Posts Tagged ‘Ovary’

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Should You Worry About Painful Ovulation?

Comments: 0December 16th, 2011 by admin



It’s that time of the month which most women dread- their monthly period. It is generally an unpleasant experience considering hormonal changes are taking place. These hormonal changes create a number of symptoms, not only during the days of the actual period, but more so, before the menses comes. Does the term “pre menstrual syndrome” sound familiar to you? And even if it is not, the experience of it could be a common occurrence in your case, as with many other women. A host of discomforts arise in pre-menstrual syndrome. Headaches or migraines, bloating and nausea are some of the symptoms, among others.

Or worse, emotional difficulties begin to manifest, such as depression. And then again, there are women who attest that “PMS” creates a “monster” out of them, making them unreasonably moody and irritable. Along with these possible discomforts prior to your period is pain due to ovulation, otherwise known as painful ovulation. Nearly 20% of women experience and have to endure painful ovulation. There are those who may have painful ovulation mistaken for appendicitis or abdominal pain. But to differentiate the former condition from the latter ones, the symptoms ought to be ascertained. Pain when ovulating usually occurs two weeks before the menses.

It takes place in the lower abdomen, or inside the hip bone. The pain can be felt on either side-usually depending on which ovary the egg cell is released. By “painful” ovulation, it could mean sharp pain or cramps, or minor twinges extending to a dull, nagging ache. After a day or so, nausea could be experienced along with light menstrual spotting. The light bleeding can last for 6 to 8 hours, to 24 to 48 hours. What is it that causes painful ovulation? Pain when ovulating is due to minor blood leakage from the ovary during ovulation. It’s the leaking blood which causes the pain as it irritates the abdominal wall.

As for the intensity of the so-called painful ovulation, it often varies from one woman to another. A factor which contributes to the extent of the painful ovulation is the space between a woman’s ovary and her abdominal wall. If painful ovulation happens to be your problem, there is a redeeming point. The condition may not instigate gynecological problems. Ovulation is a phase of the fertility cycle, and even if it is painful, there is often no cause for concern or unnecessary medical treatment. Ovulation pain is in itself considered harmless. For this particular issue, you can see your doctor.

He or she may recommend pain relievers. As a remedy, you have to drink plenty of fluids. You have to make sure that you’re not developing an infection in the same manner. Check your temperature several times a day to determine. Warm baths or a heating pad application can help alleviate the discomfort. But if the pain persists for 3 days or more, it may be time to take serious measures. Especially if along with painful ovulation other symptoms occur, such as high fever, faintness or dizziness, blood in the vomit or the stool, breathing problems, swollen abdomen or difficult and painful urination.

In most cases, pain when ovulating is an occasional occurrence rather than a threatening malady. You can better monitor this condition by maintaining a chart or diary of your cycle. It is a helpful means of preparation and anticipating the occurrence which could spare you from unnecessary worry and further anxiety.

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The Answer to When Does Ovulation Occur

Comments: 0August 18th, 2011 by admin



Many women wonder “when does ovulation occur?” If you are planning to get pregnant, you have to know when you are ovulating. In a fertile cycle, one egg is released from your ovary every month. The egg moves into your fallopian tube waiting to be fertilized by the sperm. This is when ovulation occurs. Once the egg is fertilized with sperm, it goes into the uterus for implantation. You will then become pregnant.

There are many ways to determine when your ovulation occurs. You can watch the calendar or observe your natural body fertility signals.

Signs of Ovulation

Some signs of ovulation include abdomen pain, spotting, headaches, bloating or breast pain during ovulation.

Ovulation Calendar

Most women have an average 28-day menstrual cycle and most ovulate 14 days before the next menstrual cycle starts. In this case, ovulation occurs on around day 14. If you have a 23-day cycle, you ovulate on day 9. If you have 34-day cycle, you ovulate on day 20. Some factors like your diet, stress, medication or other problems can cause hormone imbalance resulting in irregular menstrual cycles. Therefore, figuring out when you are ovulating using calendars may not be accurate.

Cervical Mucus

Just before ovulation, your cervical mucus increases and becomes clear, thin and stretchy. This makes it easier for the sperm to get through to the uterus. The consistency of your mucus remains the same for a few days until ovulation.

After ovulation, your mucus becomes thick and cloudy or may disappear altogether.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Measure your body temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Record the temperature in a bbt chart. You can create your own using graph paper. Join the dots so that you can see the graph. You’ll notice that at some point, there is a drop in temperature, followed by a rise in temperature for a few days. The drop in temperature indicates that you are going to ovulate. The increase in temperature is the result of an increase in your level of progesterone hormones after ovulation.

Feeling Your Cervix

There are changes in your cervix at different time of the month. You can put your finger into your vagina to feel your cervix. Around ovulation, your cervix becomes softer and slightly open. It also moves to a lower position.

