Women's Health Archives

November 24, 2016December 15, 2016

Breast Cyst

Breast Cyst Definition and Meaning: – A breast cyst is a fluid filled pouch inside the breast which is usually non-cancerous in nature.

What is Breast Cyst ?

It is a sac inside the breast which is filled with fluid. A woman can have a cyst in one breast or even in both. These fluid-filled sacs are often round or elliptical in shape and have dissimilar edges. It is often described as a water-filled resin or a water filled-balloon but is also hard at times.

Most breast cysts develop rapidly and stay fixed at a particular size. They do not grow with time. In very rare cases, the cysts shrink or grow in size with time. These cysts are more prominent in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women undergoing hormone therapy and women between the ages of 35 to 55; however women of any age can get these cysts.

cysts in breast are usually non-cancerous in nature and are not harmful; however some cysts cause discomfort and pain.

Breast Cyst Size

The size of a cyst in breast can range from the size of a small pearl to the size of a golf ball. In some cases, the cyst grows up to mere centimeters, while in some cases it can grow up to 4-5 inches in diameter.

Breast Cyst Symptoms

cysts in breast can be noticed in one or both cysts and signs and symptoms vary from one patient to another. Some of the symptoms that can be seen are:

A soft, easily movable lump elliptical or round lump with irregular edges in one or both the breasts
Nipple discharge that may be brownish, yellowish or clear
Tenderness in the area of the cyst
Mild to severe pain the area of the cyst
Increase in the size of the breast cyst before the onset of menstruation or tenderness of the breast
Sudden reduction in the size of the cyst or tenderness in breast after the period is over
Numbness of the affected area
Discomfort

Breast Cyst Causes

The main cause of formation of a cyst in the breast is fluid accumulation in the glands of the breast.

Each of the breasts contains nodes of glandular tissue, arranged like flower petals. The nodes are further divided into nodules that yield milk during breast-feeding and pregnancy. The tissue that helps the breast in retaining the shape is made up of fibrous connective tissues and fatty tissues. Breast cysts form as a result of fluid collection in the glands inside the breasts.

Types of Breast Cyst

Based on their size, cysts can be categorized as:

Micro cyst
Macro cyst

Micro Cysts :- These cysts are very tiny and cannot be felt easily. They are often visible during tests like mammography and ultrasound.

Macro Cysts :- These cysts are large in size and can grow up to 2.5 inches in size. They can cause pain by exerting pressure on nearby breast tissues.

Which doctor treats a Breast Cyst?

The first doctor that you will visit, after discovering your breast cyst will most likely be your general physician or family doctor. However, after diagnostic tests and other findings, you may be referred to a specialist or a gynecologist for further treatment.

When to visit a doctor?

A healthy breast tissue often feels like a nodule or a lump. If you feel that a new breast lump, which can be easily felt and noticed, has formed and is causing discomfort and pain, then you must consult your doctor immediately. Also, a breast cyst that persists after your period is over should also be checked by a doctor.

How to prepare yourself for the appointment?

Your first appointment can take place at your general physician’s clinic. Follow the simple to-do steps below to have a perfect appointment session:

Note down your symptoms including those which are not directly related to the breast cyst
Prepare a short summary of your medical history and on-going treatment and medications (if any)

Make a list of questions that you may want to ask your doctor about your breast cyst like:

What caused the cyst to grow?
Does the presence of the cyst increase my risk of breast cancer?
What sort of tests will I be asked to undergo?
Does the cyst required treatment?
Are there any points that I have to follow?

Meanwhile, also be ready to answer the following questions that your doctor may ask you:

When did you first notice the symptoms?
When did you first notice the breast lump?
Is it painful?
If yes, what is the severity of the pain?
What sort of changes do you notice during your periods?
Are you periods normal/heavy?
Are the symptoms present in both the breasts?
Do you have a family history of breast cancer?
Do you have discharge from your nipple? If yes, is it on both the sizes?
What is the color of the nipple discharge?
Did you ever have a mammogram or a breast ultrasound?
Have you ever undergone a breast biopsy?

Breast Cyst Diagnosis

Once your doctor is sure that you have a breast lump, you will be asked to undergo proper screening which may include a series of diagnostic tests and findings. Your doctor may ask you questions related to your family history, past medical problems and list of current medications. Based on the results of initial medical tests and examination, your doctor may recommended further testing that may include the following:

Breast Examination :- Your doctor will physically survey your breast lump. Since the physically examination is not sufficient to arrive at any conclusion, other diagnostic tests like mammography, breast ultrasound, fine needle aspiration or biopsy may be required.

Mammography :- A mammography is a breast x-ray which is used to diagnose diseases of the breast like breast cancer. It is also used to find lumps in the breast or a breast cyst.

Breast Ultrasound :- A breast ultrasound is used to determine if the cyst in the breast is filled with fluid or is solid. A fluid-filled lump is conclusive of a breast cyst. A solid lump is usually a benign lump like fibro adenoma or in rare cases, breast cancer. Once the lump is detected, your doctor may ask you to undergo fine needle aspiration or biopsy.

Fine Needle Aspiration :- During this procedure, the doctor will insert a thin needle in the breast lump and pull out fluid. It is carried out under the guidance of ultrasound for apt placement of the needle. If the fluid is successfully aspirated and the sac shrinks, your doctor may diagnose a breast cyst instantly.

The following can happen during fine needle aspiration:

If the fluid is clear and the sac shrinks immediately, then further testing is not required.
If the fluid looks brownish or bloody in colour and the sac does not shrink even after liquid is withdrawn, you may be asked to undergo further testing and consult a radiologist to rule out breast cancer.
If no fluid is pulled out and the breast sac appears solid, it may be checked for dead cells (fine needle aspiration biopsy) to rule out cancer. You may also be asked to undergo other tests like mammogram and breast ultrasound.

Breast Cyst Treatment

Once the doctor confirm the presence of a cyst in your breast, further treatment may not be required. However, if the cyst becomes painful and causes discomfort, your doctor may recommend one of the following lines of treatment:

Fine Needle Aspiration :- This method is also considered as a treatment method, if your doctor is successfully able to withdraw fluid from the cyst and shrink it.

In case of some breast cysts, more than one aspiration sessions may be required.

Hormone Therapy :- Use of hormone therapy or birth-control pills may prove helpful in preventing more cysts for forming and recurring.

Surgery :- If the breast cyst is very large in size, extremely painful and contains bloody fluid, then surgery may be required. However, surgery is required in very rare cases.

Breast Cyst Home Remedies

There are numerous home remedies that are really helpful in getting rid of uncomfortable lumps in the breast. Some of them are:

Essential Oils Hot Compress :- One of the most effective ways of getting rid of breast cysts is hot compress of essential oils.

How to use:

Take 9-10 drops of lavender essential oil and 3-4 drops of chamomile oil
Mix them together in warm water
Dip a clean cloth in this solution
Gently compress the affected area
Repeat 2-3 times a day to get rid of the cysts and avoid recurrence of more cysts in your breast.

Rice Hot Compress :- This is another popular home remedy for breast cysts which is known to work well in most of the cases.

How to use:

Put a spoon on uncooked rice in a sock and seal the open end by tying it
Warm this sock over a pan
Gently apply the rice compress on the affected breast
Repeat 2-3 times a day to get rid of the cysts and avoid recurrence of more breast cysts

Cabbage Leaves :- Over the years, cabbage leaves have proved to be a very helpful remedy for treating breast cysts. It helps in reducing the size of the breast cyst and pain.

