Ovarian cysts are a common problem among women these days. Having to do with menstrual and reproductive health, being diagnosed with cysts can leave anyone in a frenzy. While some of them may be harmful, others are painless and do not cause any damage to the body.
These are non-cancerous masses that form on or inside your ovaries. There are several types of cysts, most of which are harmless, painless, don’t cause symptoms and eventually go away without treatment. Rarely, cysts can cause severe complications that require medical attention. By scheduling regular pelvic exams, you can ensure that your provider is able to find any cysts that require treatment.
In this blog, we will explore some helpful tips to treat symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
A quick look at the best tips for ovarian cyst treatment
Take an over-the-counter painkiller (OTC)
Pain from ovarian cysts may be momentarily relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers. Many over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil) are available in the market.
These drugs can be taken as soon as you experience discomfort and for a maximum of two or three days. You can talk to your doctor about using prescription painkillers or pharmaceuticals if you’re experiencing chronic pain.
Use heat therapy to relieve cramps
Another tool that can help reduce period cramps and cyst discomfort is a heating pad. It’s a fantastic choice for reducing discomfort and inflammation that could lead to cramps. It functions by penetrating the targeted muscle group with infrared heat therapy, which increases blood flow to places like your lower and upper back as well as your belly. Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower belly might even work just as well as taking over-the-counter medications. Electric heating pads are available online and at your local pharmacy.
Take an Epsom salt bath to help relax your muscles
For years, people have used Epsom salts to treat muscle aches and other problems. The high magnesium content in the salt helps to reduce inflammation and hence relieves cramping and other nagging problems like backache and leg cramps.
Packages containing Epsom salts are available online and at your local drugstore. Just draw a bath and fill it with two cups of Epsom salts. After letting it dissolve completely, spend around 20 minutes soaking in the bath.
Snack on almonds
Various studies have reported promising results by supplementing your diet with almonds. It has been indicated that due to their high magnesium content, almonds may provide some relief from the discomfort associated with ovarian cysts. A 100-gram serving of raw almonds provides about 270 mg of magnesium.
Drink chamomile tea to help you relax
Chamomile tea is a popular complementary treatment for ovarian cyst symptoms. According to research, the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea may help fight inflammation and help with cramping.
Sip ginger tea to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain
Similar to chamomile tea, another herbal remedy for pain and cramping alleviation is ginger tea. The tea possesses powerful anticarcinogenic and antioxidant qualities. According to one study, ginger tea helps to prevent and treat ovarian cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Try a steaming cup of ginger tea—with lemon and honey—throughout your day as part of your cyst-reduction plan.
Diet management
Changing the way you eat can help you manage the symptoms of ovarian cysts. People with ovarian cysts can benefit from avoiding certain foods that aggravate symptoms. Examples of foods to avoid in the diet include:
- Refined carbs, found in white bread and mass-produced pastries
- Fried foods, including fast food
- Sweetened beverages, like soda and energy drinks
- Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas, soft drinks
- Processed meats like hot dogs, and sausages
- Red meat
- Alcohol
- Items with a lot of added sugar or salt
- Other highly processed foods
Lifestyle Tips
Lifestyle measures can also help people with ovarian cysts to manage the condition. Research suggests that combining dietary measures with increased physical activity levels may help improve a person’s overall health.
Relaxation techniques
Anxiety and stress can exacerbate pain. Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation are examples of relaxation techniques that can help lower anxiety and lessen the intensity of pain. These methods can also enhance general health and assist in long-term pain management.
Closing thoughts
Effective diet and lifestyle management strategies can help manage symptoms and complications associated with this complex hormonal disorder. See your physician if you have stomach pain or discomfort or if you think you may have an ovarian cyst. If your normal activities are being interfered with by discomfort, let your doctor know. If you experience significant vaginal bleeding, unexpected stomach discomfort, or dizziness or fainting, get emergency medical treatment.