Ovulation Prediction Kits Or Ovulation Monitors

You can also use ovulation prediction kits or ovulation monitors to help you to determine when your ovulation occurs.

These are more expensive but it’s more accurate and less time consuming. You can get these in the drugstore.

What Happens During Ovulation?

If you are trying to conceive, having sex at the right time is very important. When you ovulate, your egg has to be fertilized by a man’s sperm within 24 hours. Sperm can live up to 4 days. As such, you need to have sexual intercourse few days before ovulation or on the day of your ovulation if you want to get pregnant. It is best to have sex every other day and every day just before ovulation until a few days after ovulation.

How Woman Gets Pregnant?

Having sexual intercourse when ovulation occurs does not mean that you will definitely get pregnant. There must be no abnormalities in the egg and the sperm. Your body must be able to produce a proper balance of estrogen and progesterone. The fallopian tubes must not be blocked. The uterine lining must be healthy and receptive to embryo implantation.

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Diabetes and Cinnamon

Comments: 0May 16th, 2011 by admin



The benefits of cinnamon have long been in evidence, and it was the first spice mentioned in the Old Testament. It has been widely used as an herbal remedy for centuries. The cinnamon spice itself comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree, which is native to Asia. It is a very popular addition to foods, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. It is a popular flavoring in such desserts as apple pie and doughnuts, and can be used to spice up savory dishes such as mince.

The Benefits of Cinnamon
Traditional Chinese medicine has used cinnamon for centuries to aid digestive problems, colds, and sickness. It is also believed to be helpful for those suffering from bad circulation. More recently, it is being used to aid diabetes sufferers.

Diabetes and Cinnamon
Ayurveda remedies for diabetes include the use of cinnamon to reduce blood sugar. It can help sugar to metabolize better, meaning it is helping to control the levels of blood sugar. Cinnamon is also believed to make fat cells within the body respond better to insulin. Again, this helps to regulate blood glucose levels. It is believed that only a small amount of cinnamon added to food per meal is enough to make a difference, even as little as one-eighth of a teaspoon. Cinnamon added to mince dishes can enhance the flavor slightly, making a very tasty meal. Cinnamon is also a popular addition in drinks such as coffee, so you can have your daily intake without too much effort.

Cinnamon and Insulin Resistance
Any improvement of insulin resistance can decrease the risk of heart disease and help weight control. It is said that adding cinnamon to the diet can do both of those things. One way of getting the daily recommended amount of cinnamon is to mix one-fourth teaspoon with one-half teaspoon of honey in some warm water, allow the cinnamon to settle, then drink it, once first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and once last thing before bedtime. Cinnamon can also be beneficial to women with polycystic ovary syndrome, as most of the sufferers also have some form of insulin resistance.

Other Uses of Cinnamon
As well as flavoring foods and being beneficial to diabetes sufferers, cinnamon has been known to help in other health areas, such as aid the digestive system, ward off common colds and even help people who suffer from toothache. It is also believed to be beneficial as an insect repellent.

Please be aware that before using cinnamon in large quantities for diabetes or insulin resistance, especially if you are already taking prescribed medications, then a medical practitioner should first be consulted. Cinnamon mimics the effect of insulin in the body and so blood glucose levels may drop too low. In small, infrequent doses for flavoring foods and drinks, then it should offer nothing more than a positive effect on the body, but care must be taken when used in larger and more frequent doses and a medical professional should be consulted before using cinnamon in place of any prescribed diabetes medications.

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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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Endometriosis Part 55 – What is Unilateral Oophorectomy?

Comments: 0April 20th, 2011 by admin



As we mentioned in previous articles during the last stage of the menstrual cycle normally a layer of endometriosis lining in the inside of the uterus is expelled, known as menstruation blood but instead some of the endometriosis tissues grow somewhere in the body causing endometriosis. Endometriosis also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle, building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. If endometrial cancer tissues found in one of the ovary, you doctor may suggest Unilateral oophorectomy to have one or both ovaries removed . In this article, we will discuss what is unilateral oophorectomy?

I. Definition
Unilateral oophorectomy is a medical procedure to have one ovary removed, if cancer or endometriosis cancerous cells are found inside in one of the ovary. After unilateral oophorectomy, the woman will continue to have menstrual cycle and can become pregnant.

II. How it work
General anesthesia is needed and the operation is done in the hospital.
a) Normally, Unilateral oophorectomy is done with a laparoscopic procedure as we mentioned in previous article. Laparoscope is a thin tube containing a tiny lens and light that inserts through a small incision in the navel with a camera on the other end that allows your doctor to see the abdominal cavity on a video monitor. After the ovary is detached, it is removed though a small incision at the top of the vagina.

b) Vertical incisions
Vertical incisions give the doctor better view of of the abdominal cavity but it will leave some notable scar. If cancer is detected, a vertical abdominal incision is needed. After the incision the ovary is removed
c) Horizontal incision
If the ovary is removed by horizontal incisions it will leave a less notable scar.

