10 Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. NHS Choices_, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/.
- 2. Baras, Dana. 'What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?' _Johns Hopkins Medicine_, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst.
- 3. 'Ovarian Cysts.' _Mayo Clinic_, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405.
- 4. 'Ovarian Cysts: Overview.' InformedHealth.org, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539572/.
- 5. 'Vaginal Bleeding between Periods: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' _MedlinePlus_, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003156.htm.
- 6. 'Fainting.' _Healthdirect_, Healthdirect Australia, www.healthdirect.gov.au/fainting
- 7. 'What Is Sepsis?' _Centers for Disease Control and Prevention_, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html.
- 8. https://www.londonwomenscentre.co.uk/info/news/ovarian-cysts-affect-chances-becoming-pregnant
- 9. 'When Sex Is Painful.' _ACOG_, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/when-sex-is-painful.
Ovarian cysts, small fluid filled sacs in or on a person’s ovary, are common and generally harmless.1NHS Choices_, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/. In the majority of cases, a cyst will go away on its own.2Baras, Dana. ‘What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst. Even a ruptured cyst often isn’t life threatening; sometimes, a doctor will recommend over-the-counter medicine and monitoring to ensure symptoms go away on their own.2Baras, Dana. ‘What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst.
But in the most extreme cases, with larger cysts or in combination with other conditions, a rupture can cause severe pain, internal bleeding and even death.3‘Ovarian Cysts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405. That’s why it’s important to watch for signs of a ruptured cyst.
1. Sudden Pain
An ovarian cysts can rupture with no pain at all, but most people do feel a sharp sudden pain in their lower belly or back.2Baras, Dana. ‘What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst. Sometimes, milder pain can persist for a few days but is usually manageable with over the counter painkillers. In many cases, this is the only symptom.4‘Ovarian Cysts: Overview.’ InformedHealth.org, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539572/.
Because this symptom occurs immediately and is noticeable, it’s a good opportunity to check in with a doctor. An ultrasound can determine whether further treatment is needed. Severe pain is a cause for concern, as that and other symptoms can indicate a persistent or life threatening complication.1NHS Choices_, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/.
2. Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding from the vagina between periods can have many causes, including a ruptured ovarian cyst. Spotting is not always cause for concern, but it’s helpful to tell a doctor and keep track of how many pads or tampons are being used. If a person is experiencing light bleeding and pain, it’s recommended to choose an NSAID such as ibuprofen over aspirin, which could cause further bleeding.
Very heavy bleeding is one of a few potentially dangerous symptoms which requires emergency care.5‘Vaginal Bleeding between Periods: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003156.htm.
3. Bloating
Abdominal bloating can be a sign of a ruptured cysts, especially if it occurs after or alongside sharp abdominal pain. While it can be annoying, bloating on its own is not generally a reason to worry.
A doctor may recommend medication to help or call for an ultrasound to make sure that the ovary and surrounding area are healthy. Often, all that will be required is watching to make sure more serious symptoms don’t develop.2Baras, Dana. ‘What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst.
4. Feeling Full Quickly
Alongside bloating, a person with a ruptured cyst may notice that they have trouble eating as much as usual. This can also be a symptom of an ovarian cyst that has not ruptured if it’s abnormally large and putting pressure on surrounding organs.1NHS Choices_, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/.
In either case, a doctor can help a patient determine whether sudden changes in appetite are due to a ruptured ovarian cyst, an overly large cyst or another health condition.
5. Frequent Urination
A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause urinary symptoms. If a person feels like they need to urinate more frequently than usual or has difficulty during bowel movements, that can be an indication that an ovarian cyst is too large, causing pressure, or has ruptured.
This symptom will likely go away as the cyst does.1NHS Choices_, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/. However, if a person is concerned about the frequency and difficulty of their bathroom breaks, it’s worth talking to their doctor.
6. Pain During Sex
Pain during sex can be disruptive and unpleasant at the best of times. But alongside sudden sharp pain or vaginal bleeding and in the absence of another condition like vaginismus (involuntary tensing of the vagina), it can indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst.1NHS Choices_, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/.
A person may feel pain in their uterus, vagina or lower back.9‘When Sex Is Painful.’ ACOG, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/when-sex-is-painful. When sex is painful, it’s a good idea to tell partners and see a doctor. It may be necessary to contact an ob-gyn for severe or persistent pain.9‘When Sex Is Painful.’ ACOG, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/when-sex-is-painful.
7. Trouble Getting Pregnant
Ovarian cysts do not generally keep a person from getting pregnant. But some conditions, like endometriosis, can affect the ovaries. In this case , ovarian cysts are more vulnerable to rupture, affecting fertility.3‘Ovarian Cysts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405.
Because ruptures don’t always come with immediate symptoms, ruptured ovarian cysts are sometimes discovered while doctors are investigating other issues. If a couple has been attempting to get pregnant for over a year without success, a doctor may look into ruptured cysts as a potential factor.8https://www.londonwomenscentre.co.uk/info/news/ovarian-cysts-affect-chances-becoming-pregnant
8. Dizziness and Fainting
It’s easy to wave off a bit of momentary dizziness. But if a person recovering from a suspected or confirmed ruptured ovarian cyst faints or feels dizzy, they should seek immediate medical attention.2Baras, Dana. ‘What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst. This symptom combined with others on this list could indicate serious complications.
It’s important to call an ambulance if a person takes more than a few minutes to wake up after fainting, wakes up with an injury or wakes up without knowing how long they were unconscious.6‘Fainting.’ Healthdirect, Healthdirect Australia, www.healthdirect.gov.au/fainting
9. Nausea and Vomiting
Severe nausea, vomiting associated with sudden pain, and cramping are among the most serious symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst, as they could indicate ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion is a condition where the ovary twists or moves in a way that can cut off blood flow or cause severe pain.3‘Ovarian Cysts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405.
Vomiting, especially alongside extreme abdominal pain, is a cue to visit the hospital.2Baras, Dana. ‘What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst. If the blood supply has been cut off, emergency surgery may be needed to keep the ovary from dying.4‘Ovarian Cysts: Overview.’ InformedHealth.org, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539572/.
10. Fever
The most dangerous risk associated with a ruptured cyst is sepsis. An ovarian cyst can become infected or develop because of an infection, and when the infected cyst ruptures, it releases bacteria into the body.2Baras, Dana. ‘What Risks Are Associated with a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst. If the infection is left untreated, it can develop into sepsis, a chain reaction of extreme immune responses that can rapidly cause organ failure.7‘What Is Sepsis?’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html.
A fever can indicate an infection. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience fever or vomiting plus severe abdominal pain.
