Ruptured ovarian cyst
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
Most women of reproductive age, around 8% of women before menopause, acquire tiny cysts and big cysts that cause difficulties with menstruation. After menopause, around 16% of women have ovarian cysts, which are more likely to be cancer. Asymptomatic premenarchal females are more likely to have benign ovarian cysts, which are seen in roughly 68% of ovaries in girls 2-12 years old and 84% of ovaries in girls 0-2 years old. The majority are less than 9 mm in diameter, with 10-20% being bigger macrocysts. While smaller cysts usually go away within six months, bigger cysts tend to be more persistent. Further, the cyst may rupture, causing different complications which require proper treatment. Ovarian cyst rupture is a sudden, often sharp abdominal pain caused when a fluid-filled sac on the ovary bursts, sometimes requiring medical attention.
Let’s see the frequently asked question :
What exactly is an ovarian cyst rupture? What are the contributing factors for ovarian cyst development and rupture? What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cyst rupture? How can we identify the rupture of an ovarian cyst? What is the management of the ovarian cyst rupture?
Let’s learn about…
What exactly is an ovarian cyst rupture?
- Ovarian cyst rupture, in which a fluid-filled sac bursts or tears open, is a typical occurrence in women of reproductive age.
- Enlargement, physical damage, and hormonal changes are some of the causes. Sudden pelvic or abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, and fever are all symptoms.
- Infection or internal bleeding are examples of complications.
- Symptoms, physical examination, and imaging tests are used to make a diagnosis.
- Treatment is determined by the severity of the symptoms and the possibility of consequences. Mild instances may need pain relief and strict monitoring, whilst severe cases may necessitate hospitalization and surgical intervention.
What are the contributing factors for ovarian cyst development and rupture?
Several variables can impact the formation and rupture of ovarian cysts. It is crucial to highlight that the majority of ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and may not always have a particular etiology. Several circumstances and settings, however, can contribute to their growth and the possibility of rupture:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle have a crucial effect on the formation of ovarian cysts. When the hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, functional cysts such as follicular and corpus luteum cysts can occur.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal condition that causes the ovaries to develop many tiny cysts. These cysts are often follicular and can increase the chance of ovarian cysts.
- Endometriosis: It is a disorder in which tissue comparable to the uterine lining develops outside the uterus. Endometrial tissue can also adhere to the ovaries and create endometriomas, often known as chocolate cysts.
- Pregnancy: Cysts known as corpus luteum cysts can grow on the ovaries during pregnancy. These cysts normally go away on their own, although they might burst and cause discomfort or agony.
- Age: Ovarian cysts are more prevalent during pregnancy, and the risk reduces after menopause. Because of their menstrual cycles, women of childbearing age are more prone to acquire functional cysts.
- Medication: Certain treatments, such as fertility drugs, may increase the chance of cyst development, including numerous cysts on the ovaries.
- Previous Cyst History: If you've previously had ovarian cysts, you're at a slightly increased risk of getting new cysts in the future.
- Overweight: Obesity is linked to hormonal abnormalities, which can lead to the formation of ovarian cysts. If cysts rupture, it might potentially raise the risk of problems.
- Infections in the pelvic area, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause cyst development or raise the risk of cyst rupture.
- Lifestyle and Habits: Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle may be connected with an increased risk of developing ovarian cysts.
What are the signs and symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst ?
Ovarian cyst rupture can result in a variety of indications and symptoms, the severity of which varies. It’s important to note that not everyone who has an ovarian cyst rupture will have all of these symptoms, and some people may just feel minimal pain. The following are common indications and symptoms of an ovarian cyst rupture:
- Pain: The most common sign of a cyst rupture is sudden, sharp abdominal or pelvic pain. The pain can be acute and severe, and it is frequently restricted to one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis. It might hit you unexpectedly and feel like a sharp, piercing pain.
- Pelvic discomfort During or After Sexual Intercourse: If an ovarian cyst ruptures, some women may suffer discomfort during or after sexual activity.
- Ruptured hemorrhagic cyst: A burst cyst may produce minor vaginal bleeding or spotting. Blood may be combined with clear or yellowish liquids.
- Dizziness: In certain situations, the pain and suffering associated with a cyst rupture might cause nausea and vomiting.