How to use:

Take two clean cabbage leave
Cut them according to the size of your breast
Tie them over the breast
Leave for 30-45 minutes

Reduce Salt Intake :- Since salt contains sodium which has water retention properties, it is recommended to reduce your salt intake to reduce the size of the breast cyst and get rid of it. Avoid salty food like chips and other canned food.

Avoid Tea and Coffee :- Tea and coffee contain methylxanthines which chemical substance that lead to the formation of breast cysts. They are also found in some chocolates and chocolate drinks. In order to prevent cysts from forming, it is highly recommended that you avoid both of them. Also, additional caffeine content in coffee can further lead to discomfort it you already have a cyst. This applies for all other cysts like ganglion cyst, sebaceous cyst etc.

Apply Heat Compress :- You can use hot water bottles or heating pads to provide relief from pain. Also, warm water showers can be really helpful in reducing pain and discomfort. This remedy is also helpful in case of pilonidal cysts and ganglion cysts.

Wear a Proper Bra :- In case of painful breast cysts, wearing a good bra with proper breast tissue support can be of great help. Opt for a good quality bra which provides proper support to the breast tissues and avoid stretching them. Tight and underwired bras can cause the breast cyst to become more painful.

Opt for a Soy Based Diet :- Soy based foods contain isoflavin, a substance that helps in reducing the estrogen content in the body. Since high levels of estrogen are also responsible for the formation of breast cysts, consumption of foods rich in soy can be helpful.

Breast Cyst Pictures

Check out these pictures of breast cysts that will help you understand what they are and how they look.

Picture :- An MRI image of a breast cyst

Picture :- A closer look at a breast cyst

Picture :- Illustration of a breast with multiple cysts

Picture :- Breast cyst incision

Note: None of the images in the article are owned by us.

November 12, 2016December 15, 2016

Bartholin Cyst

Bartholin Cyst Definition:- This type of cyst is a fluid or mucus filled abscess which forms when the duct of the Bartholin gland gets obstructed.

Understanding a Bartholin cyst

The Bartholin glands are located at the either sides of the entrance of the vagina. They are tiny and cannot be seen upfront. Their main function is to discharge fluid into the mucosal surface of the labia i.e. the lip type skin construction surrounding the vagina or simply lubricating the vagina upon stimulation. They also help in aiding sexual intercourse by decreasing friction. The fluid released by these glands, which are also called the vestibular glands, then travels down tiny ducts called Bartholin ducts which are approximately 2 centimetres long into the inferior part of the entry of the vagina.

At times, the duct of the Bartholin glands get obstructed resulting in the mucus or fluid retention in the gland which ultimately leads to the formation of cysts called Bartholin cysts. If the fluid within the cyst gets infected, you can develop pus formation surrounded by inflamed tissues resulting in Bartholin abscess formation.

Size of a Bartholin Cyst

There is no fixed size up to which a Bartholin cyst can grow. These cysts can range anywhere from the size of a pea to as large as the size of a cherry. They can grow up to 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter and the size often increases very gradually.

Symptoms of Bartholin Cysts

There can be times when a Bartholin cyst grows and shows no symptoms at all. It is absolutely normal for a woman to have this cyst and be completely unaware of its presence. These cysts mostly go unnoticed; however there are a few symptoms that can be observed in some cases, especially when the cyst is large:

A lump on the labia or lip like structure covering the vagina
Discomfort
Pain in the vulva during running, walking, jogging or sexual intercourse
Development of pus inside the cyst causing infection and formation of abscess
Fever resulting from infection
Tenderness and redness of the skin surrounding the Bartholin glands and the cyst
Warm feeling in the affected area
Swelling in the area of the vulva
Frequent chills
Oozing liquid from the cyst

Bartholin Cyst Causes

The main cause of the formation of a Bartholin cyst is the obstruction of the Bartholin glands. These glands are very essential as they lubricate the vagina and help in reducing friction during sexual intercourse. The blockade of the canal of these glands causes fluid to build up in the gland causing a cyst to form and increase in pressure on the surrounding area. If bacteria get into the cyst, it causes infection and swelling resulting in the formation of a Bartholin abscess. The abscess can break open the skin and become very painful.

As per doctors, bacterial strands like E.coli and sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea and chlamydia contribute to the infection of Bartholin cysts forming Bartholin abscess.

Which doctor do you need to consult for a Bartholin Cyst?

Doctors who specialize in the study of female reproductive system, female genital organs and bartholin cysts are called gynaecologists. If you doubt that you have a bartholin cyst on either side or both sides of your vagina, then you must consult a Gynaecologist for diagnosis and treatment.

When to see a doctor?

If you are experiencing any of the following issues, then you must consult a doctor immediately:

Extremely painful lump that is not going away after few days of self-care and treatment
Formation of more than one lumps immediately one after the other
High fever and pus drainage from the cyst
Unexplained bleeding

Symptoms like severe pain and formation of more than one lump can signify something serious if your age is more than 40 years.

Diagnosis of Bartholin Cysts

To conclude if you have a Bartholin cyst or not, your doctor may do the following:

Perform a thorough physical examination of your vagina to check for lumps that can lead to the formation of an abscess
Ask questions related to your medical history
Perform a pelvic examination
Test samples of your vaginal swab for sexually transmitted diseases and infections
Carry out biopsy of the Bartholin cyst in order to determine the presence of cancerous cells if your age is more than 40 years or you are post-menopausal, though cancer of the Bartholin glands is extremely rare

To-do list before you go for an appointment

Your first appointment can happen at your general physician’s or gynaecologist’s clinic. In order to prepare well for your appointment, here are few things that you can do:

Prepare a list of your symptoms including those that may not be related to your cyst
List down all the medicines and supplements that you had been prescribed in the past or are consuming at present
Prepare a list of questions that you may want to ask your doctor during the session. Some of them can be:
What kind of tests will I be required to undergo?
How will the cyst do away?
How much time will it take to go away after treatment?
Is there any self-treatment for the cyst?
Will it regrow?
Should I restrain from having sex until the cyst goes away?
Will there be any issues during childbirth?
Be ready to answer the following questions that your doctor may ask you:
When did you first discover the cyst?
Were you facing any other symptoms also?
Is your cyst painful?
Does the cyst ooze liquid?
Do you feel pain while sitting or walking?

Complications associated with Bartholin Cysts

A common complication associated with Bartholin cysts is the recurrence which may require treatment again.

Another complication can be the spread of the Bartholin abscess infection to other organs of the body if it becomes severe. The infection may move in your bloodstream causing septicaemia which requires immediate medical attention and even hospitalization in case of high fever up to 103 degrees and above.

Bartholin Cyst Treatment

In most of the cases, the Bartholin cyst does not require any treatment at all and goes away on its own, especially when it is asymptomatic in nature. If the cyst is large and is accompanied by symptoms like severe pain and infection, then treatment may be required. However, the treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms, size of the cyst and extent of the infection. The treatment options are:

Surgical drainage :- If the cyst is extremely large and severely infection, it may require drainage. A surgery will be performed and drainage of the cyst will be conducted under local anaesthesia or strong sedation.

The doctor will make a small cut in the cyst and allow the excess fluid to drain. Once the drainage is done, the doctor will insert a small rubber pipe inside the cut and allow it to stay there for at the most six to seven weeks so that complete drainage takes place.

Antibiotics :- The doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics for infection or sexually transmitted diseases that are found during testing.

