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Complex Ovarian Cysts – What Are They and What You Need to Know

Comments: 0July 12th, 2011 by admin



In general ovarian cysts are relatively common among women. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and require little or no treatment, disappearing on their own. Complex ovarian cysts in contrast are more uncommon and can result in serious complications and symptoms.

The more serious health risks accompanied with complex ovarian cysts are generally due to both their make up and their size. Where as a regular ovarian cyst is only filled with fluid, the complex ovarian cyst has both solid and liquid components. There are three types of complex ovarian cysts: Endometrioma, Eermoid and Cystadenomas cysts.

Endometrioma cysts, also known as “chocolate cysts” is a cyst in the ovary that is lined with endometriosis. The endometrioma cyst grows each month as a result of the endometriosis growing and shedding, this is where the “chocolate fluid” starts to accumulate and the cyst grows. This type of cyst can be devastating to a woman’s reproductive function, resulting in extensive adhesion formation and damage to the fallopian tubes which is irreversible. An Endometrioma cyst can grow in size comparable with a grapefruit. Symptoms include considerable pain before and after the menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual periods, pain during intercourse and fatigue.

Demoid cysts are formed from a germ that is in the ovary; many times this germ is present at birth. These types of cysts grow very slowly and are rarely cancerous, 98% being benign. Demoid cysts often contain hair, teeth, muscle, bone, tissue and glands. As the ovarian cyst grows they can become painful, possibly twisting the ovaries or rupturing.

There are two types of Cystadenomas cysts; Serous cystadenomas, which are filled with a thin watery fluid and Musinous cystadenomas which are filled with a sticky, thick gelatinous material. Serous can grow to average of 2 to 6 inches in diameter, while the Musinous can become quite large and grow between 6 to 12 inches in diameter. Both types can cause twisting of the ovary resulting in extreme pain.

When an ovarian cyst is discovered to be of the complex type, they need to be evaluated through testing by your doctor to determine if they are cancerous. Even though not all complex ovarian cysts are cancerous, the possibility needs to be ruled out. Many times the only way to deal with complex ovarian cysts is by having them surgically removed.

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What is Endometriosis?

Comments: 0June 27th, 2011 by admin



Women often hear about endometriosis as a condition that can happen to women of reproductive ages. Naturally, they would ask “what is endometriosis?” The uterus has an inner lining called endometrium. This endometrium is a very important part of the uterus for this is where the egg cell would implant itself after fertilization. If fertilization does not happen, it sloughs off during a woman’s menstrual cycle. In endometriosis, the endometrium grows in other parts of the body other than the uterus. It can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or on the superficial lining of the pelvic cavity.

When delving into the question of “what is endometriosis,” do understand that the condition is benign. It can affect 3% to 18% of women in the United States that are within their reproductive years. Endometriosis occurs in some women when they start experiencing menstrual periods. The condition also stops when the woman reaches menopausal stage. It is not understood what causes endometriosis and why some women can go through life without experiencing the condition. Some do not seek treatment because the signs and symptoms of endometriosis can be masked by the same signs and symptoms during menstruation. These symptoms can include:

- Painful menstrual cycle that increases in severity through time

- Pain during and/or after intercourse

- Pain during bowel movement

- Dull, heavy feeling along the pelvic area and lower back that can occur anytime, without warning. In some women, the condition is experienced throughout the day.

To answer “what is endometriosis,” it is one of the common causes of pelvic pain or discomfort in women. It is also among the leading reasons why women have to undergo laparoscopic surgery. There are medications prescribed to limit the pain brought about by endometriosis and may even prevent its growth. NSAID’s are generally given to lessen the pain and inflammation around the pelvic area. Birth control pills are also prescribed to help prevent proliferation of endometrial implants, but they are only given to women who have no plans of getting pregnant. If NSAID’s and birth control pills do not work, some hormonal therapy is prescribed to limit the proliferation and even shrink the size of endometrial implants.

The problem with these hormonal therapies is that they induce a state somewhat similar to menopause where your menstrual cycle is completely halted. Side effects of these drugs are similar to the discomforts experienced by women in menopausal age, and they even increase the risk of osteoporosis. Hormonal replacement therapy for endometriosis includes gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRH analogs), Progestin, and Danazol. These medications must only be taken with the recommendation of the doctor and must be taken according to physician’s instructions.

