Don't ignore stomach pain!
Deepti Keswani, a 27-year-old chemical engineer, used to dismiss the sharp pain she felt in her lower abdomen around her menstrual period as natural. Sometimes, it even spread to her vagina and thighs.
"When I noticed an increase in my facial hair and couldn't lose the weight on my stomach in spite of rigorous exercising, I decided to see a doctor," says Deepti.
She was diagnosed with PCOD or poly-cystic ovarian disease.
Four out of 10 women in the world have ovarian cysts, but don't know much about their condition. So what is an ovarian cyst?
When an egg in the ovary ripens during ovulation, the sac which contains the egg, called a follicle, grows and releases the egg. The follicle then changes into a smaller sac. Cysts occur when the follicle does not rupture or go back to the smaller size. An ovarian cyst can be as small as a pea or as big as a muskmelon.
Be Alert
Dr. Urvashi Shah, a gynecologist says you should consult a doctor if you have the any of these symptoms:
1. Irregular periods or change in the quantity of bleeding.
2. Heaviness in the lower abdomen and infertility.
3. Extreme pain and nausea before and during periods.
4. Weight gain, acne and excessive facial hair.
5. Pelvic pain during intercourse.
6. Pain or pressure during bowel movements.
Go for a test
A pelvic exam can reveal a cyst in your ovary. Further testing can include an ultrasound or diagnostic laparoscopy, where a thin viewing tube is inserted into your abdomen. The doctor may even extract a biopsy to determine the nature of the cyst.
Most ovarian cysts are benign but the chances of them being malignant are higher in premenstrual girls and postmenopausal women. So do not dismiss it for a future day.
Treat it Early
"Treatment depends on the type and size of the cyst in your ovary," says Dr Shah. You may be prescribed birth control pills or hormones to prevent the growth of follicles that can turn into cysts.
"Laparoscopic surgery is used to remove cysts. Repeated sonograms are recommended to monitor the size of the cyst," she adds.
The earlier ovarian cysts are discovered, the less extensive the treatment.
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