Ovarian cysts are small sacs full of fluid that form on your ovaries. You have two ovaries, each about 3-4 centimeters (cm) in size. An egg develops each month in your ovaries and passes through the fallopian tubes into your uterus. Small cysts usually form during ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg.
Sometimes, a cyst breaks open, or ruptures. Many ruptured cysts heal on their own, but those that cause a lot of pain or heavy bleeding need medical care.
Understanding Ovarian Cysts
During ovulation, cyst-like structures called follicles produce estrogen and progesterone. These structures usually pose no health risk, cause no discomfort or pain, and go away on their own during your cycle.
An ovulation cyst that doesn't disappear on its own is known as a functional cyst. If the cyst fails to release an egg and continues to grow, it becomes a follicular cyst. If the cyst does release the egg but continues growing, it is called a corpus luteum. None of these are harmful to your health, and they usually go away on their own in two to three menstrual cycles.
Other types of cysts may pose health risks. These include:
Dermoid cysts. These cysts form from embryonic cells and may contain fetal tissue such as hair, skin, or teeth. They are rarely cancerous but can be.
Cystadenomas. These cysts form on the outside of your ovary and contain fluid or a type of mucus.
Endometriomas. If you have endometriosis, uterine cells may grow outside of the uterus, causing a cyst to form on your ovaries.
Ovarian Cyst Risk Factors
There are a few different ovarian cyst risk factors. You're more likely to develop a cyst if you:
- Take a fertility drug, such as clomiphene or letrozole (Femara)
- Are pregnant
- Have endometriosis
- Have a severe pelvic infection
- Have had ovarian cysts in the past
What Happens When an Ovarian Cyst Ruptures?
Most ruptured ovarian cysts are harmless, but a small number of them can cause complications such as internal bleeding, infection, and severe pain. "A cyst can sometimes cause the ovary to twist, called ovarian torsion, cutting off its blood supply," says Roxana Mohhebali-Solis, MD, assistant professor in clinical obstetrics & gynecology at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, TN. Torsion is more likely to happen when cysts are large — bigger than 5 centimeters (2 inches).
It's important to be familiar with these ovarian cyst burst symptoms, in case you need treatment:
- Pain in your pelvis or belly that feels like a dull ache or sharp pain, usually on one side
- Pain during sex
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in your belly, even if you haven't eaten very much
- Bloating — a swollen belly
- Trouble pooping completely
- Unusually heavy, light, or irregular periods
- The need to pee more often than usual
Signs you need immediate help
See a doctor or go to an emergency room right away if you have these ovarian cyst popping symptoms. They could mean you have a lot of bleeding in your belly, or the cyst has gotten infected:
- Sudden and severe belly pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Vision changes
- Racing heartbeat
- Lightheadedness or weakness
- Fast breathing
Diagnosing a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst
For symptoms of a ruptured cyst, talk to your doctor right away. If you see a different doctor from the one you normally visit, tell them if you already know that you have a cyst. They will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They'll also probably give you a physical exam, including a pelvic exam.
If your doctor thinks you may have a ruptured cyst, you will need more tests. Your doctor wants to rule out other health conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, or a kidney stone. Other tests may include the following:
Ultrasound. This gives your doctor a picture of the size and location of your cyst.
Pregnancy test. Your doctor wants to see if pregnancy may be causing the cyst. If you're pregnant, they will choose less invasive treatment options that don’t put your baby at risk.
Blood tests. These offer information on your iron levels and also check for signs of cancer.
Urine test. Your doctor looks for protein in your urine and other possible causes of your pain.
Vaginal culture. This helps rule out or diagnose a pelvic infection.
CT scan. This test uses a series of X-rays to show a more detailed picture of your pelvis.
Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Treatment
Ovarian cyst rupture usually isn't serious. "You can treat symptoms at home with rest, over-the-counter pain medicines, and a heating pad," Mohhebali-Solis says. Your doctor may suggest a follow-up pelvic ultrasound in two to three months to see if the cyst has disappeared.
If you have a more serious case with bleeding or torsion, you'll get fluids through a vein (IV) and stronger pain medication. A doctor will check you for internal bleeding. You may need a blood transfusion if you've had a lot of internal bleeding. Severe internal bleeding can reduce blood flow to your vital organs and possibly damage them.
If your condition is serious enough, you may need surgery to treat a ruptured ovarian cyst. The surgery is usually done with laparoscopy. After you get medicine to make you sleep and prevent pain, a surgeon will make a few small cuts in your belly and insert tiny instruments and a camera into them. The surgeon will then remove the cyst. Sometimes, doctors take out the entire ovary to test it for cancer. You'll need plenty of time to rest and recover after surgery.
It's important to have dangerous cysts removed, but the surgery does have risks. Some of these risks are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor healing of the incision site
- Blood clots
- Damage to your blood vessels, nerves, muscles, or other nearby tissues
- Need for a larger opening
- Scar tissue from the incision or surgery
Takeaways
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the ovaries during ovulation. Some cysts rupture. Although most ovarian cyst ruptures aren't serious, some cause complications such as bleeding, infection, and severe pain. Treatments for an ovarian cyst rupture include IV fluids, pain medicine, and sometimes surgery to remove the cyst or the whole ovary.
Ruptured Ovarian Cyst FAQs
What does it feel like when an ovarian cyst ruptures?
Symptoms can vary from person to person. "Some patients may have no symptoms at all, while others can experience sudden, sharp pelvic pain, often on one side, abdominal bloating or tenderness, lightheadedness, or dizziness," says Mohhebali-Solis.
How long does ruptured ovarian cyst pain last?
Pain from a ruptured ovarian cyst usually starts to improve in a few days.
How long do ruptured ovarian cyst symptoms last?
Symptoms should get better within a few days. "Any ongoing pain, worsening symptoms, fever, or signs of infection or heavy bleeding should be evaluated promptly," says Mohhebali-Solis.
What to expect after an ovarian cyst ruptures
Your body should reabsorb the fluid, and the cyst will heal without treatment. Less often, symptoms are severe, and the cyst requires emergency treatment.