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Ovulation Cycles

Comments: 0April 25th, 2011 by admin



The development of a human being is a traumatic or pleasurable journey, depending on the reception a female egg receives on its journey from ovary to uterus via the fallopian tube. The menstrual cycle is a minor hurdle, as the duration of the menstrual cycle has to be considered for this excursion. The hardships can differ from eight or nine days to more than 21 days, and is successful when cervical mucus turns sticky, white, milky or cloudy. This is a signal for ovulation.

The Ovulation Cycle begins with the secretion of two hormones by the pituitary gland situated in the brain. Production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) is controlled by an area of brain called the hypothalamus. This hypothalamus works like a computer, analyzing nervous signals from areas of the brain affected by emotions and environmental factors, such as stress and nutrition. It analyzes hormonal signals, oestradiol and progesterone, generated by ovaries and other endocrine glands and transmitted into blood stream. The sum total of these activities determines the quality of the ovarian activity.

It is a well-set machine, sending signals to the ovaries to prepare release of eggs ensconced in individual follicles. The dominant egg forges ahead to the next phase, and ovulation occurs about 12 to 24 hours after LH surge. The follicle then forms into a cyst, corpus luteum, responsible for producing progesterone to nurture a fertilized egg. This stage signals PMS symptoms such as breast soreness, moodiness and water retention. The final stage is when this fertilized egg embeds itself in the uterine wall and produces human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). The presence of this hormone is instrumental in alerting the ovary to continue with its function. If somehow the ovary does not receive the signal it stops generating progesterone 9 to 11 days after ovulation, causing shedding of uterine lining, or menstruation, and is the start of another Ovulation Cycle.

The crucial difference in individual Ovulation Cycles is how women accept this most fertile period of the cycle. The egg can live for about 20 hours after ovulation, and if 2 eggs get matured the second is released within 24 hours of the first. It is a possibility that an Ovulation Cycle can occur without ovulating. It generally occurs in girls who have just started menstruating, breastfeeding women, or those going through menopause, or in women whose cycles extend to more than 35 days.

There is a flip side to every pleasure. The Ovulation Cycle can be a cause of ovarian cancer, due to its demand of rebuilding of tissues and new cells through synthesis of DNA.

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Ovulation Tests

Comments: 0January 1st, 2011 by admin

Instinct tells a woman that she is ready to conceive, but to be doubly sure take personal or laboratory tests. For starters, estimate the approximate time of ovulation by calculating the length of the average menstrual cycle. Begin from day one, that is the first day of the menstrual period, and the last day is the day before the next period begins. If the menstrual cycle is 28 days, then subtract 17 days, which equals day 11. Use the predictor kit on day 11 and continue testing until positive. This means that you will ovulate within 24 to 36 hours.

This sounds intimidating, but in non-medical terms ovulation is interplay of glands and their hormones. Presence of progesterone is confirmed through blood tests and if the level is higher than 20nmol/L it is indicative of ovulation having taken place. The blood test is done around 3 to 10 days before the first day of menses. Another method to test ovulation is through pregnancy ultrasound whereby the presence of a fetus is verified. For women trying to conceive it is not advisable, as pelvic ultrasound has a similar success rate as pregnancy ultrasound. Other methods of testing are checking on cervical mucous changes, basal body temperature or salivary ferning three to four days prior to ovulation.

Ovulation Tests are gaining popularity through the use of ovulation calendars or predictor kits to pin down fertile periods or avoid unwanted pregnancies. Normally women ovulate in the middle of the monthly menstrual cycle, depending on the length of the cycle. Sometimes ovulation happens twice in a month or, in an unhealthy body, plays truant. Avoid drinking too much water or frequent urination when taking an Ovulation Test, as it limits accuracy.

For urine Ovulation Testing an early morning urine sample is ideal, as it contains the maximum concentrated hCG presence. If testing during the day, do not urinate 3 to 4 hours before test. The response time for a home Ovulation Test is about five minutes. Since the LH surge at time of ovulation is brief, one should test at right time of month and day.

Another method of Ovulation Test is through test strips with control color bands and intensity baselines for reference. Certain medicines have an adverse effect on test results, especially fertility drugs or pills. Consult your doctor or wait for two menstrual cycles before monitoring LH levels. For maximum effect, store test kits at room temperature and read instructions carefully before doing a test. Other tracking devices are Basal Body temperature thermometer and mini microscopes for testing saliva or cervical mucus. An understanding of your ovulation cycle will help identify the testing methods.

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Ovulation and Important Aspects of Fertility-Infertility

Comments: 0November 30th, 2010 by admin



Ovulation is a part of the menstrual cycle wherein a mature ovary discharges an egg called an Ovum. When this egg and sperm from the male organ unite, fertilization takes place. The ovulation calendar is designed in such a way, to help women predict when she will be most fertile. Ovulation generally occurs between day 10 and day 19 of the menstrual cycle.

