FitSugar

DrSugar Answers: Pelvic Cysts and Cancer Worry

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:00:59 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I'm 35 years old and have always had normal pap smears. The other day I went to my doctor for my annual pelvic exam. When my doctor was done she informed me that she had found a couple of cysts while performing my pelvic exam. My question is should I be worried about cancer and what kind of treatment is there for cyst? Also for the last couple of months I have been experiencing very bad dizziness; can this be related in any way to what my doctor found?
- Concerned About Cysts

I’m very glad you've asked this question, as sometimes we receive a diagnosis or results from our physicians and we don't quite know what to make of it. However, I am unsure of your specific diagnosis, as cysts can appear in many different places in the female reproductive organs, so I will discuss some different types of common female reproductive organ cysts. Hopefully this will provide you some information on your particular problem. If you still have unanswered questions regarding your particular diagnosis, I urge you to contact your physician who diagnosed the cysts for further discussion.

To learn more about this health topic, keep reading.

Facts About Ovarian Cysts

DearSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:00:00 PDT

Last weekend, in the Dear Sugar Needs Your Help post called Sex Hurts! What Can I Do?, a few of the comments mentioned that her pain could be caused by ovarian cysts.

While it's true that a cyst could be the cause of pain during or after sex, I don't want anyone thinking they have an ovarian cyst just because sex hurts. As with any concerns or ailments, seeing a doctor is the best approach.

It is good to know about ovarian cysts and their symptoms, so take this quiz and see what you know.

Source

Take the Quiz

Ovarian Cysts: What Every Women Should Know

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:30:00 PDT

I've heard of ovarian cysts, I'm sure you have too. Do you know how they form? Are they something I need to worry about?

Every month, if you're not using a form of birth control that prevents ovulation, one ovary produces 1 egg (occasionally more, which is how we get fraternal twins and triplets). When you ovulate, a cyst-like structure called a follicle is formed inside your ovary. When the egg is released, the follicle bursts. Usually the remaining tissue just dissolves and is absorbed by the body. Occasionally it doesn't, and that's what causes functional ovarian cysts.

Functional ovarian cysts are basically small fluid-filled sacs and are quite common for women to get during their reproductive years. The cysts often shrink and disappear on their own within 2 or 3 menstrual cycles.

You may experience a full or bloated feeling, pressure, or a dull ache in your lower back, belly, or thighs. They can also cause breast tenderness, nausea, or weight gain. Who knew a little cyst can cause all that?

Woman who take the birth control pill or other systemic hormonal treatment usually don't experience ovarian cysts (and the pain that comes from them), because they aren't ovulating.

There are other, more serious forms of ovarian cysts known as Dermoid cysts, Endometrioma Cysts, Cystadenoma Cysts, and Polycystic Ovarian Disease. These cysts can develop from an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). These can grow to be very large (like the one shown in the picture), and can cause severe pain. If found, chances are high that a doctor will recommend removing immediately.

Fit's Tips: If you experience severe pain during intercourse, during menstruation, or have swelling in your abdomen, you should see your doctor immediately. They may prescribe oral contraceptives to help shrink the cyst. Surgery may also be an option if the hormone treatment doesn't work.

DrSugar Discusses Birth Control: IUDs

DrSugar — Thu, 19 May 2011 10:35:43 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! This week she explains the pros and cons of using IUDs for birth control.

To continue our ongoing series of gynecological topics, I have decided to write about intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a form of birth control. Even though I learned about IUDs through many outlets (sex ed in school, medical school), I decided to research them more thoroughly since the birth control pills I started taking after having my baby negatively affected my milk supply. I had to find an alternate mode of contraception so I could continue to have an abundant milk supply for my little one. I had a Paragard (copper) IUD inserted a couple of weeks ago and I'll share my experience as well as more information about two types of IUDs in today's column! Keep reading for more info.

What's a Castor Oil Pack and Why Is It Good For You?

Heather Dale — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:55:14 PDT

Ever since my naturopath introduced me to the wonderful world of castor oil packs, I've been hooked. Castor oil's healing properties go way back to ancient Egypt, where it was regularly taken orally as a laxative (which is now known to be toxic). Today, Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and naturopathy recommend castor oil packs because of their ability to promote healing and to reduce inflammation. They also improve elimination and circulation, especially of the lymphatic system. Other ailments castor oil packs are said to aid with include hepatitis C, hyperthyroidism, pelvic pain, tendinitis, kidney stones, fibroids, ovarian cysts, swollen joints, irritable bowel syndrome, and digestive disorders.

Castor oil packs are made with several layers of flannel and cold-pressed castor oil (both of which can be purchased online or from a local health food store). When placed on the affected area, the pack acts as a poultice to draw out infection and dissolve scars, cysts, and tumors.

Keep reading to learn how you can make your own pack.

DrSugar Answers: Losing Weight With PCOS?

DrSugar — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:00:51 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I would love for you to discuss PCOS and weight loss. I am having such a hard time breaking a plateau despite counting calories and exercising daily. Any advice?
- Sick of the Plateau

This is a great topic to discuss, as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age and the most common cause of female infertility. Between one in 10 and one in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS.

To learn more about PCOS and weight gain associated with it, continue reading.

DrSugar Answers: Spotting During Exercise?

DrSugar — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:00:21 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
Sometimes I have spotting about two days after my period had stopped, usually after I exercise. Sometimes it lasts for a day or two. I run a lot on the treadmill and I run pretty fast. Am I spotting because I push myself too hard? Should I just continue with my workout routine or tone it down a little? I was hoping to train for a race, so I hope I can amp up my workouts. And if it's not because of my workout, what do you think is causing this? I really want to run in a race this year. Your advice is greatly appreciated.
- Worried Runner

Menstrual spotting is menstrual bleeding that occurs at times other than during your period. While menstrual spotting is a relatively uncommon problem, it’s not always abnormal or cause for worry, and to learn why, keep on reading.