Hailey Bieber Has an Ovarian Cyst "the Size of an Apple"

On 28 Nov., Hailey Bieber announced on Instagram that she has a large ovarian cyst.

"I have a cyst on my ovary the size of an apple," she wrote in her Instagram Stories with a photo of her stomach, which looked swollen. (Bieber made sure to note over the photo that she wasn't pregnant and the swelling was "not a baby.") "I don't have endometriosis or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) but I have gotten an ovarian cyst a few times and it's never fun."

According to Cleveland Clinic, an ovarian cyst is a type of growth — specifically a sac full of fluid or semisolid material — that develops on or inside the ovaries. While there are several types of cysts, the majority are benign and don't cause symptoms.

However, larger cysts can cause symptoms and affect your quality of life. Cleveland Clinic notes that larger cysts can result in pelvic or back pain, bloating, painful menstruation, pain during sex, and weight gain. Depending on the type and size of the cyst, treatment options range from medication (birth control, for example, can prevent further cysts from developing by suppressing ovulation, which is a leading cause of this type of cyst) to surgery.

While Bieber didn't give details about her treatment plan, she did note that she'd been feeling "nauseous and bloated and crampy and emotional."

Unfortunately, Bieber is no stranger to health scares.

The 26-year-old experienced a ministroke earlier this year (also called a transient ischemic attack) caused by a small clot in her brain. After a hospital stay and testing, doctors discovered Bieber had a hole in her heart, which resulted in a clot travelling from her heart to her brain. Bieber underwent surgery to address the hole and prevent further blood clots.

We're wishing Bieber a speedy recovery.