Facebook Pixel

What to Do when an Ovarian Cyst Ruptures

 
Rate This
cystic ovary, burst ovary, ovaries burst, ovary burst Via Pexels

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking part in sexual intercourse. It was all going great until about halfway through – with all of the pushing, pulling, and jostling around, it felt like something in my lower left pelvic region had been knocked free. At the time it just felt like a slight twinge, so I finished up my business and moved on.

As the night progressed, the tiny pinprick didn’t go away. In fact, it got worse. It transformed from a pinch to an ache to a full-blown stabbing pain. Needless to say, I was pretty freaked out (appendix? miscarriage? infection?) and finally went to the emergency room around midnight because I couldn’t sleep.

After undergoing a few vital tests I was sent home and told to come back in the morning for an ultrasound. As a picture of my uterus flashed across the screen the next day, I took note of what looked like an ugly purple bruise on one of my ovaries. “Yep,” the technician said to me. “You've got a ruptured cyst.”

It turns out that ruptured cysts are a relatively common phenomenon. Cysts are little fluid-filled sacs that grow on the outside of your ovaries. They start out as follicles, which are usually eliminated each month during menstruation. The most stubborn follicles hang around and set up camp to become full-blown cysts. Sometimes cysts will go away on their own and sometimes they require surgical removal. Doctors often take a biopsy of surgically removed cysts in order to confirm that they are benign (non-cancerous).

When a cyst bursts, or ruptures, a woman will most likely experience pain and bleeding. She may also have a feeling of fullness or heaviness in her abdomen and may be extra sensitive during sexual activities and trips to the bathroom.

The biggest health risk associated with ruptured cysts is hemorrhaging. You don’t want to lose too much blood or become dizzy or weak – these are all bad signs! Always visit a doctor if your pain is severe or bleeding continues for days on end. It is a good idea to mention the cyst to your gynecologist next time you’re in for an exam, too, so that more severe medical problems can be ruled out.

Given that you don’t have any other major reproductive issues, you probably won’t require any further treatment once the cyst drains. Simply wear a tampon or sanitary napkin until bleeding ceases. Repeated cysts may be treated with birth control pills, which regulate hormones and reduce follicle growth.

Add a Comment25 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Have you ever been checked for endometriosis? Sounds an aweful lot like it. I have the same issues (rectal bleeding, stomach problems and all) all just before my menstrual cycle. Didn't have any success after 2 years of trying to conceive, so off to the doctor I went. That's what they told me, Endometriosis.

March 11, 2015 - 11:12am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

No endometriosis! I am going to be mindful about back pain etc. My hips were hurting a lot before this happen, and now they are better. I was thinking it was my mattress (which DOES need to be replaced!!), but now I think it may be tied to my ovaries!!

March 11, 2015 - 11:22am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I have heard that cysts can just go away on their own so I'm not sure if my cyst went away using the information I found here ( http://the-natural-way.info/Best-Treatment-For-Ovarian-Cysts.php ) or not, but it did go away. the information I found there did help me to understand what ovarian cysts were all about and I would recommend it to anyone that has to go through this.

December 19, 2014 - 6:08am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Thanks alot for the info,iv got a simple cyst on my right ovary,its been 2mnths now n its painful.the docter gave medicine and called 4 another ultrasound after 2mnths from now,im worried about the pain,its not going at al.

October 28, 2014 - 10:13am

Such cases happen a lot of times and it`s very important to go to the doctor.

February 19, 2014 - 11:37am
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Ovarian Cysts

Get Email Updates

Ovarian Cysts Guide

HERWriter Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!