Conversely, when a woman is not able to conceive and the man is unable to impregnate a woman after one year of trying, the person is said to be infertile. This term is not used for woman who are near or post, menopause period. Fertility is an important part of any couple planning on a family.

During ovulation the man must be able to ejaculate enough semen and sperms so that the sperms are able to travel to the fallopian tube to unite with the egg of the female. After fertilization, the fertilized egg must attach itself to the inside of the uterus and it must be nourished by the body to form a fetus, which in turn develops and grows until it is ready for birth. This is why using a ovulation calendar can be a valuable asset.

Problems arising in any of the steps can lead to infertility. A woman who is able to complete the process is termed as fertile woman. Causes of infertility in a man or a woman can be from unknown factors, environmental factors such as age, stress, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, genetic conditions or health problems.

Premature ovarian failure is one of the factors. When the normal functioning of the ovaries stop before the age of 40, it is termed as premature ovarian failure. Other causes are – blocked fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammation disease or surgery, physical problem with uterine wall, and possibly uterine fibroids.

There are various methods of treating infertility -

1 Artificial Insemination – Insemination means the placement of sperm in a woman’s reproductive tract, with the objective to cause pregnancy. Insemination needs to be done when the woman is most fertile i.e. about 24 to 48 hrs before ovulation is expected. This is the most common treatment.

2 Intravaginal Insemination – This is the simplest kind of insemination and involves the placement of sperm into the vagina. The sperm must be placed as close to the cervix as possible. This method is used when there are no problems with the woman’s fertility.

3 Intracervical Insemination – In this the sperm is placed directly inside the cervix using a needless syringe. The sperm need not be washed as it is not being placed directly inside the uterus. However, it may be pre-washed to increase the chances of success.

4 Intratubal Insemination – This involves the placement of pre-washed sperm directly into the woman’s fallopian tube. This is done with the help of special catheter that goes through the cervix up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. This method involves laparoscopic surgery. This method is very uncommon as there is great risk of infection.

If a woman is fertile she can be pregnant anytime during the menstrual cycle. Fertility is at its peak two days before and 2 days after the ovulation date. The ovule is usually capable of being fertilized for up to 48 hrs after it is released from the ovary and sperm survives between 48 to 72 hrs in the uterus. By using the ovulation calendar it takes the guess work out of when you are at the height of your ovulation.

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Symptoms and Pains – Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

Comments: 0June 26th, 2010 by admin



The symptoms of endometriosis and ovarian cancer symptoms have some overlap, which is why some women with endometriosis worry about the risk of developing ovarian cancer. But before you jump to conclusions lets take a look at the symptoms of endometriosis versus ovarian cancer.

During your monthly period, your uterine wall is shed, and appears as bloody discharge. This is actually a remnant of the endometrium, a layer of muscle and blood designed to support an embryo. If the egg your body releases every month is not fertilized, hormones signal your uterus to shed the uterine lining.

For endometriosis sufferers, endometrial tissue similar to the uterus lining is found in areas outside of the uterus. This migrating endometrial tissue adheres to surrounding organs, causing inflammation and scar tissue to form, resulting in you feeling severe pain, usually at the same time as your menstrual cycle.

This rogue endometrial tissue not only effects the organs found in the pelvic cavity, but also can migrate and attach itself to the bladder, bowel, intestines and colon. In rare cases endometrial lesions have been found in the lungs, spine, and brain and on the skin.

Endometriosis, however, is not cancer.

Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, entails the formation of cysts on your ovaries. These cysts are often benign, and can be removed by surgery if they are detected early.

However, if they start moving to other parts of the body, ovarian cancer can become malignant.

Fluctuations or abnormalities in hormonal levels in your body most likely cause both endometriosis and ovarian cancer. According to studies, women with endometriosis are also more likely to develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.

So, what are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Severe, disabling pain in the abdominal area that gets worse over time can be the first sign of endometriosis.

Other symptoms will include, but are not limited to:

Vomiting

Nausea

abnormal or irregular menstrual cycles, including bleeding or spotting in between periods

painful urination

painful bowel movements

painful sexual intercourse

heavy menstrual periods

back pain during menstruation

infertility or difficulty conceiving.

Compare these to the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Like endometriosis, women with ovarian cancer will experience pain, although this will manifest at first as a sense of heaviness in the pelvic area.