Marsupialization :- This procedure comes handy when the cyst grows again. The doctor creates stitches on each side of the drainage cut to create permanent openings less than 7 millimetres long. A catheter is then inserted to allow drainage for a few weeks for completely recovery.

If none of the treatment methods mentioned above are helpful and the cyst refuses to leave, the doctor may recommend removal of the Bartholin gland. The surgery for removal is also performed under anaesthesia and is accompanied with complications like heavy bleeding. Hence, removal of the Bartholin gland is the last resort.

Bartholin Cyst Home Remedies

In case of Bartholin cysts, some natural treatments can be used to eradicate the jam in the Bartholin gland and remove the cyst. They are:

Warm water bath :- Soaking or sitting in a tub filled with warm water atleast three to four times a day can be helpful in preventing infections and providing relief from pain and inflammation. It is also very helpful in causing the cyst to break open on its own and dissolve.
Tea tree oil :- Powerful antiseptic and anti-microbial, tea tree oil is highly effective in preventing infections and reducing pain and inflammation. Applying few drops of tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil can help. It is especially very effective in the treatment of sebaceous cyst.
Vitamin C and D :- Vitamin C and D help in firming the immune system and allow it to fight deadly bacteria and virus. They are very useful in the treatment of Bartholin cyst, especially in the prevention of infections.
Probiotics :- Oral probiotics capsules and probiotic drinks are very effective in balancing body nutrients and fighting off bacteria to get rid of infections and prevent the formation of Bartholin abscess.
Post-operative care :- If you have undergone a surgery for the drainage of the Bartholin cyst, you must take proper rest in order to let the cut heal completely. Give it time to recover and take your medicines on time.

Bartholin Cyst Prevention

There is no set prevention method to prevent Bartholin cysts from occurring, however some safety measures that help in prevention from infections that can be deadly. They are:

Using of condom during sex
Maintaining a good hygiene
Keeping the affected area clean and dry
Preserving a healthy urinary tract
Drinking plenty of fluids

Bartholin Cyst Pictures

Glance through these pictures of Bartholin cysts to understand the look and feel of it.

Image : A Bartholin cyst in a healthy female

Image 2 : Position of the Bartholin gland in females

November 4, 2016December 15, 2016

Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian Cyst Definition : It is a collection of fluid or a fluid filled sac which develops in one or both the ovaries and is often surrounded by a thin layer.

Related Post: Pilar Cyst Definition and Causes

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

Ovaries are two small organs located on both sides of a woman’s uterus. Hormones like Estrogen that induce menstruation are produced in the ovaries. The egg is enclosed in a pouch like structure called a follicle. The egg grows inside of the uterus, while the hormone Estrogen prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Each month, the ovaries release a tiny egg that attaches itself to the fallopian tubes in order to be fertilized by a sperm. This cycle where the egg is released in called Ovulation. If the fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus is expelled which results in menstrual periods.

An ovarian cyst is often a fluid-filled sac that is an accumulation of fluid. Any ovarian follicle present in the ovaries that is greater than 2 cm is termed as an ovarian cyst. It range extensively in size and can be as small as a bead or as large as an apple. In very rare cases, these cysts are so large that the woman is mistaken to be pregnant.

Mostly all ovarian cysts are benign and occur broadly during the reproductive years in a woman’s life. They are harmless but can cause symptoms like pain, bleeding and rupture. They can affect women of all age groups and as per studies by WHO, approx. 15% of post-menopausal woman are found to develop these cysts.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are two main types of ovarian cysts based on the nature of their occurring in the ovaries:

Functional
Pathological

Functional Ovarian Cysts:- These cysts are very common and harmless in nature. They are a part of a female’s menstrual cycle and are very short lived.

Pathological Ovarian Cysts:-These cysts grow and stay in the ovaries. They can be benign or malignant in nature.

Functional and Pathological cysts can be further divided into:

Follicle cyst
Corpus Luteum cyst
Dermoid cysts
Cyst adenomas
Endometriomas
Polycystic Ovaries
Ovarian tumours/cancers
Haemorrhagic cysts

Follicle Cyst :- The egg in a woman’s ovary develops and grows in a sac like structure called the follicle. In cases where this follicle does not break open, the fluid inside it develops into a cyst. It forms at the time of ovulation and can grow up to 3 inches in diameter. Rupture of a follicle cyst can cause severe pain which occurs during the mid-way of the menstrual cycle. These cysts do not produce any upfront symptoms and mostly vanish within months on their own.

Corpus Luteum Cyst :- The follicles often dissolve and disappear after releasing an egg. In cases where the sac freezes and gets sealed, more fluid forms inside the sac, giving birth to a Corpus Luteum cyst. If pregnancy does not occur, the Corpus Luteum breaks down and vanishes. In most of the cases, it is only found on one side and produces no upfront symptoms.

Dermoid Cyst :- These are sac like growths on the boundary of ovaries that contain hair, cartilage, fat and other tissues. It affects younger women and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. It can be clearly seen in an MRI or CT scan which shows the presence of fat and other contents on the cyst. This type of cyst can cause Ovarian Torsion resulting in severe abdominal pain.

Cyst Adenomas :- These are benign growths that develop on the outer boundary of the ovaries. They may be filled with mucous material. They are very large in size and can even grow up to 12 inches in diameter.

Endometriomas :- In this case, the tissues that normally grow inside the uterus start growing outside attaching to the ovaries. This leads to the formation of Endometriomas. These cysts are usually filled with dark-red or brown blood and range from 0.5 to 8 inches in size.

Polycystic Ovaries :- This condition comes with the formation of numerous small cysts on the surface of the ovary which causes the ovaries to become enlarged. It is common in women with hormonal disorders and can be diagnosed with the help of an ultrasound.

Ovarian Tumours/Cancers :- Mostly all ovarian cysts are benign i.e. non-cancerous in nature. However, there are some cysts that may grow into ovarian cancer or ovarian tumours.

Haemorrhagic Cysts :- It is a cyst which occurs when bleeding occurs within a cyst. This type of cyst causes severe abdominal pain.

Ovarian Cyst Size

The size of an ovarian cyst is variable ranging from a few cm to inches. Some cysts can even become as large as a melon and need to be removed surgically.

Picture: Ovarian Cyst of 6 cm

Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Many times, the ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms at all. However, as and when the cyst grows, symptoms begin to show and become sever. They made include:

Pain during sexual intercourse
Lower abdominal pain
Irregular menstrual periods- severe pain, less flow, heavy flow
Constant feeling of pressure in the lower pelvic region
Lower back pain or pelvic pain during menstrual periods
Lower pelvic pain after exercise
Pain or pressure during urination
Nausea
Feeling of fullness
Vomiting
Vaginal spasms
Untimely bleeding
Infertility
Bloating
Breast tenderness
Abdominal distension
Heartburn
Indigestion
Increased blood pressure
Fast pulse rate
Insulin resistance
Pain in the thighs
Untimely fever
Fatigue
Dizziness
Rapid breathing
Pressure on the bowels

Ovarian Cyst Causes:

The following people are at the risk of developing an ovarian cyst:

Irregular menstrual cycle
Obesity
Young girls with early menstruation
History of ovarian cysts
Patients with hypothyroidism
Infertility treatment with gonadotropin medications

Which doctor do you need to approach for Ovarian Cyst?

Doctors specializing in the area of female reproductive system, female genital organs and cysts are called gynaecologists. If you are facing problems with a cyst in your ovary, then you must consult a Gynaecologist immediately.

Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis

Several tests are required to properly diagnose an ovarian cyst and understand its characteristics and type. Some of the tests that your doctor may ask you to undergo include:

Pelvic Ultrasound :- This type of imaging is used to study pelvic organs and is considered as the best test for diagnosing an ovarian cyst. It can be diagnosed based on its size and appearance.

Endovaginal Ultrasound :- In this ultrasound, the covered instrument is inserted in the vagina, towards the uterus and ovaries. Since the probing object is closer to the area of examination, this type of ultrasound gives better results. It is a painless procedure.

Laparoscopic Surgery :- During this procedure, the doctor makes small incisions through which a laparoscope is passed into the area to be examined. The cyst is identified and removed or a sample of the same is taken for biopsy.

Hormonal Profile :- Blood tests are conducted to check the levels of different hormones like FH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, FSH and Estradiol. Variation in results may be helpful in diagnosing ovarian cysts.

Serum CA-125 assay :- This particular blood assessment helps in ruling out CA-125, a substance associated with Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment

Ovarian cysts are treated based on certain factors like:

The appearance of the cyst
The size of the cyst
The patient’s age
Menstrual stage of the patient (Pre-menopausal and Post-menopausal)

After detailed study of these factors and the patient’s reports, the doctor may suggest any of the following line of treatments:

Birth Control Pills

Your doctor may recommend the use of birth control pills to reduce the formation of development of new cysts. Certain oral contraceptives also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women. Birth control pills subdue ovulation and production of hormones in the ovaries. The uterine lining develops and is expelled as a direct response to the hormonal effect of the pills.

Anti-Inflammatory Medicines & Pain Relievers

Medicines like Ibuprofen help in reducing pain associated with cysts. They are not used to treat the cysts, but are only used for combating with the symptoms and providing relief.

Surgical Techniques

Upon study of your reports, your doctor may advise you to undergo surgery to remove the cyst. Surgery is mostly required in cases where the cyst is large in size. Some of the surgical techniques used to remove ovarian cysts are:

Laparoscopy

It is also knows as a keyhole surgery. Two small incisions are made in the pelvic region and one in the belly button. A small tube with a light at the extreme (a laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen. Gas is also filled in the pelvic area to raise the walls of the abdomen. With the help of the tools, the surgeon is able to locate the cyst and remove it. A biopsy sample of the cyst is also taken to rule out the presence of cancer cells.

This surgery takes a few hours and the patient is usually discharged on the same day. Also, a laparoscopy does not affect the fertility of the woman in any way.

Laparotomy

This surgery is more invasive as compared to a laparoscopy and is carried out in most cases of ovarian cancer. A large incision is made in the abdominal wall to remove the cyst completely. A biopsy sample is taken and the patient is asked to stay in the hospital until completely recovered.

Removal of Ovarian Torsion

In rare cases, an ovarian cyst can rotate and cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. As a result of this, blood flow gets affected and emergency surgery is required in most of the cases.

Home Remedies for Ovarian Cyst

Most ovarian cysts are functional in nature i.e. they occur during the menstrual cycle and disappear themselves. However, there are few home remedies that can be tried to get relief from the symptoms like pain, vomiting and nausea.

Heat Therapy :- Heat therapy is highly effective when it comes to getting relief from muscle spasms and muscle cramps. Take a hot water bottle or a heating pad and place in on your pelvic region for 15-10 minutes. Repeat the process until the pain become faint or goes away.

Epsom Salt Bath :- An Epsom salt bath also comes very handy in getting relief from pain and pelvic cramps. High magnesium sulphate content works as a muscle relaxant and provides relief from cramped muscles.

Fill your bath tub with warm water and add a cup of Epsom salt. You can also add essential oils like rose or olive oil. Mix for a few minutes until the salt dissolves and soak your body in the tub for 15-20 minutes. You can use this remedy at least twice a day.

Chamomile Tea :- It is considered a good remedy for pain, nausea and discomfort associated with ovarian cysts. It is also a mild sedative and eases stressed muscles. It is also of great use during irregular periods.

Mix two spoons of Chamomile Tea in a cup of hot water. Cover and let dissolve for at least 5 minutes. Strain and add one spoon of honey or brown sugar.

Castor Oil Pack :- Castor oil clears the body of excess toxins and unwanted tissues. It kindles the lymphatic and circulatory systems which helps in melting the ovarian cyst.

Fold a cloth and cover it with two tablespoons of castor oil. Place it on the lower abdominal area and place a hot water bottle on top of it. The combination of heat and oil therapy helps in providing relief from various symptoms of ovarian cysts. Repeat the process at least 2-3 times a week for best results.

Apple Cider Vinegar :- It can help in getting rid of cysts caused due to potassium deficiency as it is high in potassium content. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of lukewarm water. Drink one or two glasses of this dose daily and follow until the cyst vanishes.

Ginger Juice :- Ginger induces menstruation, increases body heat and provides relief from pain and cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Blend ginger juice, turmeric and apple juice together and drink the juice once daily until the cyst is gone. Ginger tea is also a good remedy.

Ovarian Cyst Pictures

Browse through these pictures of ovarian cysts, that will help you understand what how they look like.

Affected ovary vs Normal Ovary

ovarian cyst pictures — An ovarian cyst that underwent torsion

Laparoscopic removal of an ovarian cyst

September 30, 2016September 30, 2016

Home Remedies For Vaginal Itch

Vaginal itches are experienced by women and are not only uncomfortable but embarrassing too. Vaginal itching is caused by yeast infections or Trichomoniasis, dryness in vaginal area and hormonal changes. There are several of ways in which one can get rid of this itching. Vaginal itching can upset ones quality of life. Few of those home remedies for vaginal itch are given below.

Related Post: Sharp Pain in Vagina causes

Top 5 Home remedies for vaginal itch

Home remedies to get rid of vaginal itching are safer and usually do not have any side effect in the long run.

Wearing loose clothes

The best way to prevent vaginal itching is to wear loose clothes. This will keep your vagina dry and cool. Vagina is a very sensitive part of our body and must be taken care off. Make sure you wear undergarments which are made up of 100% cotton material. Cotton clothes will let your skin breathe and will help you to avoid such itching. If you work for long hours sitting in the same place make sure that you get up after every hour to avoid getting your vagina warm. Warming up can increase the intensity of itching and cause a lot of discomfort.

Pay attention to your sex life

Vagina is a very sensitive part of your body. If you feel uncomfortable in this part of your body try to delay any sexual activity. Try to rest your vagina because often intercourse aggravates the situation. If it is necessary then try using some lubricant to make it easier. You can even use condoms to prevent transmission of any sexually transmitted diseases which can cause infection.

Maintain proper hygiene

Having a proper hygiene plays a very important role to keep you fit. Keep your vagina clean but do not wash it too often because it might cause more itching. If you are suffering from vaginal itching make sure to take regular baths and change your underwear daily. Vagina is known to be a self cleaning organ and does not require much cleaning. Clean this area slowly and do not use any harsh soaps or cleansers to clean this area. Make sure you use soap with no fragrances to clean this area. Nowadays a number of products are available in the market specially meant to clean this area which can be used after proper inspection. While wiping this area after bathroom or after a shower, wipe it front to back that is start from your vaginal area and end at the anus to keep it clean.