III. Risk and side effects
a) Heavy blood loss caused by medical instrument used during surgery.
b) Heaving bleeding during or after operation
c) Infection of the incision area, may be caused by bacteria or medical instruments.
d) Needed to stay to hospital for 2 – 5 days
e) Time to recover is longer. It may take 3- 6 weeks to return to normal activity.

IV. Other medical term
a) Bilateral oophorectomy
Both ovaries are removed
b) Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Remove one Fallopian tube and one ovary in the same side
c) Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Remove both Fallopian tubes and ovaries

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3 Possible Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Comments: 0March 25th, 2011 by admin



Ovarian cancer is a disease that affects the female reproductive organs. It starts when the process of cell division goes wrong in the ovaries and they start to multiply in a rapid and out of control way. This leads to a cancerous growth which then causes a tumour to form. It is not known exactly what causes this type of cancer but age, ovulation and family history are all thought to have an influence. If a tumour does form it often starts to press on the surrounding cells causing pain, discomfort and other undesirable symptoms in these areas. In this article I will be discussing three of these ovarian cancer symptoms in greater detail.

1) BLOATING OF THE STOMACH:- If you contract ovary cancer and the tumour grows large enough it may cause the stomach to physically bloat. Whilst bloating is not necessarily a sign of ovarian cancer it is a cause for concern if it cannot be explained. Therefore, if you notice that your stomach has become bloated and can think of no logical reason why go see your doctor straight away. They will be able to perform some tests and let you know what is causing your stomach to swell.

2) IRREGULAR PERIODS:- Normally the ovaries release an egg once a month. If this egg is not fertilised it passes out of the body during a woman’s monthly period. However, if a cancerous tumour has developed it may block the ovaries making it difficult for eggs to be released. This may then have an impact on your periods. Therefore, if your periods seem to change for no apparent reason go see your doctor right away. Again there are many factors that can cause your periods to be irregular but your doctor will be able to let you know if it is related to ovarian cancer.

3) PAIN IN YOUR LOWER ABDOMEN OR SIDES:- If the tumour gets big enough it can start to place pressure on the ovaries. This can lead to pain in your lower abdomen or sides. Many women confuse these symptoms with PMS pains. However, if you start to experience them when you are not currently on your period you should go see your doctor immediately. The pains may not be related to ovarian cancer but your doctor will be able to perform the tests and let you know for sure.

I hope this article has given you a better insight in to some of the potential warning signs for ovarian cancer. Whilst your first instinct may be to brush these symptoms of as the result PMS, you should step back and think for a second before doing this. If there is no logical reason behind these symptoms then the chances are something is not right. They may be nothing to do with ovary cancer but it is far better to see your doctor and get a conclusive, professional opinion on the matter.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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3 Potential Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Comments: 0January 8th, 2011 by admin



Ovarian cancer is a condition that develops when the ovary cells start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. This then leads to the formation of a cancerous tumour which can have a number of undesirable side effects including constipation and stomach pain. It is most prevalent in women aged 50 years and older and is very rare in young women. Fortunately, it is very treatable if caught early. In this article I will be discussing three of the possible ovary cancer treatments.

1) SURGERY:- Most ovarian cancers require surgery. If the cancer is contained within one ovary then the surgeon may be able to remove just that ovary and the connected fallopian tube. Following this type of surgery you will still be able to conceive as you will have one ovary and one fallopian tube remaining. However, if the ovary cancer has become more advanced then the you will need to have the womb, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes removed in a surgical procedure called a hysterectomy. Following a hysterectomy you will not be able to conceive and will enter the menopause immediately.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves using anti-cancer medication to shrink or kill the ovarian tumour. Chemotherapy is not as effective as surgery but is generally used to reduce the chances of the ovary cancer coming back after surgery. Unfortunately there are a number of side effects associated with this type of treatments including hair loss and vomiting. However, these side effects are only temporary and subside once the course of chemotherapy ends.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves aiming high energy radiation beams at the ovarian tumour. Like chemotherapy, radiotherapy is not as effective as surgery but it is useful following surgery to reduce the chances of the ovarian cancer coming back. There are a number of side effects associated with radiotherapy including skin reactions and tiredness but these should disappear once the treatment ends.

