Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesRisk FactorsDiagnosisTreatmentBurst CystsPrognosisOther Types
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Burst Cysts
Prognosis
Other Types
Ahemorrhagicovarian cystis a blood-filled cyst on theovary. Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs (similar to blisters) that can form in women of reproductive age.
This condition may be painful, but hemorrhagic cysts are usually not dangerous and do not result in complications when treated appropriately.Smaller hemorrhagic cysts may not cause any symptoms and often resolve on their own. Larger cysts may cause more intense pain and may require surgical removal.
This article will go over the symptoms and causes of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and address diagnosis and treatment.
Nv Phngs Caeng Kml Kul Chay / EyeEm / Getty Images
Ovaries are the small organs on either side of theuteruswhere eggs are produced. Duringovulation, a follicle is formed, which is a cyst-like structure. Once the follicle matures, it will rupture, and an egg will be released. The ruptured follicle then becomes a corpus luteum, which will dissolve. When this process doesn’t happen the way it should, a cyst may form.
Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
You may not experience any symptoms from a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. When they do cause symptoms, these may include:
Cysts often form during thelutealstageof a woman’smenstrual cycle(the last phase in which the uterus thickens to prepare for possible pregnancy). Several types of ovarian cysts can become hemorrhagic.
Certain medications and medical conditions put you at greater risk of developing a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. Some of these include:
Understanding the Function of Ovaries
An ovarian cyst may first be detected during apelvic exam. Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.
A pelvic exam is an external and internal visual and physical examination essential to preventative care. It may help with the early detection of cancer, cysts, fibroids, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Transvaginal Ultrasound
Atransvaginal ultrasoundcan help identify the cyst’s type, size, shape, and location. This image will also help your healthcare provider determine if a cyst is hemorrhagic.
In a transvaginal ultrasound, a handheld wand-like device is inserted into the vagina to produce an image of the organs in the pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tube. This procedure is harmless and painless, though you may experience some pressure or discomfort. The entire process lasts about 15 minutes.
While pelvic exams and transvaginal ultrasounds are typically harmless and painless, they may be more uncomfortable physically or psychologically for some people, especially those who are survivors of sexual trauma. If you are anxious about the procedure, talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns and ask about any techniques that may make it less distressing for you.
If the cyst is small and not causing symptoms, treatment is not likely necessary. You may be able to manage your symptoms at home until they resolve on their own.
Self-Care
Taking care of yourself and managing stress can make dealing with pain a little easier.
If your pain is severe or frequent, consult a healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your pain level requires further management or treatment.
Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Surgery may be necessary if:
The type of surgery—whether it is removing just the cyst (cystectomy) or the entire ovary (oophorectomy)—depends on many factors, including age, desire for future pregnancies, and concern for cancer. The surgery may be done in one of two ways:
What if a Hemorrhagic Cyst Bursts?
If a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst ruptures, it can release blood and fluid into the surrounding abdomen and pelvis. This can cause several serious problems includinghemoperitoneum(a condition in which blood accumulates in the space between the inner lining of the abdominal wall and the internal organs), less blood flow to vital organs, andsepsis.
When to Seek Medical Attention
See a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
Most hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are harmless and can resolve on their own. They do not typically cause complications such as infertility. Some ovarian cysts may be malignant (cancerous). If your healthcare provider suspects that your cyst indicatesovarian cancer, they will discuss further treatment options with you.
However, for women who have not gone through menopause, fewer than 1% of growths on the ovaries turn out to be cancerous.
Other Types of Ovarian Cysts
Summary
Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are small blood-filled sacs found in the ovary. These cysts often form during the luteal or follicular stages of the menstrual cycle. Women with hemorrhagic ovarian cysts may experience no symptoms or may have severe abdominal pain and discomfort.
Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts can be diagnosed through ultrasound and will often resolve on their own. While rare, some cases may require surgical removal.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cheng Y.Ovarian cysts.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;225(5):B23-B25. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.06.042Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benign ovarian cysts.Sen S, Maurya R, Sen G. et al.Atypical presentation of a giant hemorrhagic ovarian cyst.J Obstet Gynecol India.2022;72(2):435-438. doi:10.1007/s13224-022-01625-yAbbas AM, Amin MT, Tolba SM, et al.Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts: clinical and sonographic correlation with the management options.Middle East Fertil Soc J. 2016;21(1):41-45. doi:10.1016/j.mefs.2015.08.001Medvediev MV, Malvasi A, Gustapane S, Tinelli A.Hemorrhagic corpus luteum: Clinical management update.Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;17(4):300-309. doi:10.4274/tjod.galenos.2020.40359Plett SK, Poder L, Brooks RA, et al.Transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of deep pelvic masses: how we do it. JUltrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1113-1122. doi:10.7863/ultra.15.08002Marjoribanks J, Ayeleke RO, Farquhar C, Proctor M.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(7):CD001751. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001751.pub3Buia A, Stockhausen F, Hanisch E.Laparoscopic surgery: a qualified systematic review.World J Methodol. 2015;5(4):238-54. doi:10.5662/wjm.v5.i4.238Mantecon O, George A, DeGeorge C, et al.A case of hemorrhagic ovarian cyst rupture necessitating surgical intervention.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29350. doi:10.7759/cureus.29350Torre LA, Trabert B, Desantis CE, et al.Ovarian cancer statistics, 2018.CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):284-96. doi:10.3322/caac.21456American Cancer Society.Ovarian cancer risk factors.St Louis M, Mangal R, Stead TS, Sosa M, Ganti L.Ovarian dermoid tumor.Cureus. 2022;14(7):e27233. doi:10.7759/cureus.27233Johns Hopkins Medicine.What risks are associated with a ruptured ovarian cyst?Yılmaz Hanege B, Güler Çekıç S, Ata B.Endometrioma and ovarian reserve: effects of endometriomata per se and its surgical treatment on the ovarian reserve.Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2019;11(2):151-157.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cheng Y.Ovarian cysts.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;225(5):B23-B25. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.06.042Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benign ovarian cysts.Sen S, Maurya R, Sen G. et al.Atypical presentation of a giant hemorrhagic ovarian cyst.J Obstet Gynecol India.2022;72(2):435-438. doi:10.1007/s13224-022-01625-yAbbas AM, Amin MT, Tolba SM, et al.Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts: clinical and sonographic correlation with the management options.Middle East Fertil Soc J. 2016;21(1):41-45. doi:10.1016/j.mefs.2015.08.001Medvediev MV, Malvasi A, Gustapane S, Tinelli A.Hemorrhagic corpus luteum: Clinical management update.Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;17(4):300-309. doi:10.4274/tjod.galenos.2020.40359Plett SK, Poder L, Brooks RA, et al.Transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of deep pelvic masses: how we do it. JUltrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1113-1122. doi:10.7863/ultra.15.08002Marjoribanks J, Ayeleke RO, Farquhar C, Proctor M.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(7):CD001751. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001751.pub3Buia A, Stockhausen F, Hanisch E.Laparoscopic surgery: a qualified systematic review.World J Methodol. 2015;5(4):238-54. doi:10.5662/wjm.v5.i4.238Mantecon O, George A, DeGeorge C, et al.A case of hemorrhagic ovarian cyst rupture necessitating surgical intervention.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29350. doi:10.7759/cureus.29350Torre LA, Trabert B, Desantis CE, et al.Ovarian cancer statistics, 2018.CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):284-96. doi:10.3322/caac.21456American Cancer Society.Ovarian cancer risk factors.St Louis M, Mangal R, Stead TS, Sosa M, Ganti L.Ovarian dermoid tumor.Cureus. 2022;14(7):e27233. doi:10.7759/cureus.27233Johns Hopkins Medicine.What risks are associated with a ruptured ovarian cyst?Yılmaz Hanege B, Güler Çekıç S, Ata B.Endometrioma and ovarian reserve: effects of endometriomata per se and its surgical treatment on the ovarian reserve.Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2019;11(2):151-157.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cheng Y.Ovarian cysts.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;225(5):B23-B25. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.06.042Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benign ovarian cysts.Sen S, Maurya R, Sen G. et al.Atypical presentation of a giant hemorrhagic ovarian cyst.J Obstet Gynecol India.2022;72(2):435-438. doi:10.1007/s13224-022-01625-yAbbas AM, Amin MT, Tolba SM, et al.Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts: clinical and sonographic correlation with the management options.Middle East Fertil Soc J. 2016;21(1):41-45. doi:10.1016/j.mefs.2015.08.001Medvediev MV, Malvasi A, Gustapane S, Tinelli A.Hemorrhagic corpus luteum: Clinical management update.Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;17(4):300-309. doi:10.4274/tjod.galenos.2020.40359Plett SK, Poder L, Brooks RA, et al.Transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of deep pelvic masses: how we do it. JUltrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1113-1122. doi:10.7863/ultra.15.08002Marjoribanks J, Ayeleke RO, Farquhar C, Proctor M.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(7):CD001751. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001751.pub3Buia A, Stockhausen F, Hanisch E.Laparoscopic surgery: a qualified systematic review.World J Methodol. 2015;5(4):238-54. doi:10.5662/wjm.v5.i4.238Mantecon O, George A, DeGeorge C, et al.A case of hemorrhagic ovarian cyst rupture necessitating surgical intervention.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29350. doi:10.7759/cureus.29350Torre LA, Trabert B, Desantis CE, et al.Ovarian cancer statistics, 2018.CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):284-96. doi:10.3322/caac.21456American Cancer Society.Ovarian cancer risk factors.St Louis M, Mangal R, Stead TS, Sosa M, Ganti L.Ovarian dermoid tumor.Cureus. 2022;14(7):e27233. doi:10.7759/cureus.27233Johns Hopkins Medicine.What risks are associated with a ruptured ovarian cyst?Yılmaz Hanege B, Güler Çekıç S, Ata B.Endometrioma and ovarian reserve: effects of endometriomata per se and its surgical treatment on the ovarian reserve.Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2019;11(2):151-157.
Cheng Y.Ovarian cysts.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;225(5):B23-B25. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.06.042
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benign ovarian cysts.
Sen S, Maurya R, Sen G. et al.Atypical presentation of a giant hemorrhagic ovarian cyst.J Obstet Gynecol India.2022;72(2):435-438. doi:10.1007/s13224-022-01625-y
Abbas AM, Amin MT, Tolba SM, et al.Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts: clinical and sonographic correlation with the management options.Middle East Fertil Soc J. 2016;21(1):41-45. doi:10.1016/j.mefs.2015.08.001
Medvediev MV, Malvasi A, Gustapane S, Tinelli A.Hemorrhagic corpus luteum: Clinical management update.Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;17(4):300-309. doi:10.4274/tjod.galenos.2020.40359
Plett SK, Poder L, Brooks RA, et al.Transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of deep pelvic masses: how we do it. JUltrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1113-1122. doi:10.7863/ultra.15.08002
Marjoribanks J, Ayeleke RO, Farquhar C, Proctor M.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(7):CD001751. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001751.pub3
Buia A, Stockhausen F, Hanisch E.Laparoscopic surgery: a qualified systematic review.World J Methodol. 2015;5(4):238-54. doi:10.5662/wjm.v5.i4.238
Mantecon O, George A, DeGeorge C, et al.A case of hemorrhagic ovarian cyst rupture necessitating surgical intervention.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29350. doi:10.7759/cureus.29350
Torre LA, Trabert B, Desantis CE, et al.Ovarian cancer statistics, 2018.CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):284-96. doi:10.3322/caac.21456
American Cancer Society.Ovarian cancer risk factors.
St Louis M, Mangal R, Stead TS, Sosa M, Ganti L.Ovarian dermoid tumor.Cureus. 2022;14(7):e27233. doi:10.7759/cureus.27233
Johns Hopkins Medicine.What risks are associated with a ruptured ovarian cyst?
Yılmaz Hanege B, Güler Çekıç S, Ata B.Endometrioma and ovarian reserve: effects of endometriomata per se and its surgical treatment on the ovarian reserve.Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2019;11(2):151-157.
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