Ovarian cysts can be a painful problem for women who experience them. Common symptoms of ovarian cysts include pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, abdominal pressure and pain, painful sexual intercourse, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, thigh pain, unusual vaginal bleeding, and weight gain. Here are some of the things that women who frequently experience this problem should know about how to prevent ovarian cysts.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Before learning about how to prevent this gynecological problem, it is important to have an understanding of the different types of ovarian cysts. Functional cysts, which form during the menstrual cycle, are the most common type. Keep in mind that this is the only type of cyst which can be prevented.
Endometriomas cysts commonly occur among women who have endometriosis, while polycystic ovary cysts occur among women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS. Cystadenomas and dermoid cysts are the two remaining types of ovarian cysts which are experienced by some women.
Although ovarian cysts can be a somewhat painful or uncomfortable problem to experience, they are not usually cancerous. They will generally go away on their own, but they may require surgical removal if they are large or last for more than six weeks.
How to Prevent Functional Ovarian Cysts
In order to prevent functional cysts, ovulation will need to be stopped. This will prevent ovarian cysts from forming during the menstrual cycle. The reason functional cysts are the only type which can be prevented is because they are the only type which form this way. Since functional cysts are the most common type, many doctors will recommend preventative measures to women who experience them.
Women who are not planning to become pregnant right away will want to think about using a method of contraception which stops ovulation, such as the birth control pill or Depo-Provera. It is generally recommended for women who want to prevent ovarian cysts to take a combination birth control, which contains more than one hormone. Low-dose birth control pills tend to be less effective at preventing functional cysts.
There are two other ways to prevent functional ovarian cysts from occurring. Pregnant women are less likely to experience cysts because they are not ovulating. On a similar note, women who make the decision to breastfeed after giving birth will not begin ovulating until they have stopped. Thus, women who are breastfeeding are less likely to experience ovarian cysts as well.
Many people believe that a diet which is rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent ovarian cysts from occurring, but there is no medical evidence supporting this claim. That being said, there is nothing wrong with following a well-balanced diet. Even if a healthy diet does not prevent cysts, it can help prevent various types of cancers that affect women.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “Ovarian Cysts - Frequently Asked Questions” (accessed May 11, 2010).
University of Maryland Medical Center, “Ovarian Cysts” (accessed May 11, 2010).
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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