I hope this article has given you an insight into the possible ovarian cancer treatments. If you have any reason to believe that you have contracted this condition then go and see your doctor right away. They will then be able to discuss your concerns, provide you with proper testing and if necessary go through the above treatments with you. Ovary cancer is a terrible disease but if caught in the early stages it can be treated very effectively.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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Ovarian Problems – Five Issues That Deserve Your Attention

Comments: 0June 8th, 2010 by admin



Ovarian cancer is the most critical of all ovarian problems because this disease can cause death. It is a cancer that grows within or at the surface of the ovaries and then spreads to other organs of the body if not treated early.

There is at least 45% chance of survival when ovarian cancer is discovered at Stage 3. The possibility is higher if uncovered during the first two stages. This type of ovarian problem has 4 Stages:

Stage 1 – The cancer is inside the ovary or both the ovaries.
Stage 2 – The cancer is on the surface of the ovary or the ovaries and has spread into the pelvic area.
Stage 3 – The cancer has enveloped up to the abdominal cavity into the surface of the liver.
Stage 4- the cancer has spread into all the other parts of the body such as insides of the liver and lungs.

Ovarian cysts occur during ovulation. At best, it is not cancerous and may shrink or dissolve anytime after menstruation, which is approximately 60-90 days. They form when cysts don’t “pop” and continue to grow inside the ovaries causing great discomfort on the abdomen or worst, torsion (twisting) and bleeding.

At times surgery is needed to take out the cysts. There are modern studies that show these can be treated naturally. Drinking rehmannia and cinnamon bark, in tea or a capsule, aids in the shrinking of the cysts.

Ovarian hypofunction or premature ovarian failure is the failure of the ovary to produce hormones. This is one of the things attributed to infertility. This causes genetic abnormalities and autoimmune problems that disturb normal ovarian functions. Estrogen therapy is one of the procedures used in the treatment of this condition.

Ovarian overproduction of male hormones is another type of ovarian problem which causes a woman to develop physical characteristics of a man such as hyperandrogenism and virilization.

Hyperandrogenism occurs when a woman suddenly loses her menstrual period, even if she is not yet menopausal. There is an increase in body hair, like that of a man’s, and femininity diminishes since there is a reduction in breast size and her body shape.

Virilization causes clitoral enlargement. A woman can also experience her voice getting deeper and the formation of extra muscle, as well as, excessive hair growth. Treatment varies depending on what symptoms the person is experiencing.

PCOS arises when there are numerous small cysts inside the ovary and causes a woman to be infertile. These cysts are not hazardous to a woman’s health, however, it creates hormonal disparity. This can be treated without the need for surgery most of the time, because these types of cysts are caused by an imbalance of hormones.

This happens to 1 out of 15 women. Common treatments include regular exercise, proper diet and a weight loss regimen.

Most women will have to deal with one or more of these issues at one point in their lives. Be responsible and schedule regular check-ups with your physician and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, be sure to study all options before deciding on a course of treatment.

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Cysts on Ovaries – Another Source of Ovary Pain and an Alternative Treatment

Comments: 0April 16th, 2010 by admin



That stabbing pain on your left or right side, what is it? Abdominal pain in women can be so many things but most often it will be the result of cysts on ovaries. While painful, and potentially dangerous if a rupture occurs, they mimic the symptoms of other ailments such as fibroids and endometriosis. And of course in the back of every woman’s mind is the fear of ovarian cancer.

It’s common for cysts to appear on the ovary and most of them will resolve themselves and pass naturally over the next two menstrual cycles. However there are occasions when a single cyst, particularly dermoid cysts, will not pass but in fact will grow, sometimes up to 8 inches in diameter.

When a cyst gets too big or too heavy it may “fall over” the ovary much like a heavy flower may fall over a thin stem. When this occurs the ovary may be twisted and the blood supply cut off. That it turn will result in that sharp pain you feel.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or POS, is another instance where multiple cysts form on an ovary causing pain. While this is typically not as pronounced it is still a major discomfort. It can also interfere with the ovulation process and endanger fertility.

Both of these situations will require treatment. Unfortunately, today’s treatment from medical professionals is limited to hormonal therapy and surgery. Both of these therapies have their down side particularly for women of child bearing age who still want children.

There is however, another solution. Modern medicine only addresses the immediate symptom of ovarian cysts and not the root cause. The formation of cysts is typically the result of a hormonal and insulin imbalance in the woman’s body. This imbalance can be addressed and corrected by a change in diet and eating patterns. There are specific foods and drinks that when eliminated from diet, can make a remarkable impact on the shrinking of cysts.

In addition natural relaxation therapies such as herbal teas and warm baths can relax muscles, decrease inflammation and improve blood circulation further improving the body’s balance.

Thousands of women who became literally sick of the recurring ovary pain have turned to natural treatments to cure ovarian cysts once and for all. If removing cysts on your ovaries is important to you, and you don’t want to use birth control pills or surgery to accomplish the task, then you owe it to yourself to explore natural alternatives. Your body will thank you for it.

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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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