Other signs of ovarian cancer will include:

vaginal bleeding

abnormal or irregular menstrual cycles

progressive but unexplainable back pain

increased weight gain around the abdomen

inexplicable weight gain or loss

vomiting

nausea

bloody stool

loss of appetite

increased urination

excessive or increased hair growth

increased fluids lining the lungs

sometimes even positive readings on pregnancy tests even if the affected woman is not pregnant.

Because the two illnesses are closely linked, the symptoms of endometriosis versus ovarian cancer can overlap. If you suspect that you have endometriosis or ovarian cancer, consult with your physician immediately. Read as much as you can, and do research on your condition, so that you are better informed on the therapy options available to you.

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Endometriosis and Folic Acids

Comments: 0April 10th, 2010 by admin



As we mentioned in previous articles, endometriosis growing somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. As we know, nutritional supplements play a very important role in treating all kind of diseases. In this article, we will discuss how folic acid helps to treat endometriosis.

I. Definition
Folic acid is one of the members of the vitamin B complex family and is a water soluble vitamin. It also known as vitamin M or folacin. It’s major function is to maintain normal growth and DNA of our body’s cells. It has a chemical structure formula of C19H19N7O6.

II. How folic acids helps in treating endometriosis

1. Anemia
Since folic acid deficiency limits cell division, women with endometriosis with heavy blood flow during menstruation are required to take enough folic acid to help in production of red blood cell. If not, it will lead to megaloblastic anemia.

2. Cell abnormality
Since folic acid is necessary for cell division, deficiency of it will lead to abnormality of some cells in the body. Some endometrial cells may become cancerous or grow into endometrial cells in the abdomen.

3. Protein synthesis
Folic acids interact with other members of the vitamin B complex family in the metabolism of protein. This helps to provide nutrients to the cells in the nervous system. Deficiency of folic acids cause the weakening of the nervous system leading to symptoms of endometriosis.

4. Abnormal cell growth
Folic acid is essential to normal DNA replication, DNA repair, and cell division. Deficiency of folic acid interferes with cell production and cannot repair the damage of cell caused by toxin accumulated in the body leading to abnormal cell growth.

5. Heart disease and stroke
Deficiency of folic acid may help to decrease the circulating level of homocytesteine in the blood. Study shows that high levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream damages coronary arteries or makes it easier for blood clotting, resulting in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

6. Endometrial cancer
Since we already know that adequate levels of folic acid helps in the synthesis, repair, and functioning of DNA. Deficiency of folic acid may result in damage to DNA that may lead to cancer.

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The Important Part the Ovulation Calendar Plays in Fertility-Infertility

Comments: 0March 10th, 2010 by admin



What exactly is ovulation? Every month, an ovary releases an egg, which is mature and with that release, some women could experience a slight pain or discomfort and there might be some bleeding from the vagina, although very little. The eggs are stored in the ovaries, but they are then immature and the maturing takes place with two hormones. For normal ovulation to occur, these hormones must have the right amounts during the monthly cycle. This is where an ovulation calendar comes in handy in determining when this is at its peak. Fertility is an important aspect of every couple’s life. It can be a devastating if the couple is facing infertility issues and they are hoping to start a family.

There are ovulation calendars sold to determine when you are ovulating, but better still you can get a ovulation calendar free online. Then there are ovulation kits that you can buy and use at home, based on your urine, no matter how long your menstrual cycle is. The results of the test will be helpful in determining when you are at your peak to get pregnant, or not to have intercourse, if you prefer not to get pregnant. These kits predict when you will ovulate, before it takes place in your body.

You will need to use the test for about five days in the middle of your cycle, around the eleventh day after your period. The increase in hormones will be detected at that time. There will be a definite change in the color in the test, when the hormone levels increase to a certain point in the urine.

The days when you will be the most fertile, would be when the hormone levels are at their peak and during the following two days. If you want to get pregnant, then this is the time to have intercourse, or to abstain if you prefer not to be pregnant. It is a very simple test, as all you do is place the test stick in your flow of urine and then wait for the results to take place. These test sticks are not very expensive either.

You will need an ovulation calendar to keep track of your monthly period, either to prevent pregnancy or to see when it is the best time to get pregnant. You should chart your ovulation, using a ovulation calendar and record the dates of your periods. Mark the first day of your period as day one. In the next month, you will do the same, put the first day on the calendar, then count the days in between those dates and you will find out by using this method, the length of the cycle.

You can purchase a ovulation calendar or get one free online to keep track of all the information needed. It is similar to an organizer and all you do is enter when your period was and how long it lasted. This device will then tell you when to abstain from intercourse if an unwanted pregnancy is to be deterred, or when the best time is to get pregnant.

