Ovarian cysts are, usually, harmless fluid-filled sacs that grow on the surface of, or within, your ovary.
Sometimes, however, these cysts can burst or rupture, causing sudden and severe pain for some women. Here’s an overview of ovarian cysts and what you should know about a cyst that ruptures.
Signs of a Ruptured Cyst
Signs and symptoms of a ruptured cyst include:
- Pain: Sudden severe abdominal, back, and/or pelvic pain that’s caused by the ripping of the membrane wall. Once it comes apart completely, the pain should recede.
Because abdomen pain can be associated with other medical conditions that need emergency treatment, you should go to the hospital if you experience sudden or severe pain—just to be safe and rule out other causes. - Increased pain during sex and bowel movements: When an ovarian cyst is about to rupture, it will swell and put pressure on your vagina, bowels, and urinary tract. The nerves in the cyst, your vagina, bowels, and urinary tract become irritated. Your bladder is also stimulated, which causes an increased urge to use the bathroom.
- Nausea and vomiting: An upset stomach is commonly due to the extreme pain a ruptured cyst can cause. Nausea and vomiting may also be influenced by the fluid/blood that leaks out of the ruptured cyst.
- Dizziness or sudden weakness: In some case, a rupture cyst can cause internal bleeding if it bleeds out, causing blood loss. This symptom is considered a medical emergency, and could be life threatening, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
- Fever: As your body works to remove the fluid from your body, your temperature will probably be elevated and should be monitored closely. A fever can be a sign of an infection.
Diagnosis
Once you arrive at the hospital, it’s likely that you’ll have blood drawn and an ultrasound. A ruptured ovarian cyst can be seen on an ultrasound, which will show some fluid around the ovary and can sometimes even show the empty sac of the cyst.
An ultrasound can also shows if there’s internal bleeding. Bleeding occurs when a blood vessel in the wall of the cyst bursts, causing extreme pain as the cyst fills with blood. Large ruptured hemorrhagic cysts will require surgical removal.
Treatment
No treatment is needed after a cyst ruptures. Sometimes, pain medication will be prescribed to help relieve pain and irritation.
