Chocolate cyst, a common disease in women, although its name contains “chocolate”, is not actually friendly. This disease originates from the inability of endometrial fragments to be normally expelled from the uterus during menstruation, instead they retrograde into the pelvic cavity, forming ectopic cysts on the surface of the ovaries or elsewhere. The old blood accumulated in the cyst is coffee-colored, resembling chocolate, hence the name. These cysts can appear unilaterally or bilaterally, are prone to rupture during menstruation, but have a low risk of malignancy. Despite being benign in nature, they can erode surrounding tissues, requiring urgent treatment.
Signals to beware of chocolate cysts include: – Pelvic pain: presents as dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic discomfort, the pain worsens with disease progression and eases after menstruation. When the cyst ruptures, sudden lower abdominal pain may occur, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. – Menstrual abnormalities: increased menstrual flow and prolonged cycle are common. – Fertility issues: due to possible tubal obstruction and pelvic environment changes, affecting conception and increasing the risk of miscarriage.
Preventive measures include: 1. Personal hygiene: maintain cleanliness of the intimate area daily, change underwear frequently, pay attention to hygiene during menstruation, limit intense physical activity and heavy labor, and avoid sexual intercourse. 2. Emotional management: maintain a positive mindset, emotional fluctuations can affect hormone levels, which is detrimental to the health of the ovaries and uterus. 3. Contraception: when not planning for pregnancy, use effective contraceptive methods to prevent surgical risks associated with unintended pregnancies and protect the endometrium from damage.
In conclusion, chocolate cysts should be taken seriously; promptly identify abnormal symptoms and seek medical treatment. Additionally, regular gynecological examinations and good personal hygiene habits are crucial for maintaining female reproductive health.
