Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsComplicationsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Complications
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
A rupturedovarian cystis a fluid-filled sac on an ovary that breaks open. Sometimes this doesn’t cause problems, but it can be dangerous and require hospitalization. If you feel severe pain around the ovaries, have excessive bleeding,tachycardia(rapid heartbeat), or lightheadedness, contact your healthcare provider right away.
An ovarian cyst in and of itself is not always a concern. An intact cyst typically doesn’t cause symptoms, but risks of a ruptured ovarian cyst include infection, twisting of an ovary, or heavy bleeding. Why some ovarian cysts rupture and others don’t is not known.
This article covers the causes and symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts, along with a few possible complications that can come from them and when to seek care. It also explains how a ruptured ovarian cyst is diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst
If a ruptured ovarian cyst causes pain, it is sudden, sharp, and often compared to the pain associated with appendicitis. The pain is typically strongest on one side.
Other symptoms of aruptured ovarian cystinclude:
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
See a healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following:
Is a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Dangerous?
Possible complications that can result from a ruptured ovarian cyst include:
Infection
Left untreated, a ruptured ovarian cyst can become infected. The risk of this is particularly high if the cyst developed due togonorrhea, chlamydia, or another pelvic infection.
Sometimes, the infected cyst can triggersepsis—the immune system’s extreme response to infection. Sepsis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Ovarian Torsion
An ovarian cyst, ruptured or not, can sometimes cause ovarian torsion. This occurs when the ovary twists and cuts off its own blood supply. It is a serious condition that can cause ovarian tissues to die.
The pain will be severe and situated on one side, just like that of the burst cyst itself. Immediate surgical intervention is needed to uncoil the ovary and preventnecrosis(tissue death).
Severe Bleeding
A cyst that is located near a significant blood vessel may cause severe bleeding if it ruptures. Left untreated, the bleeding can lead to a serious condition known ashemoperitoneum.
With this, blood accumulates in the space between the inner lining of the abdominal wall and the internal organs.
What Causes an Ovarian Cyst to Rupture?
There isn’t one obvious cause of a ruptured ovarian cyst, but intense physical activity, vigorous sex, and strained bowel movements can increase the likelihood of this occurring.
The reason why the cyst formed in the first place depends on the type of ovarian cyst you have.
Types of Ovarian Cysts and Why They Occur
The most common type of ovarian cyst is called a functional ovarian cyst. These ovarian cysts only occur in those who have started to get periods but haven’t yet reachedmenopause.
There are two types of functional ovarian cysts:
Other types of ovarian cysts include:
The diagnosis of a ruptured ovarian cyst usually starts with an ultrasound.If the cyst has ruptured, the ultrasound will show fluid around the ovary and may even reveal an empty, sac-like ulcer. Acomplete blood count (CBC)may be used to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities.
While an ultrasound is the best method of evaluating a ruptured cyst, it has its limitations. To confirm the diagnosis, your healthcare provider will have to rule out any other condition with similar symptoms, such as:
It is important to note that ovulation itself may sometimes cause mild pain (known as Mittelschmerz pain) when the egg is released.
How Ruptured Ovarian Cysts Are Treated
Once an ovarian cyst has ruptured, there is often no need for treatment assuming that a person’s CBC is normal and vital signs are stable.
Pain medicationmay be prescribed to help manage the discomfort. Rest may be recommended for a day or two to allow the symptoms to fully resolve.
If the ruptured ovarian cyst is causing severe bleeding, you may need to be hospitalized.Surgerymay also be necessary to stop the hemorrhage and prevent additional blood loss.
The pain from a burst ovarian cyst can last for a few days. If over-the-counter pain relievers and rest do not relieve the symptoms, your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe you something to ease the pain.
There is no way to prevent an ovarian cyst from rupturing. That said, if your healthcare provider finds one during a routine exam, they may recommend a watch-and-wait approach to see if the cyst increases in size or goes away on its own.
If the cyst is large and already causing discomfort, a medical professional may recommendlaparoscopic(“keyhole”) surgery to remove the growth.This is usually an outpatient procedure.
Summary
Ovarian cysts are not uncommon and they’re not always a cause for concern. A ruptured ovarian cyst can, however, become a serious health issue and lead to complications. A related infection or severe bleeding can become life-threatening.
Treatment for a ruptured ovarian cyst will depend on the symptoms. Pain medication and rest may be enough in some cases, while others may require hospitalization.
9 Sources
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