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Pregnancy Tips – How to Conceive

Comments: 0August 16th, 2009 by admin



It seems that every couple should already know how to conceive and yet frustration sinks in when they keep on failing to get pregnant. The timing of intercourse must be optimized to coincide with ovulation so that conception can take place. Even then, there is only about 30% chance that the sperm cell will be able to survive the journey to reach the egg and fertilize it.

To determine the best days to conceive, you have to find out how long your menstrual cycle is. Most women have a 28 day cycle, and their ovulation period takes place on day 14 of the cycle. However, some women have a longer or shorter cycle and it can be more difficult determining the best day to have intercourse in order to get pregnant.

If you want to tell exactly when you will ovulate, you can use an ovulation detection kit that you can buy at a drugstore. This will tell you the best time to have sex so that you will be able to have a baby.

A very important thing to consider is the survival of the sperm inside the woman’s body. Sperm cells can survive for up to five days under the best conditions. The woman’s cervical mucus plays a very important role in the sperm’s survival.

When a woman is approaching her ovulation period, her cervical mucus will become wet, slippery, opaque and stretchy. This kind of cervical mucus provides a healthy environment for the sperm to survive for a few days.

The best time to have sex and get pregnant is during the three days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation itself.

Knowing when and how to conceive is not difficult. You should observe your body closely and see the changes taking place in it. Find out when your ovulation day takes place by using an ovulation detection kit or observing the appearance of your cervical mucus. With the right timing, you will be able to succeed in getting pregnant fast.

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Getting Pregnant During Ovulation – 5 Surefire Ways to Predict Your Ovulation Dates

Comments: 0June 3rd, 2009 by admin



Ovulation is the time during a woman’s menstrual cycle when an egg is released from an ovary and travels down the fallopian tube. Once the egg is released, there is a 24-hour period during which the egg is viable for fertilization. If sperm does not fertilize the egg during that time, conception will not occur. Therefore, the most important task in timing a planned pregnancy is to predict the dates you are going to ovulate. Because you do not have a window into your uterus, you can’t see when that egg has been released. However, there are some pretty accurate methods to figuring out when you will be ovulating.

Ovulation Predictor #1 – Count the Days
Women with regular periods can predict their dates of ovulation fairly accurately. Usually, ovulation occurs 10 to 14 days after a woman begins the first day of her period. Marking down day one of the start of your period and then counting 10 to 14 days after that is the simplest way to predict when you are going to ovulate.

Ovulation Predictor #2 – Take a Home Test
Your local pharmacies now carry ovulation predictor tests. They work in much the same way as a pregnancy test does. You hold a stick in your urine stream and the stick will then give you a positive or negative ovulation result. These tests are useful if you have fairly regular cycles and you want extra reassurance for scheduling intercourse for conception. You take a test around the time that you think you are ovulating, and the test can confirm your prediction. However, the accuracy of these tests sometimes leaves something to be desired, as they can provide false negatives. Additionally, the ovulation predictor tests can be very costly if your cycles are irregular and you have no idea approximately when you will ovulate.

Ovulation Predictor #3 – Check Your Basal Body Temperature
Taking your basal body temperature with a basal thermometer is a more accurate and less expensive way of predicting ovulation. Basal thermometers are inexpensive and can be purchased at pharmacies. Because basal temperatures rise ever so slightly, you cannot monitor them with a regular thermometer. Take your temperature as soon as you wake in the morning, and keep track of the daily recordings. When you see the temperatures start to rise you’ll know that you are getting close to ovulating.

Ovulation Predictor #4 – Note Any Type of Body Discomfort
Many women can feel a change in their bodies when they are getting ready to ovulate. Some women can feel a slight swelling in their ovaries when they gently press on that area. Other women feel a slightly uncomfortable, bloating-type of feeling when they are getting ready to ovulate. If you fall into this category, consider yourself somewhat lucky because you can tell without a whole lot of effort when you are ovulating.

Ovulation Predictor #5 – Evaluate Your Cervical Mucus
While this may be the least desirable of the prediction methods, many women are convinced this is the best way to predict ovulation. When you are close to ovulation, the cervical mucus changes in consistency. It will go from cloudy to clear and it will become stretchy. If you check the mucus every day, you will become skilled at noting the changes and you can tell when you are ovulating.

Predicting ovulation cannot always be done with 100% accuracy, but you can get close to determining the dates so that you can time your intercourse and massively increase your chances of pregnancy faster!

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