Why Your Ovaries Hurt When You Cough
It can be alarming when you develop a sudden pain in your ovaries triggered by simple actions like coughing. But in many cases ovarian discomfort from coughing has a reasonable explanation and ovarian cysts are often the culprit.
Ovarian Cyst Causes
Ovarian cysts form when the ovaries fail to release an egg during ovulation. The follicle holding the trapped egg continues expanding with fluid, transforming into a benign cyst. Risk factors include:
- Hormonal issues
- Pelvic inflammation
- Endometriosis
- Previous cysts
- Fertility medication use
Up to 18% of women develop a painful ovarian cyst requiring medical care. Sudden, severe ovarian pain warrants immediate evaluation for cyst complications like bursting or twisting.
Coughing Aggravates Ovarian Cyst Discomfort
Increased abdominal pressure from forceful coughing can irritate or rupture ovarian cysts. Typical sensations include:
- Achy ovaries
- Dull pelvic pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Painful intercourse
- Pain with bowel movements
Symptoms tend to coincide with menstrual cycles. Seek prompt medical care if you develop severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or shoulder pain, which can signal a cyst emergency.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
To determine the cause of ovarian discomfort, doctors use tools like:
- Pelvic exam - Checks for ovarian enlargement, tenderness
- Pregnancy test - Rules out ectopic pregnancy
- Ultrasound - Images ovarian cyst size, location
- Blood tests - Measures hormone levels hinting at cyst type
- CT scan or MRI - Provides additional pelvic imaging if needed
Once properly diagnosed, cysts can be appropriately managed and monitored.
Treating Ovarian Cysts Causing Pain When Coughing
Traditional ovarian cyst interventions aim to alleviate pain and inflammation while avoiding unnecessary surgery. Options include:
Watchful Waiting Approach
If cysts appear small and benign on imaging, doctors often recommend:
- Repeating ultrasound scans to monitor changes
- Ongoing symptom tracking
- Over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Hormonal birth control pills to prevent new cysts if recurrent
Many functional cysts resolve in a few menstrual cycles without intervention. However, see a physician promptly if your condition worsens.
Prescription Medications
Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin often prevent additional cyst formation. Doctors may also prescribe drugs like:
- Hormonal therapies to stop ovulation and decrease cyst production
- GnRH agonists and antagonists to shrink ovarian cysts
- NSAIDs to relieve pelvic inflammation and pain
Medications carry risks of side effects and cannot treat all underlying causes of recurrent cysts.
Outpatient Ovarian Cyst Drainage
For uncomfortable cysts filled with fluid, physicians drain them using ultrasound guidance. Benefits include:
- Virtually painless office-based approach
- Instant pressure relief by emptying fluid contents
- Sampling fluid to test for cancer risks
- Potentially avoiding surgery if cyst doesn't refill
Discuss risks like infection and cyst recurrence with your women's health provider.
Minimally Invasive Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal may be appropriate if cysts are:
- Solid or cancerous appearing
- Hemorrhagic with blood inside
- Persistent despite other treatments
- Causing severe symptoms like intense pain
Ask your surgeon about precision procedures like ovarian cystectomies to conserve reproductive health.
Recovering After Ovarian Cyst Treatment
Give your body adequate rest after medical interventions for ovarian cysts. Recommendations include:
Post-Drainage Care
Recovery tips if you've had cysts drained without surgery:
- Avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 days.
- Use heating pads for residual soreness.
- Take OTC pain relievers as directed.
- Watch for signs of infection like fevers.
- Get follow up scans to confirm complete drainage.
Most women can resume normal routines within a few days following non-surgical drainage procedures.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Laparoscopic recovery guidelines include:
- Multiple days of rest before returning to normal activity.
- Following physician instructions on dressing wounds.
- Allowing 4-6 weeks before heavy exercise.
- Managing post-op discomfort with prescribed meds.
- Watching for postoperative infection signals requiring prompt attention.
Full recovery from minimally invasive ovarian cyst surgery often takes over a month.
Preventing Recurrent Painful Ovarian Cysts
Strategies focused on normalizing hormones may prevent repeat cysts, like:
- Combination oral contraceptives
- Progestin-only therapies
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone medications
- Lifestyle measures - diet, exercise, stress reduction
Implementing long-term hormone regulation under doctor supervision gives you the best chance of avoiding repeat uncomfortable ovarian cyst issues.
FAQs
Is it normal for ovaries to hurt when coughing?
It's generally not normal for your ovaries to hurt when you cough. Ovarian pain triggered by coughing or other physical activities often indicates an underlying issue like an ovarian cyst or more serious condition requiring medical evaluation.
Can cysts make your ovaries hurt when coughing?
Yes, ovarian cysts frequently cause ovarian discomfort and pelvic pain when coughing or bearing down. The increased abdominal pressure can compress or irritate the cysts.
Is ovary pain a sign of cancer?
Ovary pain may signal ovarian cancer, but frequently has other explanations like cysts. Get severe, persistent ovarian pain evaluated promptly to determine the cause. Catching ovarian cancer early dramatically improves survival odds.
Can birth control help ovarian cyst pain?
Yes, hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills often prevent new ovarian cyst formation. They may also help shrink current cysts. Oral contraceptives regulate hormones to inhibit ovulation, which lowers risk of functional cysts developing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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