Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sac-like structures in the ovary. The cysts may develop during any stage of the woman s life right from infancy to the post menopause period. However, these develop, more commonly and for no apparent reason, during the periods.
There are two categories of cysts:
o Dermoid cysts: These cysts may contain hair, skin, or teeth tissue, and are rarely cancerous.
o Cystadenomas: These cysts are filled with water or mucous like fluid.
o Endometriomas: Sometimes, cells from the inner lining of the uterus, called endometrium, start growing outside the uterus. Some of this tissue attaches to the ovary and forms a cyst. This type of cyst is blood filled.
o Polycystic ovaries: Here, the follicles fail to rupture a number of cysts are formed on the ovaries.
Generally, ovarian cysts do not have any symptoms and the cysts resolve in no time. If symptoms are present, they are usually mild. Some of the symptoms include
Problems begin when the ovarian cysts rupture. Chances of ovarian cyst rupture are high in women with polycystic ovaries. If there is bleeding when the cyst ruptures, it is a medical emergency and surgery may be required.
Ovarian cyst rupture is a complication in which the cyst ruptures causing intense pain and internal bleeding in the pelvic region.
Symptoms of ovarian cyst rupture
1.Intense abdominal pain
A ruptured cyst causes a sharp, sudden, and for some women, a numbing pain in the lower abdominal area. Pain usually occurs on the side of the body where the cyst ruptures. Studies have reported that right sided ruptures of ovarian cysts are predominant. Researchers speculate that this may be because of the difference in the structure of the blood vessels of the ovaries that creates higher pressure within the right ovary, causing right sided cysts more likely to rupture. [1] Read here Abdominal pain in women when should you worry?
2.Bleeding
Ruptured cysts are more likely to happen at the time of the periods. So, it is not uncommon to miss it as a symptom of ruptured cyst. Bleeding from a ruptured ovarian cyst is a frequent and well known complication. If bleeding is significant, however, it could be potentially catastrophic. Among the bleeding cysts, functional cysts (either follicular or corpus luteal type) are most common. Corpus luteal cysts, in particular, have highly vascular walls, and this may cause significant bleeding, say researchers. [2] Read more about Fenugreek or methi seeds a natural way to treat ovarian cysts and PCOS
A study reported that a distorted shape of the cyst was more commonly seen in ruptured endometrial cyst, but rupture of an ovarian cyst with discontinuity of the cyst wall and bleeding in the peritoneal cavity (the space between the inner lining of the abdominal wall and the abdominal organs), were more commonly seen in ruptured corpus luteal cysts than in endometrial cysts. [3]
3. Abdominal pressure and distention
Cysts take up a lot of space in the abdominal area and pushes the adjoining organs causing the pressure and fullness. Although the pressure reduces a bit after the cyst ruptures, abdominal distention continues since the fluid leaks into the area, causing even more bloating.
4. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and low grade fever are some of the other common symptoms of ruptured cyst.
Causes of ovarian cyst rupture
Generally, larger ovarian cysts tend to rupture. There could be many causes as to why cysts rupture including
Many other conditions can show symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts. These include:
Although no treatment is usually required if the ovarian cyst ruptures, pain medication is sometimes prescribed to alleviate the discomfort.
Reference
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