By 
It is not uncommon to have a cyst on the ovaries. Often, there are no symptoms. Ovarian cysts are typically harmless, says Dana Baras, M.D., M.P.H., an obstetrician/gynecologist at Howard County General Hospital. In some cases an cyst may rupture.
Baras says that a ruptured ovarian cyst is not a condition that’s necessarily life-threatening. In most cases, cyst fluid will dissipate. It’ll heal on its own. There are certain situations where a ruptured cyst can become an emergency.
When Should An Ovarian Cyst Be Treated By A Doctor?
There are many factors that can affect whether or not a ruptured cyst in the ovary becomes problematic. These include:
Infected ovarian cancer
A pelvic infection, also known as an abscess, can cause cysts to form. When an infected bladder ruptures, it may trigger sepsis. This is a potentially life threatening immune reaction to harmful bacteria. Women with infected cysts are treated using antibiotics, and may require hospitalization to drain the cyst.
Women with Pelvic inflammatory Disease (PID) an infection in the pelvic region, usually caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia – are more likely than others to develop infected cysts. These sexually transmissible diseases transmit bacteria from the cervix to the uterus, which can cause cysts. These cysts contain bacteria that can cause sepsis when they rupture.
Ovarian torsion
When the weight of the cyst causes the ovary (called ovarian twisting) to turn on itself, the blood flow is cut off or reduced. In this case, surgery may be required to restore blood circulation.
Management Of An Ovarian Cyst That Has Ruptured
Some ruptured ovarian cysts may cause few or no symptoms. Others can be more serious. Your healthcare team will help you develop a plan of action that is right for you.
Pregnancy and ovarian cysts
It is normal to experience an ovarian cyst in your first trimester. This type of cyst is called a corpus-luteum and produces hormones to help initially sustain the pregnancy. The cyst will usually disappear by the end of the second trimester.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when an egg implanted outside the uterus. This usually occurs in the fallopian tube, but it can also occur on an ovary. A cyst that is caused by an ectopic pregnancies must be removed with medication or surgery. The cyst will get worse as the pregnancy grows into an area it can’t support.
Endometriosis, ovarian cysts
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow outside. Endometrioma is a type cyst that can develop when endometrial tissues form on the ovaries. This cyst can grow and fill with blood. Endometriosis may affect fertility and increase risk of ovarian cancer. It can also cause internal bleeding when a cyst ruptures. The cysts that are caused by may require surgery.
How Can You Tell Whether An Ovarian Cyst Is Ruptured?
Baras says that not all women experience a ruptured cyst. Most women feel discomfort and pain during the rupture, followed by some discomfort in the days following. Most of the time, over-the counter medications can relieve symptoms.
You may experience the following symptoms if your ovarian cyst has ruptured:
- Pain in the lower abdomen or back that is sudden and sharp
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Bloating in the abdomen
If you have abdominal pain and:
- Severe nausea (may indicate ovarian Torsion)
- Fever
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Feeling faint or dizzy
The treatment for ruptured ovarian cysts includes medication, surgery and watchful waiting. Baras says that when someone presents with pain from an ovarian cyst we assess whether it is pregnancy-related or infected. An ultrasound can help us determine the size of the cyst, and if it has ruptured. The treatment depends on the diagnosis.
Comments