Ovarian Cysts

The follicle, which holds fluid to safeguard the egg during its development, normally bursts when releasing the egg. However, if the follicle fails to release the egg or doesn’t release its fluid and shrink afterward, it can enlarge and form a cyst.

Pain can vary from a dull, heavy ache to sudden, intense sharpness. It may also cause discomfort during sex, difficulty in emptying the bowels, and a frequent urge to urinate.

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cysts from the ovaries. Your healthcare provider might suggest this surgery if you have a cyst that is large or persistent. Although it is uncommon, some ovarian cysts can be cancerous. The surgery can be performed using either laparoscopic methods or a laparotomy.

There are non-surgical ways to manage ovarian cysts, such as using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to alleviate pain. Applying heat to your lower abdomen, such as with a heating pad or rice bag, may also provide relief from discomfort.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and are trying to conceive, it’s reassuring to know that these cysts generally don’t affect fertility. However, there may be some exceptions to this.

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may aid in shrinking ovarian cysts linked to potassium deficiency. To make a beneficial drink, combine one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a glass of warm water. This mixture may also help alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating, and cramps during periods.

Applying a hot compress is a commonly suggested and effective home remedy for reducing or draining cysts. The heat works by potentially thinning the liquid inside the cyst, which can help speed up the drainage process, particularly in liquid-filled epidermoid cysts, by allowing the fluid to move more quickly into the lymphatic system.

It’s advisable to limit starchy foods like potatoes, maize, pasta, and bread if you have ovarian cysts. These foods can cause rapid insulin spikes, leading to quick weight gain and potentially contributing to the development of ovarian cysts.

If the cysts aren’t growing or causing symptoms, treatment may not be required. However, medical options for managing ovarian cysts include hormonal birth control pills to help regulate hormones and metformin to improve insulin sensitivity.

A sizable ovarian cyst can lead to pelvic pain that may be intermittent. This pain could manifest as a dull ache or a sharp sensation below your bellybutton, typically on one side. You might also experience a sense of fullness, pressure, or heaviness in your abdomen.

If you’re experiencing ovarian pain, it is likely located in your lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back. The discomfort may affect one ovary at a time or both simultaneously. This pain can be either chronic or acute.

If you have a ruptured ovarian cyst, you may experience sudden, sharp pain in your lower abdomen or back. Other symptoms can include vaginal spotting or bleeding and abdominal bloating.

A cyst may create a feeling of fullness or swelling in the lower abdomen, accompanied by persistent, dull pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse. In some cases, a cyst may rupture, resulting in sudden, sharp pain, and may also lead to a brownish vaginal discharge.

Early warning signs include abdominal bloating or swelling, pain during bowel movements, and pelvic discomfort around the start or end of a menstrual period. Additionally, pain during intercourse or persistent pelvic pain during movement may also occur. A constant, dull ache in the pelvic region is another common symptom.

Ovarian cysts and tumours can develop at any age but are more common between puberty and menopause. These fluid-filled sacs often form during a girl’s menstrual cycle and typically either go unnoticed or resolve on their own. While many ovarian cysts are small, they can occasionally grow larger depending on the situation.