms, especially ones that persist for more than a few cycles. Talk to your doctor about changes that concern you.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSIS?
A cyst on your ovary can be found during a pelvic exam. Depending on its size and whether it's fluid filled, solid or mixed, your doctor likely will recommend tests to determine its type and whether you need treatment. Possible tests include:
Pregnancy test.
Pelvic ultrasound.
Laparoscopy.
CA 125 blood test.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on your age, the type and size of your cyst, and your symptoms. Your doctor might suggest:
Watchful waiting: In many cases you can wait and be re-examined to see if the cyst goes away within a few months.
Medication: Your doctor may recommend hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills.
Surgery:
Some cysts can be removed without removing the ovary = Ovarian Cystectomy
In some cases, your doctor might suggest removing the affected ovary and leaving the other intact = Oophorectomy.
Removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes = Total Hysterectomy and possibly chemotherapy or radiation
Resource:
Mayo Clinic
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