Ovarian Cyst Rupture Symptoms

An ovarian cyst is a fluid filled sac that develops within an ovary or on its surface. Both the ovaries grow some follicles each month, which are cyst like structures. One of these ovarian follicles mature and then releases an egg at the time of ovulation. The other excess follicles are usually reabsorbed by the body. But sometimes, ovarian follicles can continue to grow and become cysts. An ovarian follicle larger than two centimeters is usually considered as a cyst. Most of the ovarian cysts are harmless and benign, and many a time, they disappear without any medical intervention. Ovarian cysts may not present any symptom in some women. However, others can experience a number of painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes, these cysts can also burst or rupture. Ovarian cyst rupture can not only produce painful symptoms, but can lead to certain severe complications as well. Women need to be aware of the ovarian cyst rupture symptoms, in order to identify and treat this condition as early as possible. So, let's take a look at what are the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst.

Signs and Symptoms of Ruptured Ovarian Cyst

The symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts are not very different from the symptoms of ovarian cysts, that have not ruptured. Therefore, it can be a bit difficult to identify the bursting of ovarian cysts. The most common symptom of both regular ovarian cyst and ruptured ovarian cyst is pain. Women can experience pain in the lower abdomen and the pelvic area, due to the presence of regular and ruptured ovarian cyst. The pelvic pain associated with ovarian cysts can be dull and aching. The pain produced by the bursting of the ovarian cysts can be very intense, sharp and piercing. Such pain can be felt in the lower abdomen.

Women can experience pain during menstrual cycle due to the development of ovarian cysts. The pain can worsen particularly before and after the menstrual cycle. One of the important warning sign of ovarian cysts is, pain experienced during intercourse, as well as while passing a bowel movement. Many women can also experience pain while doing normal day-to-day activities like, lifting things or bending. Apart from pain, there can be some other ovarian cyst rupture symptoms, which are enlisted below.

• Irregular menstrual cycle, which can be longer or shorter than usual
• Heavier or scanty bleeding during menstrual cycle
• Spotting
• Tender and distended abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pelvic pain before and after menstruation
• Bloating and abdominal fullness
• Gas and indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation
• Pallor or anemia (sign of internal bleeding from ruptured ovarian cysts)
• Fever
• Weakness
• Dizziness or fainting
• Frequent urges to urinate
• High or low blood pressure

Ovarian Cyst Rupture Treatment

The treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If the rupture or bursting ovarian cysts present serious complications, then surgery is required. However, doctors first try to stabilize the condition of the patient by examining her breathing, airways and the circulation. If required, they opt for the intravenous treatment. Usually, a test called culdocentesis is carried out, if the condition of the patient seems quite unstable. This test is basically carried out to examine the fluid in the abdomen and the pelvic area.

The medications that are usually prescribed by physicians for the treatment of ovarian cyst rupture are antibiotics, analgesics and oral contraceptives. Antibiotics are primarily used to prevent any kind of infection that may result from the rupture of the ovarian cyst, while analgesics are recommended to manage the excruciating pain that such ruptured cysts can produce. Oral contraceptives are usually used for treating ovarian cysts in women approaching menopause. These drugs can prevent ovulation and reduce the chances of developing new cysts. Along with medications, sometimes surgery can be required for treating regular, as well as ruptured ovarian cysts. Cystectomy is the most common surgical procedure employed for the treatment of ovarian cyst, where the cysts are removed without affecting the ovary.

As mentioned already, ovarian cyst rupture symptoms can resemble the usual ovarian cyst symptoms. But this should not be a reason to neglect these symptoms, as the complications associated with the rupture of ovarian cysts can be quite serious at times. Bursting of ovarian cysts can result in hemorrhage, infection and twisting of the ovary. To avoid such complications, one should get the symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts properly evaluated and treated with the help of a physician.