When you have to treat an ovarian cyst during pregnancy, it can be difficult. Traditional treatment methods are not available or are especially dangerous for you. Even pain management is more complicated. So how is an ovarian cyst successfully treated during pregnancy?
Traditional methods of treating an ovarian cyst are prescription birth control pills or surgical removal of the cyst. Birth control pills are out of the question during pregnancy. If the cyst is especially large, in a dangerous position, or has solid components, it may need to be removed surgically. This is usually done during the second trimester using laparoscopy.
The rest of us afflicted with an ovarian cyst during pregnancy must wait and see if the cyst goes away on its own. Fortunately, for most women, it does, although it may take a few months. However, there are natural methods you can use to help you on your way.
Controlling the pain
First, if you have ovarian cyst pain, you need to get it under control. Pregnancy itself can be quite uncomfortable as it is. You can use an over-the-counter medicine that contains acetaminophen to help. However, never use medications that contain ibuprofen. This can seriously harm your unborn baby.
You can also try managing your bread naturally. Warm compresses and water bottles can help relieve tension in the abdomen, which will decrease stress on the ovary. This should relieve some of the pressure and ease the pain. You can also try other relaxation methods, such as prenatal yoga or herbal teas.
get rid of the cyst
To treat an ovarian cyst during pregnancy, you must first cleanse your body. While you’re pregnant, you’ll want to avoid most herbal supplements, as they can be harmful to your baby. However, just drinking plenty of water and improving your diet can help cleanse the liver.
Be sure to drink filtered water, as most tap and many bottled waters may contain trace amounts of hormonal medications. This can actually make your cyst worse. Also, soft plastic bottles contain BPA, which has been linked to undescended testicles in newborn boys. BPA mimics estrogen in your body, which can aggravate your ovaries. Try to drink from glass or metal containers, and avoid microwaving or freezing plastics.
Beware of complications
The two most common complications with ovarian cysts are ovarian torsion and ruptured cysts. Both require immediate medical treatment.
In ovarian torsion, the weight of the cyst causes the ovary to twist, cutting off its blood supply. This will feel like debilitating pain on the side where the cyst is located. If this happens, contact your doctor right away.
If you have a sudden increase in pain or severe, sharp pain on one side followed by a constant burning sensation, your cyst may have burst. This may also be accompanied by vaginal bleeding. If this happens, contact your doctor right away. You will need to be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and monitored to make sure you are not bleeding internally.