Basic Information About Recurring Ovarian Cysts
When a woman reaches her childbearing years, there are things she'll learn in regards to reproductive health that she didn't have any cause to know before, things like pap smears, monthly breast exams, and the menstrual cycle. Another topic she might find herself learning about is ovarian cysts, and recurring ovarian cysts. To understand the difference between regular cysts, and recurring ones that cause problems, it's important to know a little bit about the different types of ovarian cysts. The basic definition of an ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid surrounded by a thin wall, located within an ovary. Ranging in size, 95% of ovarian cysts are benign, are found in almost all pre-menopausal women, and generally go away on their own.
Pain associated with cysts is common, and can be treated with at home remedies. Pain relievers like Advil, Motrin and others can help, as well as alternating heat and cold to the lower abdomen. A warm bath, water bottle, or heating pad can be used for the heat, and ice packs can be used for the cold. Other common treatments include using birth control pills, a method that should be discussed with your doctor, in order to assure that you get the best hormonal contraceptive for treating cysts.
These methods work for the three common types of functional cysts, which for the most part go away on their own. Recurring ovarian cysts are another matter, and often require not only the diagnosis of a doctor, but medical treatment as well. For example polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause recurring cysts, although not all women with PCOS have cysts, and a case of recurring ovarian cysts doesn't necessarily mean that a woman has PCOS. This of course is why it's important to seek the medical advice of a doctor not only for diagnosis of recurring ovarian cysts, but for treatment as well, and these cysts are often caused by an underlying medical condition that will need treated as well.
There are a variety of treatments for cysts that are recurring, and you should fully discuss all treatment options with your doctor before starting on any, including the ones that he or she might suggest. Some options might include surgery to remove the cysts, and in some cases the ovaries might need removed as well, depending on the situation. Other options might include a combination of medication and other at home remedies such as those discussed above. In any case, it's important to understand the risks and benefits of any treatment option, medical or otherwise.
While cysts are painful and sometimes frustrating to deal with, for the most part they are harmless and go away on their own. If you find yourself continually struggling with pain caused by recurring ovarian cysts, then it's important to see your doctor. Other more serious conditions can be caused when harmful cysts are left unchecked, including infertility and ovarian cancer. One of the best ways to take care of your reproductive health is to get yearly pap smears, and to see the doctor whenever pain caused by cysts lasts for more than a week. With proper care, both by you and your doctor, your reproductive health can be monitored, letting you reduce risks to your health.
