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BET - Before the surgery, the 18-year-old actress revealed she was in “constant pain” for over four years.
Marsai Martin is using her personal health experience to encourage others to pay attention to their bodies. Over the weekend, the actress revealed on social media that she recently underwent surgery to remove an ovarian cyst.
“If you missed my live, long story short, I had surgery for my large ovarian cyst that gave me constant pain for 4+ years,” she shared via her Instagram Story on Saturday (Dec. 10), along with a black-and-white video from inside the hospital. “I really don’t remember any of this sh*t because of the anesthesia, lol. But I will say that I am very grateful to have family and educators by my side in support of this process.”
The 18-year-old went on to encourage other young women to pay close attention to their bodies and to be an advocate for their own health.
“The only reason I am sharing this is so I can hopefully spread awareness and share my experience to the young women out there that may be going through the same thing or have difficult menstrual cycles. You are never alone. Listen to your body. It always shows you signs. Health is wealth.”
According to Mayo Clinic, ovarian cysts are actually common and are usually both painless and harmless. However, if ovarian cysts become “twisted or burst open (rupture)” it can cause the body to experience symptoms like pelvic pain, pressure or heaviness in your abdomen, and bloating.
Doctors highly suggest seeking medical help if you experience sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain. Also, look out for “pain with fever or vomiting and signs of shock. These include cold, clammy skin; rapid breathing; and lightheadedness or weakness.”
On Sunday (Dec. 11), Martin took to Instagram with gratitude as she shared a positive health update with her fans.
"Thank y'all for all the love," she wrote on a photo showing herself getting her makeup done. "The procedure was 10 days ago and I'm now feeling fine. I also appreciate the stories from folks that have been through the same thing! But I'm back and I'm betta."
We are glad to see that the Black-ish actress is not only feeling better but is also using her platform to encourage others to stay healthy!
What to know about ovarian cysts
GMA - An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or on the ovaries. In women with regular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts are common.
Most women form at least one cyst every month as part of the normal menstrual cycle.
Only around 8% of premenopausal women develop cysts large enough to need treatment, according to the U.S. Office on Women's Health.
Most ovarian cysts are what gynecologists call "functional cysts"; Most cysts are small and do not cause specific symptoms.
However, symptomatic ovarian cysts can cause bloating, swelling, pressure or pain in the lower stomach area near where the cyst is located, according to the Office on Women's Health.
Some symptomatic ovarian cysts may even grow to the size of a grapefruit and, in some cases, weigh several pounds.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 5% to 10% of women have surgery to remove an ovarian cyst.
"Treatment for a larger ovarian cyst typically begins with a sonogram or ultrasound so the doctor can look for features that would indicate the cyst is benign," said ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton. "If there is no suspicion , the doctor will likely have the patient come back in four to six weeks for another checkup."
A small cyst may resolve on its own, but if not, doctors urge women to seek treatment.
If there is a suspicion of cancer, a doctor will likely order further testing.
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