Combating infection

Few other home remedies for vaginal itch includes

Taking a sitz bath

Sitz or tub bath filed with warm water and about half cup of salt can help you combat infection. Soak yourself for about 15 minutes in this water after the salt completely dissolves. While soaking insert your finger in the vagina so that the salt water goes inside. Salt water is very effective to get rid of infections. Repeat this process for about two to three times a week to reduce itching to a great extent.

Applying ice or cold compress

Putting an ice or using cold compress will also help you to relieve the itching effect. Vaginal itching usually occurs during the night time so this can help you a lot and can also help you to avoid those sleepless nights.

Eating yogurt

Yogurt is known to have soothing properties and is usually advised by doctors to eat at least one cup a day. Eating a cup of yogurt daily is also one of the home remedies for vaginal itch. Make sure that you consume plain yogurt without any sugar. Plain yogurt contains acidophilus cultures which can help you to fight fungus and yeast infections. You can even put some portion of yogurt on tampon and put it in your body for about a couple of hours. Repeat this about one to two times a day for few days to see the best results. You can even try putting some frozen yogurt on your vulva to get immediate results.

Using cider vinegar

Using cider vinegar is also one of the home remedies for vaginal itch. Cider vinegar has properties similar to that of salt and also has anti infection properties. Mix about two table spoons of vinegar with two cups of warm water and clean your vagina with it twice a day for about three to four days. It might sting a bit but it will give you relieving affects later.

Things that you should avoid

The following are the list of things which one should avoid to prevent vaginal itching-

Perfumed powders and scented soaps and toilet papers
Tight clothes which stick to your body and hinder comfortable movements
Bubble bath soaps or gels can irritate your vaginal area sometimes so it is always better to avoid it. These soaps and gels contain harsh chemicals which cause irritation in this sensitive area.
Vaginal hygiene sprays. These sprays are harmful and can cause a lot of itching if it does not suit you.
Underwear made up of synthetic material
Scratching is not a solution to itching problem. Rather it will intensify the condition and will irritate you more.

Video: Showing Top 5 Home Remedies For Vaginal Itching and Burning

When to see a doctor?

If the above mentioned home remedies for vaginal itch does not give you the required results then try consulting a doctor. Doctor is the best person to help you out with this problem. He or she can tell you the main reason for the itch and will give you permanent solution. If you experience the following symptoms then consult a doctor immediately–

Increase in appetite, excessive urination and sudden reduction in weight or exhaustion.
Sudden fevers or pelvic or lower abdominal pain.
Burning sensation in urine
Ulcers or blisters in the vaginal area
Unusual swelling or bleeding in vagina
Symptoms does not go away or reduce on its own or worse after a point of time.

September 22, 2016November 20, 2016

Itchy Breasts

Itchy breasts are in fact quite common amongst women. There are various reasons that can be sought regarding this symptom, the most of them being harmless in nature. However, there are some noted cases when an itchy breast symptom may reflect some grave underlying conditions.

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Itchy Breasts- causes and cures

Dry Skin

Symptoms:

Apart from flaking, crusting or peeling skin conditions there may persist drying skin patches that are much darker or dull in color as compared to the rest of the skin tone.

Cure:

While showering use a bath sponge or a loofah to scrub off the dry flaking or peeling skin. Once the bath is over, pat your skin dry and apply a milk moisturizing cream. Moisturizers with anti-itching properties along with 1% menthol and camphor may be the best.

Environmental or allergy based skin irritation

Agents such as laundry detergents or any other such harsh chemicals may fuel up an allergic reaction. This puts the immune system to a rigorous work which in turn influences the irritation to persist. The causes of unexplained rashes can be blamed on these detergents, soaps and cosmetic skin care items.

Symptoms:

The symptoms usually are redness accompanied by rashes and itching.

Cure:

Soak yourself into a good bath and then moisturize the skin properly. You may also use hydrocortisone topical creams to relieve or tone down any sort of inflammation. If the itch is not caused as a side effect to the allergic reaction, the itching or irritation will still be persistent in nature. In this case, immediately consult a skin care specialist.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is rather a skin condition that targets the entirety of the body. In fact, this is not specifically limited to the breast region.

Symptoms:

Dry scaling patches will appear.

Cure:

A proper cure for psoriasis is not yet diagnosed but with proper treatment you can tone down or soothe the outbreaks. Never scratch the outbreaks. Run yourself a warm bath and soak yourself in some oatmeal, Epsom salt or any other moisturizing bath oil. After bath, moisturize your body and cover it to keep the moisture locked in. you can even opt for anti inflammatory lotions or creams which contain salicylic acid and hydrocortisone. Oral medications may help too.

Breast Eczema

The residue from storage of breast milk usually may result in fungal infection which makes breast feeding women more likely to contract conditions like breast eczema. Also, if you wear too much tight body fit clothing or bra made from synthetic materials, you are more likely exposing yourself to the symptoms of eczema.

Symptoms:

This condition mainly occurs in the nipple region. The areola region too gets affected and the most common symptoms for these are itchy cracking nipples.

Cure:

Going without a bra at home is perfectly okay. You should get more in the habit of using cotton fabric undergarments. Always avoid scratching or itching and apply a topical steroid or a moisturizer to the affected area to keep it hydrated and moist. The leaves of a guava plant re usually anti inflammatory in nature with disinfectant properties in it. Ground fresh guava leaves and make a paste of it which is a good home remedy for this condition.

Yeast Infection:

The fungal agent present behind the causing of a yeast infection is called Candida albicans. This yeast infection mainly occurs in the breast or nipple region of your chest.

Symptoms:

The usual symptoms for this are somewhere in the line of – dwindling supply of milk, itching and rash formation, extreme tenderness in and around the affected areas and burning pain sensations.

Cure:

If this condition occurs during a breast feeding period, both the mother and her baby needs to be subjected to treatment. The chances of the baby contracting the same from the mother through mouth contact are always a risk that needs to be cleared out. For the adult, i.e. the mother oral anti fungal, topical creams and pain killers keep the area dry and clean. For the baby, a topical or a probiotic treatment would do well.

Mastitis

This is mainly an infection that often occurs during the breast feeding time period. This condition affects the breast tissues where the bacteria, the agent for the infection finds a break or a crack in the tissue through which the infection is caused.

Symptoms:

The usual symptoms for this condition can be recognized as- small cut formations in the nipples, inflammation and reddening of the area, itching and fever accompanied by chills, tenderness both in the breast region and the underarms. It also brings along itchy breasts.

Cure:

Ibuprofen, antibiotics or acetaminophen can be used to treat this. Incision and drainage in case of abscess formation may also be a required procedure. Continue breastfeeding by placing the baby in various comfortable nursing postures. Also alternate cold and warm compressions may be of help, gentle massage of the area accompanied by ample amounts of rest does the trick too.

Inflammatory breast cancer

Even though one of the common symptoms of breast cancer is lump formation, in case of inflammatory breast cancer, there would be no lump formation.

Symptoms:

The usual symptoms for these are inflammation of the lymph nodes especially under the arms or underneath the neck, retraction of the nipples, redness, discharge and pain sensation, change in skin texture and of course itchy breasts.

Cure:

Even after a week’s worth of infection, if your conditions don’t show improvement, opt for a biopsy. This type of breast cancer is usually very progressive and strict in nature and expands quite fast. Treatment for this includes chemotherapy to lessen the tumor size followed by radiation and mastectomy.

Paget’s disease of the breasts

Women reaching the 50 year age mark and above are more susceptible to this condition. This is a type of rare cancer that usually initiates the cancer cells at the nipple areas but then slowly progresses towards the areolas.

