Hailey Bieber recently took to social media to reveal that she is, once again, struggling with ovarian cysts. Two years ago, the founder of Rhode had shared the news of nursing a cyst the “size of an apple” in her ovary, mentioning that neither she suffered from endometriosis nor PCOS.
This time, the 28-year-old posted an Instagram story with the caption “Currently have 2 ovarian cysts. If you deal with ovarian cysts, I’m right there with ya!”.
What are ovarian cysts, and are they harmful?
Dr Vaishali Joshi, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, explained that ovarian cysts are water-filled bubbles formed in the ovaries as part of the ovulation process, which occurs naturally in women. “Some cysts are formed due to active primitive cells which are present during early development as a foetus. They are called dermoid cysts. The collection of blood and inflammation around the ovaries can give rise to ‘chocolate cyst or endometriotic cyst’,” she said.
According to her, these are non-cancerous or benign ovarian cysts. Some women can develop cancerous ovarian cysts due to the overgrowth of germ cells, fibrous tissue, or their lining (epithelial cells), which may be caused by age or genetic predisposition, such as in the BRCA 1 and 2 carrier state.
Hailey Bieber has sustained ovarian cysts again (Source: Instagram/@haileybieber)
Why do these cysts recur?
“If one develops a cyst, it doesn’t mean there will be repeated tendencies for recurrence, particularly in simple or water cysts. But dermoid-type cysts can recur after a few years and are usually found in both ovaries. The chocolate cyst or endometrioma can recur in 15-50 % of cases even after complete removal of the cyst wall and excision,” she explained.
She added that young women in the peak of their reproductive career, between the ages of 20 and 30, report a higher tendency owing to consistent ovulation each month. The cancerous cysts are more common after menopause or beyond 50 years of age.
How can you treat them?
Dr Joshi shared that these cysts usually resolve spontaneously. Hormonal pills can be used to treat them. However, if they are symptomatic and very large or induce suspicion of cancer, then surgery is required – either laparoscopic or open, depending on the nature of suspicion and risk.
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According to Dr Joshi, cysts generally do not affect the ability to have children. However, if the cyst is large, it can prevent ovulation. Endometriosis cysts can decrease the egg count by destroying healthy ovarian tissue due to inflammation and can reduce fertility.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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