- Bloating or Abdominal Fullness: You may have bloating or the sensation that your belly is full or swollen.
- Urination: Urination may become more urgent and frequent as a result of pressure on the bladder caused by a larger cyst or discomfort caused by the rupture.
- Low-Grade Fever: An ovarian cyst rupture discharge can cause a low fever in certain cases, especially if an infection develops as a consequence.
How can we identify the rupture of an ovarian cyst?
Detecting an ovarian cyst rupture often entails a mix of medical examination, a review of your symptoms, and diagnostic imaging. The following are the
normal stages involved in recognizing an ovarian cyst rupture:
- Clinical Evaluation: Your healthcare practitioner will begin with a complete medical history and a physical examination. They will inquire about your symptoms, such as the type, location, and degree of your pain, as well as any other pertinent symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.
- Pelvic Exam: Your healthcare professional will feel for any pain, swelling, or lumps in your lower abdomen or pelvis during a pelvic exam. This can assist them in detecting indicators of an ovarian cyst rupture.
- Imaging Tests: Your healthcare practitioner may prescribe one or more imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and examine the degree of the rupture. These tests may include:
1. Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound is a type of imaging examination that is commonly used to visualize the ovaries and surrounding tissues. It can aid in the detection of cysts, their size, and any indicators of rupture, such as fluid or blood in the pelvis.
2. CT Scan: When ultrasound results are unclear or to rule out problems like internal hemorrhage, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be
done.
- Blood Tests: To detect symptoms of infection or internal bleeding, blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) or tests to monitor levels of specific biomarkers may be conducted.
- Clinical Observation: In some situations, your healthcare professional may decide to keep an eye on your condition to see whether it improves or if there are any symptoms or consequences. This may entail monitoring your vital signs (such as blood pressure and heart rate) and doing follow-up checks.
- Other Possible Reasons for Abdominal or Pelvic Pain: It is critical to rule out other possible reasons for abdominal or pelvic pain, such as appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy, which may present with similar symptoms.
What is Ruptured ovarian cyst treatment?
The method of therapy for ovarian cyst rupture is determined by several criteria, including the severity of symptoms, the occurrence of complications, and the kind of cyst implicated. The following are the therapeutic options for an ovarian cyst rupture:
- Pain Management and Observation: Small ovarian cyst ruptures may not always necessitate active intervention and might heal on their own. To ease discomfort, your healthcare professional may offer pain management measures. OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may suffice.
- Rest and observation: Resting and avoiding vigorous activity can help lessen the likelihood of symptoms developing or worsening. Follow-up checkups or imaging investigations may be recommended by your healthcare practitioner to confirm the cyst is clearing.
- Hormonal Contraception: Hormonal birth control treatments (such as birth control tablets) may be administered to those who have recurring ovarian cysts. These can help to control the menstrual cycle and lower the chances of fresh cyst development.
- Cystectomy by laparoscopic surgery: Surgery may be required if the cyst is big and producing serious symptoms or if there are indicators of complications such as internal bleeding. Laparoscopic surgery, often known as minimally invasive surgery, entails making small incisions in the belly and removing the cyst with a thin, illuminated device. When opposed to open surgery, this method usually results in a faster recovery.
- Oophorectomy: In certain circumstances, especially if the cyst causes substantial pain or seems to be malignant, the afflicted ovary may need to be surgically removed (oophorectomy). This is a more invasive surgery than cystectomy, although it is occasionally required for medical reasons.
- Surgical Emergencies: Ovarian cyst rupture causes serious internal bleeding or infection; immediate surgery may be necessary to treat these potentially fatal consequences.
- Treatment for Infection: If an infection develops as a result of the rupture, antibiotic therapy may be required to manage the illness.
Summary :
Ovarian cyst rupture is a common occurrence in women of reproductive age, where a fluid-filled sac bursts or tears open. Causes include enlargement, physical trauma, and hormonal changes. Symptoms include sudden pelvic orabdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, and fever. Complications can include infection or internal bleeding. Diagnosis is done based on symptoms, physical examination, and imaging tests. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and potential complications. Mild cases may require pain management, while more severe cases may require hospitalization and surgical intervention. Seeking medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and ensure accurate diagnosis and management.