Symptoms:

The skin in and around the nipple area becomes hard and flaky with crust formation and periodical oozing. The other symptoms for this is- discharge of blood color, tingling and burning sensation in the nipples along with excess itchiness and reddening of the area. A lump in the breast may even form along with an inverted nipple condition. This is a symptom of itchy breasts.

Cure:

The usual treatment for this condition is usually a mastectomy considering the full breast or a lumpectomy considering only a portion of the breast tissue. Post surgery the usual continuation treatment can be hormone therapy, chemo or radiation therapy.

Similar other causes of itchy breasts-

Lacy brassieres: Lace is made up of synthetic material which is why this is one of the main causes as to why itching in the breast may persist. Switch the material from synthetic to cotton and opt for less lacy soft cupped bras.
PMS: During PMS women may experience the itchy breast symptom which can be easily cured using an anti-itch lotion. The anti-itch formula of the topical solution may contain menthol which is pain relieving in nature and would cure irritation or itch of sorts. The lotion that you are using should contain a pH value of 1.0 or less.
Pregnancy: owing to the production of milk in the breasts, during the pregnancy period your breast size would go through an increase. This may cause irritation or itching along with tenderness. Body butters or non aromatic lotions would do just fine for cure.
Breast Growth: Puberty is when your breasts as a girl undergo transformation. Here, at this time itching or discomfort may be quite common for some girls. Use anti-itch topical creams and moisturizers while massaging the area to relieve the irritation or discomfort.

When do Itchy breasts require a doctor visit:

If you are experiencing a sudden itch, doctor’s consultation is of paramount importance.

If the itching is caused by certain type of food allergy, the reaction to this may be strong with a sudden excess urge to scratch it. If you are experiencing a itch that is of the same manner, going with the flow may cause grave anaphylactic reactions. These are- Constriction in the throat, rapid inflammation, unconsciousness, vomiting and difficulty in breathing. Immediately consult a doctor in this case.

August 7, 2016December 2, 2016

Cramping after Period

A menstrual cramp is a main reason for the pain you have before period. The pain could be mild or harsh which generally affects the lower portion of your abdomen along with the pelvic zone. The medical term of the painful menstruation is dysmenorrhea. Most of the women faced cramping after period. Is the pain of cramping a normal phenomenon? To get the detail just go through the article.

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Cramping After Period, Is It Normal?

Cramping occurs in most of the cases of menstruation, but this is not the only reason for the pain. Some associated issues also cause the pain even after completing the period.

Ovulation Is the Reason

This is very common and also the main reason of the periodical pain. During ovulation, eggs get out from the ovaries which do not create any problem under the natural situation. The problem occurs almost after 15 days of the last period and you may go through the mittelschmerz condition which causes the pelvic pain along with cramps during ovulation.

Devices of Birth Control

Have you inserted any intrauterine device in your uterus? Then the chance of cramping after period is high enough. To prevent the contact of sperms and eggs medical experts implant small plastic based birth control devices into the uterus which helps in preventing the unwanted pregnancy. Some ladies experienced little cramps due to the implantation of birth control devices after a certain time

Due To Endometriosis

During endometriosis, the tissues of uterine develop in the ovaries whereas the exact location should be the uterus for growing the tissues. This condition is generally the reason of cramping after period like pain. Like usual uterine tissue, this fully developed special type uterine tissues though break out and bleed but cannot get out from the body during the period. Many women go through a constant pain due to pelvic cramps which increase at the time of periods.

Adenomyosis Also Responsible

The muscular wall of the uterus is having the endometrial glandular tissue. Adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus which causes abnormal growth of the endometrial glandular tissue along with multiple other symptoms like the loosing of blood, extensive period, unusual bleeding of uterine along with the cramping after period.

Fibroids of Uterine

Sometimes the cramping occurs due to the presence of non-cancerous tumors into the smooth muscle of the uterus. Apart from cramping after period, the tumors are also responsible for different symptoms like increasing weight of the waistline, abnormal bleeding, and frequent urination.

Due To Cysts of the Ovary

A cyst appears inside the ovary due to multiple different reasons which are responsible for harsh pain. The prime reason of dysmenorrhea is these cysts which lead severe complication that can make a woman infertile. Polycystic ovarian syndrome also may happen apart from cramping after period due to the ovarian cysts.

Inflammation of Pelvic Zone Causes

The cramping after period may occur due to the infection inside the uterus, ovary or fallopian tube of a woman. Sometimes the infections get severe and cause infertility apart from tissue scarring. Discontinuous bleeding during menstruation along with vaginal discharge is the symptom of the pelvic inflammation.

Time to See a Doctor

Now it is clear to you that multiple reasons are there which produce pain along with cramping after period. If the pain creates a constant hectic to you then you must visit your doctor as soon as possible. Never get late to consult with your doctor if the pain of cramping occurs along with blood stool and dizziness or high fever. As per your condition, your doctor may treat the problems by examine the pelvic zone and suggests some imaging tests accordingly to conduct an exact diagnosis.

Tips of Dealing with the Cramping After Period

Proper diagnosis is a must thing to do if you are having the painful cramping after period. The points of dealing with the cramping after menstruation are:

Medications

Proper medication such as consuming of steroid free anti-inflammatory drugs can help. As per the doctor’s suggestion combine antibiotics should be taken apart from the hormonal cure and the pills for birth control. If the problems are due to the cysts or fluid-filled sacs then undergoing surgery is the best, as per the condition of your reproductive system to get rid of the pain. How to treat cramping is completely dependent upon your doctor.

Home Therapies

Some home remedies you can try which are easy to apply and also works effectively to reduce the pain of cramping after period. Here are the tips below:

Some analgesics or OTC painkillers help in reducing the intensity of the pain causes due to the menstruation which you can have while the pain becomes severe.
Take a warm shower whenever you want which gives relaxation by trimming the pain.
Tea, coffee or warm milk is perfect for drinking during the pain as these beverages help to manage the pain perfectly.
Apply a warm pad on the lower portion of your abdomen which helps in managing the pain properly.
To get rid of the pain causing cramps you can apply some easy techniques of relaxation at home.

August 3, 2016August 4, 2016

Vaginal PH Balance

The balance between basic and acidic defines the PH balance of Vagina. Vaginal health is comprehensively dependent on the level of PH, which is controlled by certain bacteria. Generally, it lies between of 3.8 to 4.5; it means it is slightly acidic. It can be balanced externally with the use of proper medication. The indication of high-level vaginal PH evokes about the lack of acidity while on the opposite end, the lower level of PH indicates a high presence of acidity. What kind of problem will you face due to the excess vaginal PH level? The answer is that you need to face unusual pain at the time of urinating, or may feel irritation at the vagina, or itching, and relevant discharge. To know more about vaginal PH balance, read here-

Click here to know about causes and symptoms of sharp pain in vagina

Causes of Vaginal PH Imbalance

Menstruation and Tampons

The normal PH level of our blood is 7.4 that is far above than the healthy PH level of the vagina. Tampons are such unwanted organ here that can cause the generation of PH imbalance by soaking menstrual fluids and blood for a prolonged time period. This unhygienic condition becomes worst when it left same in the place for few hours. It can help to grow bacteria in such moist and warm environment.

