Why might I need management of a ruptured ovarian cyst?

Your ovaries normally grow cyst-like structures called follicles each month. Follicles produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and release an egg when you ovulate. If a normal monthly follicle keeps growing, it's known as a functional cyst. There are two types of functional cysts:. Functional cysts are usually harmless, rarely cause pain, and often disappear on their own within two or three menstrual cycles.

Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can become large, causing the ovary to move out of position. This increases the chance of painful twisting of your ovary, called ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion may also result in decreasing or stopping blood flow to the ovary. Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries.

It often happens about midway through the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary. In preparation for ovulation, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens. The pituitary gland in the brain stimulates one of the ovaries to release an egg. The wall of the ovarian follicle ruptures at the surface of the ovary.

The egg is released. Finger-like structures called fimbriae sweep the egg into the neighboring fallopian tube. The egg travels through the fallopian tube, propelled in part by contractions in the fallopian tube walls. Here in the fallopian tube, the egg may be fertilized by a sperm.

If the egg is fertilized, the egg and sperm unite to form a one-celled entity called a zygote. As the zygote travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus, it begins dividing rapidly to form a cluster of cells called a blastocyst, which resembles a tiny raspberry.

When the blastocyst reaches the uterus, it implants in the lining of the uterus and pregnancy begins. If the egg isn't fertilized, it's simply reabsorbed by the body — perhaps before it even reaches the uterus. About two weeks later, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina.

This is known as menstruation. Some women develop less common types of cysts that a doctor finds during a pelvic exam. Cystic ovarian masses that develop after menopause might be cancerous malignant. That's why it's important to have regular pelvic exams. Although there's no way to prevent ovarian cysts, regular pelvic examinations help ensure that changes in your ovaries are diagnosed as early as possible. Be alert to changes in your monthly cycle, including unusual menstrual symptoms, especially ones that persist for more than a few cycles. Talk to your doctor about changes that concern you.

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These cysts are the most common type to rupture. For many women, a ruptured ovarian cyst causes no symptoms, or only mild symptoms. Mild symptoms can often be managed with pain medicines.

What is management of a ruptured ovarian cyst?

There are seldom any risks in this situation. In some cases, you may have more severe symptoms.

Ovarian Cysts

These can include extreme pain in your lower belly and bleeding. Uncontrolled bleeding can be life-threatening. See your healthcare provider right away. Depending on your symptoms, you may need to be hospitalized. Severe cases may require surgery. This may be an emergency procedure. The surgery may be minimally invasive a laparoscopy. This means it uses very small cuts incisions. Or it may be a standard open procedure and use a much larger incision.

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All surgery has some risks, but in these severe cases, there are greater risks to you if surgery is not performed. Risks and possible complications of surgery for a ruptured ovarian cyst include:. A healthcare provider diagnoses a ruptured ovarian cyst. If you have sudden, sharp belly pain, see a provider right away.

If you know that you have an ovarian cyst, be aware that it can rupture and need treatment. Your provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. Be sure to tell the provider if you know that you have an ovarian cyst. You will also have a physical exam. This will likely include a pelvic exam. If your provider thinks you may have a ruptured cyst, you may need tests. These tests can help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as an ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, or a kidney stone.

Some of these tests may include:. If you need surgery for your cyst, your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Management of a ruptured ovarian cyst depends on whether it is complex. A regular cyst is a simple fluid-filled sac.

What is management of a ruptured ovarian cyst?

A complex cyst may have solid areas, bumps on the surface, or several areas filled with fluid. Many women have functional ovarian cysts. Most of these are not complex. A ruptured cyst that is not complex can be treated with pain medicine.

Management of Ruptured Ovarian Cyst - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center

You may be told to watch your symptoms over time. In some cases, you may need to have follow-up ultrasound tests. You may not need any other treatment. If you have a complex ruptured ovarian cyst, you may need care in the hospital. Your treatment may include:. If you need surgery, your provider may use a minimally invasive method. This is called a laparoscopy. The provider makes small cuts incisions in your belly while you are under anesthesia. A tiny lighted camera and other small tools are put through these incisions. The provider controls the bleeding and removes any blood clots or fluid.

The tools are then removed. The incisions are closed and bandaged. If your ruptured ovarian cyst is not complex, you will likely continue your care at home. You can use pain medicines as needed. Your pain should go away in a few days. Let your provider know right away if you your pain gets worse, if you feel dizzy, or have new symptoms.

Follow up with your provider if you need imaging or blood tests. If you have a complex ruptured ovarian cyst, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or more days. If your cyst is no longer bleeding, you may be able to go home. You may need follow-up imaging tests to make sure that your bleeding has stopped and to see if the cyst needs surgery to rule out cancer. If you had surgery, you will be told how to care for your wound and bandage.

You may need to limit your physical activity for a while. Your healthcare team will give you more information.