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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

What Do You Know About Your Eggs and Ovulation?

DearSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 08:00:00 PDT

Every month, once we hit puberty, women produce eggs for the sole purpose of getting pregnant. Those eggs are just waiting for a strong sperm to swim by and fertilize it.

I'm wondering how much you know about your eggs and what happens when you ovulate, so take this quiz and find out.

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.

World's Oldest Mom

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 02:00:00 PST

A 67-year-old woman who is believed to be the world’s oldest new mother told a British Sunday newspaper she lied to a U.S. fertility clinic to get treatment.

Carmela Bousada said she was 55, which is the clinic’s cut off age for treating single women. The clinic did not ask her for identification. Damn - I hope I look like I'm in my 50s when I'm really pushing 70.

At 67, it's amazing she could even get pregnant. As we get older, it's true that you may have trouble getting pregnant, but there's more to it than that. Here are some things you should know about your fertility:

Taking birth control pills do not make it harder to get pregnant down the road. As soon as you go off the pill, you'll start ovulating within 3 months.
The quality of a woman's eggs declines as she gets older, regardless of how healthy she is. After age 35, your ovaries produce fewer viable eggs. So, if you want a baby, you might want to think about trying sooner rather than later.
If you've had an abortion (and there were no complications), it will not affect your chances of having a baby in the future.
Just because you've had a baby, doesn't mean getting pregnant again will be a cinch. Don't assume you're "Fertile Myrtle" the second time around - since you and your man are both a little older the second time around.
Eating trans fat can cause infertility.
Women who are extremely over or underweight have a decreased chance of conceiving and are more likely to have a miscarriage.

Good to know.

Glee-ful Highlights From Episode "Yes/No"

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:41:04 PST

Glee is back from Winter hiatus and makes a big splash this week with a genuinely awesome episode. It's super cheesy and full of multiple dance numbers and guest stars, which is essentially the recipe for Glee success, and I'll admit it gave me goose bumps more than once.

Nearly everyone's emotions and relationships are challenged in this episode: Mercedes is torn between two guys, Will contemplates taking the next step with Emma, and Finn's got big ideas for his future with Rachel. I can't believe how much happened! To get all the details on "Yes/No," just keep reading.

Group Therapy: Can I Still Get Pregnant?

Tres Community — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:05:13 PST

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

This past Wednesday, January 4th, my boyfriend and I had unprotected sex. He pulled out every time but I still get nervous about getting pregnant - even when he uses a condom. Well right now, I'm feeling a pain in my ovaries and assume that it is because I am ovulating. Is there a chance of still getting pregnant? I'm 98 percent positive that he did not ejaculate inside me.

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

Infertile and Proud: The Growing Women's Movement to Destigmatize Infertility

Yahoo Shine — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:15:41 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Yahoo! Shine:

There was a time, not so long ago, when infertility was something whispered under pitying, gossip-ful coffee breath. "That's Rose's daughter, she can't have a baby" or "They keep trying, but something's wrong." These days, many women are sick of the whispers. They're infertile and they're not ashamed.

The childbearing generation of the late 2000s are nothing like those that came before them. Many are opting out of parenting in favor of fertile careers, others are turning to the magical promise of medicine. We've seen it work for celebrities and innumerable reality stars. But we don't usually hear about the one in 20 couples who don't have the same success. Keep reading for the rest of this story.

The Sartorialist and Kiehl's Team Up to Honor Fathers

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:06:59 PDT

Scott Schuman, the Sartorialist, has gotten together with Kiehl's to produce a bunch of beautiful Father's Day photos along with a limited-edition Dopp Kit for Men ($55) intended to please even the most foppish father. The photos Schuman has taken of fathers around New York City are absolutely gorgeous (and pretty ovary-melting, too). Check them out to see some adorable kids and seriously cute fathers.

Photo courtesy Scott Schuman, The Sartorialist

DrSugar Explains: The Morning-After Pill

DrSugar — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:42:19 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's discussing emergency contraception and the morning-after pill.

Here at FitSugar we receive a large volume of questions pertaining to pregnancy and contraception. This week, we're beginning an ongoing series on topics pertaining to women's health and gynecological issues starting with the morning-after pill - including how it works and why and when it can be used. To learn if you're a candidate for this form of contraception, keep on reading.

5 Aphrodisiacs to Set the Mood Right Tonight

Susannah Chen — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 03:33:21 PST

If it's really true that 70 percent of women and men expect to get hot and heavy tonight, then dinner should have one mission: to make the two of you swoon. We've offered the lowdown on healthy foods that'll stimulate sex drives - but what foods do chefs put on the menu to help you get in the mood?

To find out, we turned to David Bazirgan, who's no stranger to sexy meals. As the executive chef at San Francisco's Fifth Floor Restaurant, he helps to set the standard for the city's relaxed fine dining atmosphere. To check out the ingredients that'll star on his Valentine's Day menu - and to hear what he calls the most "underrated" aphrodisiac, read more.