Eden’s Fight Like a Girl Story (PCOS, Cervical Dysplasia, HPV)

Dec
20
2011
Teal Ribbon PCOS Story

I never thought of my experiences as a "story". But then I was introduced to "Fight Like a Girl Club" and started reading all of your stories. I have been touched by so many and encouraged as well. There are stories in here that are proof that I'm not alone and while some days my struggles seem so small and obsolete, they are still there and a reminder that health should not be taken for granted. Let's start during the summer between fourth and fifth grade. That's when my period started. I knew what to expect. My older cousins had explained to me their experiences "growing up" - but I didn't have any other friends or cousins my age going through the same thing. After about a year and a half, my periods were so severe I would miss school or have to go home early. I was so embarrassed. Perfect attendance was important to me and this was messing everything up, even my grades. Eventually, as a teenager, I noticed myself having chronic dull pains where my menstrual cramps would … [Read more...]

Do Ovarian Cysts Increase Ovarian Cancer Risk?

Oct
05
2010
Ovarian Cysts Cause Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cysts aren’t uncommon in women. The most common type of cyst on the ovary is called a functional cyst. This type of cyst basically consists of a collection of fluid inside the ovary. These cysts are benign, but many women fear that having an ovarian cyst increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Is this true? What Causes an Ovarian Cyst? Functional ovarian cysts form during the menstrual cycle. Normally, when an egg is released during ovulation, it’s surrounded by a protective follicle. As it’s released the fluid ruptures. If it fails to rupture as a result of a hormonal imbalance, the follicle swells with fluid and forms a smooth sac called a cyst. These cysts can become several inches in diameter in some cases. This isn’t the only type of ovarian cyst, but it’s the one doctors see most often in pre-menopausal women. Post-menopausal women get ovarian cysts too - with almost 15% of women having one at some point after the age of fifty. Ovarian cysts can also be … [Read more...]