Many women experience painful or heavy periods and often brush them as a part of life. But what if that regular period pain is really more severe? Doctors have warned that a normal menstrual problem can be a sign of chocolate cysts – a type of ovarian cyst that can damage fertility and overall fertility health.

It is also called ovarian endometrioma, chocolate ulcers are associated with endometriosis, a condition where the tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside it. In the case of chocolate ulcers, this tissue grows inside or inside the ovaries. Every month, it behaves like a uterine lining with every cycle. But since the blood does not go anywhere, it gets stuck, becomes dark, and becomes thick – looks like a melted chocolate, which gives the cyst to its name.

“These can look harmless by the name of ulcers, but they can seriously affect the ovarian function,” Dr. Ila Gupta, Director and Senior Advisor to Breeding Medicine, says at the Forticity IVF and Fertility Clinic. “Unfortunately, many women live with symptoms such as acute pelvic pain or heavy bleeding for years without proper diagnosis.”

Symptoms you should see

All women with chocolate ulcers do not have noticeable symptoms, but many reports:

• Heavy or painful period.

Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

Discomfort during or later.

To feel swollen or complete.

Difficulty in getting pregnant.

Dr. “These signs often mimic other reproductive issues, which is why chocolate ulcers often go unknowingly until a woman undergoes a detailed reproduction examination,” says Gupta. Gupta says.

What is the cause of chocolate ulcers?

The exact cause is not completely clear, but some major factors include:

Regressive menstruation – when menstrual flows backwards in the blood pelvic cavity

Genetics – Family History of Endometriosis

Immune system problems – where the body fails to remove the wrong tissue

Over time, the tissue trapped in the ovaries leads to the formation. These ulcers can damage healthy ovarian tissue, making it difficult to produce quality eggs and affect fertility.

How is they diagnosed?

Doctors usually detect chocolate ulcers through a pelvic ultrasound or MRI. In some cases, laparoscopy – a minor surgery – is used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment option

Treatment depends on the size of the cyst, how severe the symptoms are, and women’s plans to have a child. Options include:

Hormonal medicine: Like birth control pills or hormone injections to shrink and manage pain.

Surgery – In cases where the cyst is large or affects fertility.

IVF (in vitro fertilization)-ideal for women with an egg count or serious endometriosis-related problems.

“If a woman wants a child, IVF can improve the chances of success, even with chocolate ulcer,” Dr. Says Gupta.

Do not ignore the pain

If you suffer from severe duration pain, unexplained swelling, or difficulty becoming pregnant, it is time to talk to a doctor. You think that just a normal duration problem can actually be a chocolate cyst – and the initial diagnosis can create all differences.

Remember: A healthy period should not be extremely painful or you should stop living your life. Listen to your body and do not delay in asking for help.

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