Dr. Aravinda

The ovaries are the egg producing organs, an essential part of the female reproductive system, they are responsible for the production of estrogen and release an egg every month. If the egg is fertilized with a sperm it can result in a pregnancy.

Ovarian cysts are quite common among women. Ovarian cysts are known to be small sacs filled with fluid that are situated in the ovaries.

Causes of ovarian cysts: Among ovarian cysts, the most common one is called the 'functional cyst'. This type of cyst is generally formed during the process of ovulation, wherein either the eggs do not successfully release from the sac or the sac (follicle) fails to disintegrate properly after the release of the egg.

Certain factors that can cause ovarian cysts are:

1. Age that is ovarian cysts are more likely to occur in women who have reached menopause
2. Smoking
3. Being overweight or obese
4. Consumption of fertility drugs
5. Hormone replacement therapy
6. Family history of ovarian cysts and cancer
7. Early menstruation, that is, the onset of the period before the age of 11
8. Hypothyroidism

Symptoms related to ovarian cysts: Generally, ovarian cysts show no specific symptoms and are generally located during a physical examination or an ultrasound. But, in case you suffer from large cysts or those that have ruptured, you may experience certain signs like:

1. Pain while having sex. Great discomfort may be felt, particularly when deep penetration is attempted.
2. Pain in the lower abdominal and pelvic region. This pain may be intermittent or persistent. It can also vary from being mild to quite sharp.
3. Irregularity in the menstrual cycle.
4. An uncomfortable pressure in the lower abdominal and pelvic area.
5. Acute pain in the pelvic area and the lower back all throughout the menstrual period.
6. Pain in the pelvic area after a session of vigorous exercise or strenuous physical activity.
7. A feeling of discomfort or pain while urinating or during bowel movements.
8. Nausea, followed by vomiting.
9. Pain in the vaginal area, or light bleeding.
10. Infertility
11. Problems with healthy bowel movements.
12. Bloating

The word surgery has always been associated with the use of scalpel. However, a new form of surgery called laser surgery has developed, which instead of using the orthodox method uses laser to cure the infirmity. In this form of surgery, laser tuned to specific wavelengths, is emitted on the concerned area with the purpose of vaporizing the tissues that have high water content for the purpose of rectification. It is commonly used in:

1. Dermatology and plastic surgery
2. Eye Surgery
3. Endovascular surgery
4. Foot and ankle surgery
5. Oral and Dental Surgery

Though the technique involves risks, it has over the years gained immense popularity due to multiple reasons. Few among them are:

1. Provides immediate results: This is one of the main reasons why laser surgery is preferred to conventional methods. Commonly used in the eye, laser surgeries result in significant improvement in vision, allowing the concerned person to do away with the dependence on spectacles.
2. Precision involved: Using the laser instead of the scalpel allows the method to be more precise and effective than the traditional method. Minimum damage is done to the tissue as there are smaller cuts involved.
3. Less time: Due to the technique used, the time involved in laser surgeries is reasonably less, providing more time for recuperation than what is generally allowed in the traditional methods.
4. Provides more career options and opportunities: Laser surgery, owing to its technique, offers corrective measures which the traditional method does not. This aspect of the surgery allows the patients to consider and explore other professions which were previously not possible. Professions like air force and the army have stringent rules regarding vision of the candidates. Laser surgery which provides an individual the freedom to operate without glasses and contact lenses also allows him or her to consider such professions.

Related Tip: "How Safe is Laser Surgery for Facial Hair Removal??"

Homeopathy for Women

Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea)

Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) is one of the most common gynecological disorders. Many women experience sharp, dull, throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen just before or during their periods. There may be also symptoms of nausea, vomiting, sweating and dizziness.

Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea:

Dysmenorrhea can be classified as either primary or secondary based on the absence or presence of an underlying cause.

Primary dysmenorrhea is common menstrual cramps.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a disorder in the woman`s genital organs.

Common causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include:

Endometriosispelvic inflammatory diseaseuterine fibroidsovarian cystscervical stenosis

Homeopathic treatment for painful periods:

A number of homeopathic medicines can help control the pain as well as actually prevent the menstrual cramps.

Homeopathy is an effective natural treatment with no side effects.

Some homeopathic medicines have a local action (they alleviate the cramps only) and provide fast pain relief.

They are used during painful periods only. Others are called constitutional (chronic) medicines and target the root cause of dysmenorrhea. Constitutional medicines are a deep acting treatment that eliminates not only the menstrual cramps but also brings whole body balance.

The most common homeopathic medicines for fast pain relief include:

Belladonna - Intense throbbing pain with sudden onset, cramps get worse from touch or jolts.
Chamomilla - The woman can`t stand any pain and gets irritable and angry when in pain; passive movement, such as riding in a car or rocking her body alleviate pain.
Cimicifuga - Pain is proportional to the flow - the more they bleed, the stronger the pain; stiffness of neck and shoulders.
Colocynthis - Intolerable cramps; the woman is restless and bent over. Applying pressure on the abdomen or heat relieve the pain. Painful periods are often triggered by anger or suppressed indignation.
Magnesia phosphorica - Cramps relieved by pressure or warmth; right side abdominal pain is more common.
Veratrum album - Severe menstrual cramps accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sweating; heavy flow; tired and chilly woman.

Take them regularly throughout the day, not just when pain becomes difficult to cope with. In severe dysmenorrhea, for best results start taking them a day or two before the onset of your menstrual flow.

For well selection of the medicine consult a doctor. Avoid self medication.