2.Intercourse

During the time of intercourse, numerous types of body fluids, sweat, semen are eliminated at the vaginal junction. Semen carries the level of PH from 7.1 to 8, which is much more than the level of vaginal PH. With the attachment of such kind of fluid, the vaginal PH tends to lead towards an imbalance. Apart from male secretion, females are also responsible for producing specific type of lubricant when they get aroused. Nevertheless, some women have no enough secretion at the same time. As a result, due to insufficient production of lubricant, the irritation between labia and vagina is increased and it finishes with great PH imbalance. This is one of the major reasons for vaginal PH balance disruption.

3.Douching

In order to maintain the Ph level of the vagina, you need to keep it slightly inclined to acidic. Water spray can cause the increase of vaginal Ph as it keeps the Ph of 7. Moreover, any application like a scent of perfumes may often lead to the vaginal irritation triggering the respective imbalance in Ph level.

4.Medications

Medication can also become the reason of vaginal PH imbalance. Numerous varieties of medications from antihistamines to birth control medicines can affect to an improper ratio of PH. Apart from disturbing the levels of body chemicals, hormones, and Ph level, it can create the imbalance in vaginal proportion also.

5.Hormonal changes

Hormone plays an important role to keep the balance of Ph in our body. There are many reasons why the hormone level can vary such as menopause, pregnancy and menstrual cycle and much more. These can have an unwanted impact on vaginal Ph balance disturbance.

Maintaining Vaginal PH Balance

In order to maintain the vaginal PH balance within the natural range, you need to practice some safe features that include cleansing of vagina regularly, avail healthy and hygienic sex life and much more.

Avoid douching

Despite being a cleaning item, douching or spraying of an alcoholic item may create injury rather than good. With a single spray, water, and relevant fluids gets insert into the vagina that can produce an imbalance of vaginal PH. Moreover, you are asked to get out from the habit of using cleansing soap on the vulva. It will be better for you to consult with your doctor for appropriate cleaning method in case you are facing any rough odour from that section.

2.Eat a healthy diet for vaginal PH balance

Diet and adequate hydration are essential for good health of vagina. To prevent the infections of yeast and to treat accurately, you can consume yogurt and cranberry juice. In addition, soya product helps to reduce the irritation due to vaginal dryness. On the other hand, try to avoid the sugar content in case Ph levels are not proper.

3.Wear proper clothing

The synthetic cloths or fabrics can become the reason behind the internal hot generation and unwanted moisture produce. This allows growing the bacteria leads to Ph imbalance and infection. Get the habit of wearing cotton made underwear and change the wet clothing in this close point as soon as possible.

4.Use a condom during sex

Semen is the product of sex that is basic and can destroy the balance of vaginal PH. Therefore, there is no better choice to avoid this kind of imbalance due to semen injection in vaginal point as well as to protect particular types of sexually transmitted diseases.

5.Wash with plain and warm water

It is advisable the use of slightly hot water in the area of vagina and vulva. In addition, you can apply perfume free soap to maintain the Ph level making no disturbance further. An example of mild soap is glycerine soap that is perfect for applying in vaginal wash.

6.Change sanitary napkins frequently

Sanitary napkins and tampons are used to suck menstrual blood. If you leave a wet pad or tampons for a long time, the vaginal contact gets enhanced the level of Ph due to the flow of blood. In order to keep the PH level in a proper ratio, change the napkins in regular interval.

7.Visit your gynecologist regularly

The women, who turn over 21, must go to a personal gynecologist for checking up. Those who are active in sex are requested to join the yearly-based pap seamers to identify any vital change in the vagina is happened or not. In such case, early detection of cancer may catch.

When to see a doctor for vaginal PH balance

Always it has been shown that the abnormal hike of vaginal PH level can create a disorder like vaginitis. Nevertheless, it is also a type of sexually transmitted diseases or can have appeared due to insufficient estrogens secretion during menopause or pregnancy. If you are suffering or experiencing any special symptoms of vaginitis like burning, itching, unusual odour, improper discharge or something else, go under the medication of your personal gynecologist. Moreover, sometimes it may happen that you get the desired outcome of balance PH level in the homely test, though it may not be the perfect result. The accurate guide for you is to consult with the relevant medical professional.

July 23, 2016July 23, 2016

Spotting Before Period

Through spotting before period, we mean light bleeding, which occurs between 10-15 days at the onset of the new menstrual cycle. There are varied reasons, which are responsible for this. Most women experience some kind of spotting at some point. Spotting can be an extremely embarrassing or even an uncomfortable situation which further promotes women for seeking out an explanation for the occurrence. This is mostly the case when it has not occurred before. In most situations, light spotting before period is not at all a cause for concern. However, when it takes place continuously or when it is accompanied by varied symptoms, it further indicates an underlying symptom.

Causes of Spotting Before Period

The menstrual cycle lasts for at least 28 days, which includes the time span of the period occurring for about 4-7 days. This takes place at the end of the cycle. It is extremely common for the cycle to be longer or even shorter that the time period, while your period can last up to 8 days. Vaginal bleeding takes place after the period but before the onset of the next menstrual cycle. This situation is referred to as vaginal bleeding. The spotting before period caused might be extremely light while leaving just a faint hint of pink on the underwear or on the toilet paper. This further includes few droplets of blood or a flow, which is heavy enough for resembling the regular period. There is a wide array of possible causes of the symptoms.

Causes	Description
Pregnancy	Spotting before period, in situations of pregnancy, is a sign that the fetus has attached to the uterine wall. This might occur in situations before you realise that you are pregnant. Spotting takes place at the end of the pregnancy period on the mucus plug loosening when the body further prepares for labour
perimenopause	In the phase where the body makes transitions to not have regular periods, spotting takes place. At the time of menopause, spotting might not occur when the body no longer experiences a regular menstrual cycle. In cases, when vaginal bleeding takes place before menopause, a medical professional should investigate it at the earliest.
Ovulation	Most women do not have the awareness of when the body starts ovulating, but some women experience spotting which is caused by the increment of oestrogen which occurs during this time. The increase in oestrogen eventually leads to the expulsion of the uterine lining, which results in the period.
Miscarriage	In some situations, spotting before period caused before missing period is a sign of miscarriage. These often include symptoms such as lower backaches, cramping in the abdomen and even pelvic pain.
Endometriosis	An abnormal growth might take place in the uterine tissue, which causes Endometriosis. When the levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, it leads to the bleeding of the growths. This further gives the appearance of spotting.
Uterus Fibroids	The uterine wall faces a harmless benign outgrowth, which is referred to as Fibroids. These usually rupture which leads to spotting before the period.
Cancer	Cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers lead to spotting. In these situations, an ultrasound is performed in order to check for a growth, which could be a factor of contribution to the bleeding. Your doctor further determines if the growth is malignant.
Decreasing Progesterone	In order to maintain the lining of the uterus, progesterone is extremely necessary. A drop is its level leads to spotting which takes place just before the period. This may be light brown or pink in colour.
Side Effects of medication	Spotting before period may also be caused by the menstrual cycle due to blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen. At this point of time, the body faces high levels of hypothyroidism along with insulin, which is caused due to the imbalance caused by the hormones. This further increases the risk of spotting.
Oral Contraceptives	Vaginal discharge along with spotting is extremely common for women who use hormonal birth control injections, Intrauterine devices or even pills. Some women further experience spotting when the use of birth control options is stopped.
Stress	The hormone levels face fluctuations because of stress. This causes the appearance of a brownish discharge before the period.
Other causes	Spotting can also be caused by conditions like cervical, polyps, varicose veins, ulcers, infections in the vaginal canal and others.

