5 Ways to Make Sex More Pleasurable After 50
Sex gets better with age for most women. But changes occur around the age of 50 that can quickly end your sex life. Learn about the changes, how to improve them, and ways to make sex more pleasurable.
Ovarian cyst
What exactly is an ovarian cyst?
Ovarian cysts are sacs that develop in or on the ovary. Ovarian cysts can grow pretty big, ranging from the size of a peanut to a grapefruit, or larger. Let's explore the many types of ovarian cysts:
The ovary is made up of tiny sacs that contain eggs. Every month, one of the sacs fills up with fluid and then bursts to release the egg. That's called ovulation. When the sac fails to release the egg, it lingers on as an ovarian cyst, and eventually disappears. Sometimes, the ovarian cyst sac becomes filled with fluid or blood and then bursts suddenly under tension. That's the pain of ruptured ovarian cyst. If you've ever had one of these, you'll agree the pain is absolutely awful.
After ovulation when the egg is released, the egg sac could also form an ovarian cyst that produces hormones to support the early pregnancy. This is called a corpus luteum cyst.
An "endometrioma" is a type of ovarian cyst found in a woman with endometriosis. We also call these "chocolate cysts." That's because of the brown colored stuff that collects inside of it.
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – may have small tiny cysts around the ovaries. These remain small and cannot be removed or treated. It's just the way the ovary looks and this helps us make the diagnosis of PCOS.
Dermoid cysts are commonly found in women between age 20 and 40 years. The picture shown in this article is actually a dermoid cyst. Guess what's inside? Teeth, hair, and fat. How did they get there? It's a long story. Most dermoid cysts are benign, not cancerous, but they should be removed surgically.
Other non-cancerous ovarian cysts can grow and, depending on their size, should be evaluated for surgical removal especially if they won't go away on their own.
Ovarian cancer is always a possibility when looking at any abnormal growth on the ovary. The ultrasound pictures and lab tests can help us determine how likely an ovarian cyst is to be cancer, and help us make a decision about how to proceed.
All ovarian cysts should be evaluated until we both know all is well.
You Might Also Enjoy...
When to Consider Medical Treatment for Low Libido
If your desire for sex has disappeared, you’re not alone. One in ten women struggle with a low libido, which is a problem you shouldn’t ignore because it is treatable. If you’re unsure when to seek treatment, this information can help you decide.
How to Reduce Your Menopausal Night Sweats
Did you know that menopausal night sweats affect 75-80% of women? Night sweats are severe and frequent enough to cause sleep deficiencies for many. No one should struggle with this challenge. Here’s how to reduce your symptoms.
Ask These Questions at Your Next Well-Woman Exam
Well-woman exams can be much more than a routine check-up. The time set aside for your well-woman visit is dedicated to connecting and helping you overcome many medical and personal concerns. Here are questions highlighting the top women’s issues.
Unique Challenges Women Face When Trying to Lose Weight
Everyone must put in the hard work to reach their healthy body weight. However, losing weight is more difficult for women than men because of their unique hormonal changes and body composition. Here’s a rundown of the weight-loss challenges women face.
Why You Should Never Ignore Heavy Periods
When you soak through tampons or pads in record time, you may think it’s just part of the usual annoyance of menstruation. But no woman should have to suffer from heavy periods that hamper her lifestyle and put her at risk for anemia.