Ovarian cysts are common in females of reproductive age. Most of these are harmless and go away naturally. However, some cysts may rupture and cause symptoms. Show Ovarian cysts are not uncommon. Around 1 in 5 females develop at least one mass in their lifetime. Most of these are functional and do not require treatment. However, complications can occur, such as cyst rupture, which may require prompt management. This article discusses ruptured ovarian cysts, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments. It also explores complications and other conditions related to ruptured ovarian cysts. A ruptured ovarian cyst often does not cause symptoms. If it does, they are usually mild. The primary symptom is a sudden, severe, and sharp pain in the lower abdomen that may coincide with nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms may include:
A person who experiences abdominal or pelvic pain along with the following symptoms should seek immediate care:
These symptoms might indicate complications such as ovarian torsion and infection, which require prompt medical attention. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on one or both ovaries due to ovulation. When a person ovulates, a follicle that contains the egg ruptures to release the egg from the ovary. Most cysts are functional and form from the follicles in the ovaries. There are two types of functional cysts:
A person with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has enlarged ovaries with multiple follicular cysts. This happens due to hormonal imbalances. Doctors refer to other cysts as complex ovarian cysts. They usually form from abnormal cell growth. Some types include:
Most ovarian cysts are natural and occur as part of a person’s menstrual cycle. They are mostly benign and harmless. Some types may be ovarian malignancies that are not typical. Experts do not know the reason why some cysts rupture. Below are potential reasons:
A 2021 report states that only around 1% of women receiving anticoagulation therapy will have ruptured ovarian cysts. A doctor will ask about a person’s symptoms and take their medical history. They will also perform a pelvic exam along with a physical exam. If they suspect a ruptured ovarian cyst, doctors will usually first check if a person is pre-or postmenopausal to determine whether the cyst is pregnancy-related. They will also ask them to take a urine pregnancy test. Doctors will also use ultrasound to check the quality of the cysts and whether they have ruptured. They may conduct further tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, including:
Several treatment options are available. Management depends on the following factors:
Most people have noncomplex cysts. When these cysts burst but do not cause complications, doctors may recommend observation through a series of ultrasounds and prescribe pain medications. A person showing complications such as severe bleeding requires hospitalization and urgent care. Management may include pain medications, monitoring of vital signs, repeated ultrasounds, IV fluids, and blood transfusion. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stop blood loss and bleeding. Other indications for surgery include:
Learn about home treatments for ovarian cyst symptoms here. Ovarian cyst rupture can cause some complications when not given immediate attention:
InfectionsSome cysts can form in people with pelvic infections such as abscesses or PID. If the cyst bursts, the infected contents may spread and trigger sepsis, a potentially life threatening response. Ovarian torsionCysts can also cause the blood vessels that supply the ovaries to twist, leading to a common gynecological emergency called ovarian torsion. This can cut blood flow to the ovary, which may need removing. Undergoing surgery also poses risks of complications, including:
Symptoms for ruptured ovarian cysts may mimic those caused by other conditions. Ectopic pregnancyA pregnancy is said to be ectopic when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. Sometimes, it implants in the ovary. It can cause vaginal bleeding and sharp pain in the pelvic area. This condition can be a medical emergency if untreated. EndometriosisEndometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can affect fertility and increase the risk of ovarian cancer. However, a 2017 study notes that 1 in 200 women with endometriosis would have ovarian cancer. Symptoms may include:
PIDA person with untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can develop PID. But it can also develop from infections due to other causes. PID is the inflammation of the reproductive organs — 1 in 8 women who have had PID may find it difficult to conceive. Symptoms of PID include:
AppendicitisRuptured ovarian cysts usually cause lower abdominal pain in one side, a known symptom of appendicitis. Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix. A person feels pain at the lower right side of their abdomen, near the belly button. Appendicitis is a medical emergency. A ruptured appendix may cause widespread infection and can be life threatening. Kidney stonesKidney stones occur when minerals build up in a person’s kidneys. Small stones may pass out of a person’s body unnoticed in their urine. But larger stones can cause severe pain when exiting the body. When symptoms appear, they can include:
If kidney stones block the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, urine may not be able to pass from a person’s body. This can cause a kidney infection. Symptoms of kidney infections include:
If a person experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical assistance immediately. Other causesAlternative potential causes of severe abdominal pain include:
People should attend a doctor’s clinic if they experience severe pelvic or abdominal pain. While there can be many causes, some can be life threatening if not treated early. A person should seek immediate help if the severe abdominal pain comes with:
Ruptured ovarian cysts are not uncommon and are a natural part of the menstrual cycle. Most do not require treatment, but some may cause pain and other symptoms. People experiencing pelvic pain should immediately consult a doctor for thorough evaluation and treatment. Doctors treat most ruptured ovarian cysts with pain relief, but some may need surgical removal. What does an ovarian cyst feel like before bursting?Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially on one side. Abdominal pain with feelings of weakness, dizziness, or fainting. Abdominal pain with unexpected, significant bleeding. Abdominal pain with rapid breathing or breathlessness.
How long will pain from a ruptured ovarian cyst last?Your pain should go away in a few days. Let your provider know right away if you your pain gets worse, if you feel dizzy, or have new symptoms. Follow up with your provider if you need imaging or blood tests. If you have a complex ruptured ovarian cyst, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or more days.
What happens if an ovarian cyst bursts?A cyst that bursts open (ruptures) can cause severe pain and bleeding inside the pelvis. The larger the cyst, the greater the risk of rupture. Vigorous activity that affects the pelvis, such as vaginal sex, also increases the risk of rupture.
What does the pain feel like when an ovarian cyst ruptures?For many women, a ruptured cyst can be excruciating. Some say it feels like an attack of appendicitis, especially since ovarian cysts are more common on your lower right side, near your appendix. However, the pain can be on either or both sides of your abdomen.
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