Home remedies for Spotting before Period

Spotting can be an extremely inconvenient and annoying problem; hence, remedies for spotting before period can be availed for control.

Home remedy	Instruction
Birth control pills should be taken.	Missing of doses of birth control pills frequently causes spotting before period or alteration of the menstrual cycle. It is extremely important to take the pills every day around the same time as been prescribed in order to avoid the side effect.
Change Birth control methods	Women using intrauterine Devices frequently experience spotting. When you switch to birth control measures, it can help you eliminate the side effect caused.
Limit Aspirin Intake	A blood thinner known as aspirin is responsible for causing bleeding.
Get Regular Pap Smears	It is extremely important to take the time for checking cervical cancer before the occurrence of spotting before period. This is done in order to ensure that there is no kind of underlying cause. Cervical cancer is generally treatable while making a Pap smear a valuable examination.
Keep a healthy weight	Conditions related to obesity leads to increase the risk of uterine cancer. This is caused mainly among women who have been through menopause.
Manage Stress	Stress results in the alteration of the menstrual cycle while resulting in irregular periods or frequent spotting. Managing stress by practising medications, deep breathing and others help in eliminating the symptoms.
Long menstrual cycle	It is important to keep tracks of the days when your menstrual cycle starts and finishes.

When to see a doctor

Light spotting before period is usually not a concern but heavy bleeding lasting for several hours should be taken into consideration. Consult your doctor if any kind of vaginal bleeding lasts for more than 3 days.

May 25, 2016December 15, 2016

Sharp Pain in Vagina: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Sharp Pain in Vagina, also known as vulvodynia, is a very common ailment in women of all age groups. Without a clear cause, these are mostly never taken seriously. Most women do not even get diagnosed with the problem. However, vaginal pains should be taken seriously, not as a medical condition but as a source of deep discomfort in the patient’s life. It can turn your life upside down, reducing your need to socialize with others, and completely hampering your sex life. In this article we will learn in details about all the symptoms and types of sharp vagina pain and how to cure them.

Types Of Sharp Pain In Vagina

Sharp vaginal pains can be divided into sharply two types, one of which is the normal pain, and the other is a condition called vulvar vestibulitis.

In the first case, generalized pain is felt in the vagina at various times throughout the day. This pain can be constant or can come and go every few minutes. Touching the vagina may be a reason of these kinds of pain, and hence touching should be avoided at all costs to prevent further damage.

In the second case, that is, the case of the vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, it feels as if someone is cutting the vagina open or burning it. This kind of pain plagues the life of almost 10 to 15% of women, disrupting their normal sexual experiences completely. Women suffering from this kind of pain should definitely consult the doctor.

Causes Of Sharp Pain In Vagina

No real or direct cause of sharp vaginal pains is known till date. However, in majority of the women populace, these are caused by some sort of underlying medical condition which is yet not diagnosed. Sometimes, the pain also has a lot to do with mental or psychological well being rather than physical well being. Depression can be a reason of these kinds of vaginal pains. Below is listed the various causes of sharp vaginal pains.

Cancer or cysts near the vagina.
Aggressive sexual intercourse or even sexual abuse leads to sharp pains.
Hormonal changes due to menopause or any other medical condition.
Muscle spasms or seizures around the genitalia can be a big cause.
Chronic nerve injury due to some kind of cut or infection in the vaginal region.
Infection or trauma of any sort to the vaginal region due to accidents can also lead to stabbing pains.
Genetic chronic inflammation can lead to sharp pain in vagina.
Past genital surgery may also be a cause of the problem.
Yeast infection is also known for causing stabbing pains in the vagina.

Symptoms of sharp pain in vagina

Aside from the pains in the main vaginal area, there are also other symptoms that need to be looked out for such as a stinging, burning sensation in the lower abdomen region, itchiness in the vagina during peeing, painful sexual intercourse, sharp cutting sensation in the labia and vulva, and irritation in the vaginal region.

The above symptoms can appear together or show up on after the other, and should be carefully noted. They might increase upon physical contact, so avoid touching the region at all costs. Of course, the discomfort prevents you from doing general activities too, like cycling, dancing, swimming, and more.

Although sharp vaginal pains are mostly localized pains which subside after a few days of care and attention, it is still safe to consult the doctor if one of more of these symptoms surface.

Treatment procedures

No particular treatment procedure is available for sharp vaginal pains as no particular reason can ever be found. In fact, different women are given different treatment and medication depending on their symptoms and their lifestyle, and even after administering medical help, the pains may or may not subside.

It is hard to find the perfect treatment for a particular patient, and one often has to go through various treatment procedures to find the one most suited to their symptoms. So the length of the treatment varies greatly from patient to patient. The key is to be as free and comfortable with the doctor as possible, so make sure that you are free with your doctor to talk about any and all kinds of discomfort, otherwise you will never be able to find relief from your pains.

Some of the most popular treatment procedures followed by most doctors are listed below.

Anticonvulsants and antidepressants are often prescribed to women suffering from sharp vaginal pains. The use of antidepressants is mainly due to the fact that most vaginal pains are borne out of mental and psychological problems rather than physical problems. In case of itching, antihistamines are also prescribed.

Injections are mostly used when the woman does not respond to normal medications. The injection numbs down the pain of the pudendal nerve, which is a sensory nerve connected to the pelvic region. This nerve controls all the other nerves of the external genitalia, which is exactly why the injection is used. It decreases and, sometimes, absolutely erases all traces of pain in the area. However, if the pains still continue to bother the patient, the nerves are ablated.

Local anaesthetics like lidocaine provide immediate but temporary relief. These work best especially before sexual encounters as it helps you enjoy the experience without any sort of pain. You must apply the anaesthetic around 30 minutes before you engage in sexual contact. Your partner may experience temporary numbness after the intercourse due to the anaesthetic.

Physical therapy can help the patient get relief from the pains if they are more of a psychological problem than physical problem. Biofeedback therapy and relaxation can help your body relax certain muscles of your body, including the genital muscles which are mainly responsible for the sharp vaginal pains. These therapy sessions also strengthen the muscles of the genitalia, helping them deal with the pains much effectively. With these therapy procedures at your aide, you will experience much fainter vaginal pains, or maybe none at all.

Surgery is a very final solution of sharp pain in vagina. When a particular region of pain is identified and isolated, removing it surgically becomes the best solution to the persistent problem of vaginal pains. There is no chance for the pains to return if the affected area is removed surgically.

The pelvic floor therapy is another therapy method which helps women strengthen their pelvic muscles which in turn helps reduce their sharp vaginal pains.

Things you can do at home

Using good quality and soft toiler paper is very important if you have a sensitive skin.
Cotton is the most preferable fabric when it comes to panties, tampons and pads, at it lets the skin breathe freely, and also prevents the accumulation of moisture down there. Wear only pure cotton undergarments to prevent any kind of irritation in the genitalia.
Avoid any activities which put pressure on your vulva, like cycling, biking and horseback riding.
Avoid putting soap or shampoo in your vaginal region as that can cause irritation. Instead, use special vaginal washes that contain the right amount of alkali to maintain the pH level of your sensitive area.
Always use lubrication before engaging in any sort of sexual intercourse.
Always clean your vulva after urination with cold water. Do this after having intercourse as well, as this prevents accumulated germs from multiplying amongst themselves.
Try to avoid hot water baths and instead opt for lukewarm water baths.
You can apply petroleum jelly to your vulva to protect the region from irritation or abrasion throughout the day.