Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

When a cyst bleeds, it develops into a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst (a tiny fluid-filled sac that can grow in the ovaries of fertile females).
Hemorrhagic cysts may be uncomfortable, but when properly treated, they are typically not harmful and do not lead to issues. Smaller hemorrhagic cysts frequently go away independently and may not show symptoms. Larger cysts may be more painful and may need a surgically remove.

The little structures on either side of the uterus, called ovaries, where eggs are made. An ovulating female develops a follicle, which resembles a cyst. When the follicle reaches maturity, it will burst, releasing an egg. The ruptured follicle then becomes a corpus luteum, which will dissolve. Cysts can develop when this procedure doesn’t go through properly.

In This Article

Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst Symptoms:

Women who have hemorrhagic ovarian cysts can go undiagnosed. However, if the cyst is huge, it may cause several symptoms, such as:

On the cyst side of the pelvic area, there is either a sharp or dull pain.
Abdominal heaviness or a persistent sense of being full
Belly bloating or swelling
Painful sex encounters
Having trouble emptying your bowels
Urge to urinate frequently
Inconsistent periods
Extreme menstrual bleeding
Periods that are lighter than usual or sparse
Having trouble getting pregnant

Symptoms Of A Severe Bleeding Ovarian Cyst:

Visit a doctor immediately if you or somebody you care for is displaying severe hemorrhagic ovarian cyst symptoms, such as those described below.

Causes:

The majority of ovarian cysts grow as a result of your menstrual cycle and are functioning. Functional cysts include hemorrhagic ovarian cysts. Different forms of cysts may develop as a result of these two potential causes, which include:

Follicular cyst: An egg normally exits its follicle and descends the fallopian tube at about the midway point of the menstrual cycle. In certain instances, though, the follicle doesn't break or release the egg but keeps expanding until it develops into a cyst.
Corpus luteum cyst: Normally, follicular sacs disintegrate once an egg is released. The body produces estrogen and progesterone during this time in preparation for conception. However, if the follicular sac doesn't dissolve, more fluid may accumulate inside the sac, resulting in the growth of a condition known as a corpus luteum cyst.

Risk Factors of Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst:

Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts may occur as a result of several risk factors. A few of them include:

Occasionally during pregnancy, a follicle forms during ovulation and remains attached to the ovary. From patient to patient, the follicle size may differ and can get enormous.
Endometriosis is a typical disorder, and the tissues can occasionally attach to the ovary and cause cysts.
Patients who have previously experienced ovarian cysts are likelier to experience subsequent cyst growth.
Ovaries may become infected with a severe pelvic infection if left untreated or persistent. Cysts may also develop as a result of the localized infection.
Ovarian cysts may develop due to hormonal imbalances brought on by using reproductive medications or other treatments.

Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis:

Ovarian cysts can be identified in a variety of ways. If your doctor thinks you may have ovarian cysts, they may suggest the following tests:

1. Test for pregnancy

A false positive on a pregnancy test may occasionally result from corpus luteum cysts. In this case, if your doctor suspects this form of cyst, they might suggest one.

2. Pelvic examination

During a routine pelvic exam, your doctor could notice a cyst on your ovary. They will advise a few additional tests base on its size and type to ascertain the potential course of therapy you could require.

3. Abdominal ultrasound

High-frequency sound waves from a transducer create an image of your uterus and ovaries on a screen during a pelvic ultrasound. Your doctor can identify cysts and their location by examining this photograph. The presence of a solid, liquid-filled, or mixed cyst can also be determined by ultrasonography.

4. Laparoscopy

Laparoscopic surgery may be used by your doctor to examine your ovaries and identify cysts. Anesthesia is required for this treatment.

5. Blood test for CA 125

Your doctor might advise a CA125 blood test to find out whether your ovarian cysts are benign or malignant if they are partially solid. Women with ovarian cancer frequently have higher levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) in their blood. Women who have ovarian cysts and are at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer are advised to get this test.
Numerous non-cancerous disorders affecting the uterus and ovaries can also cause high CA 125 levels.

6. Treatment

Treatment is probably unnecessary if the cyst is tiny and not causing any symptoms. The cyst may need to be surgically removed if it is large (more than 5 centimetres in diameter), painful, not going away on its own, or if your doctor is unsure of its benign (harmless and noncancerous) status. The cyst may potentially need to be surgically remove if it ruptures or burns.

Surgery For Ovarian Cysts:

Laparoscopic surgery can remove ovarian cysts through a few tiny abdominal incisions. The surgical instruments are introduced into one incision, and a tiny camera is inserted into the other to help the surgeon see the area. This surgery is less invasive than other others and requires a shorter recovery time.
Laparotomy could be required for bigger cysts. The cysts are removed during this surgical operation by making a bigger incision in the belly. The recuperation period from this surgery is prolonged.

The type of surgery that may be performed, whether it be a cystectomy or an oophorectomy, depends on several variables, including age, the desire for future pregnancies, and cancer concerns.

Prognosis:

The majority of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are benign and will go away on their own. Usually, they don’t result in issues like infertility. Some ovarian cysts could be cancerous (malignant). Your healthcare professional will go over additional treatment options with you if they think your cyst may be an indication of ovarian cancer.
Less than 1% of ovary growths in women who have not reached menopause, however, turn out to be malignant.

When Should You Be Concerned About An Ovarian Cyst?

Ovarian cysts often cause no harm, are painless, and go away on their own. However, you should see a doctor so that your condition may be evaluated if your cyst is becoming bigger and is causing problems.

Keep track of your symptoms regularly and inform your doctor about them. If you have ovarian cysts and any of the following symptoms also appear, get quick medical attention:

Abrupt adjustments to your menstrual cycle
Menstrual pain that is unbearable
A lot of bleeding in between cycles
Abdominal discomfort that persists
Loss of weight without an obvious cause
General ill health and disease

Conclusion

Women in the reproductive age range frequently have hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, which are prevalent. These cysts are usually innocuous and frequently show little to no symptoms. However, problems could develop if the cysts get larger, resulting in problems including severe bleeding, tummy pain, and infertility.

Ultrasound can diagnose hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, which frequently go away on their own. While uncommon, some situations might call for surgical removal.