Sometimes this doesn’t cause problems, but it can be dangerous and require hospitalization.
An ovarian cyst in and of itself is not always a concern.
Why some ovarian cysts rupture and others don’t is not known.
Illustration by Sydney Saporito for Verywell Health
It also explains how a ruptured ovarian cyst is diagnosed and treated.
However, larger cysts that burst can cause sharp, sudden pain in your lower belly or back.
The pain is typically strongest on one side.
A ruptured ovarian cyst is not, by itself, a life-threatening problem.
Many even heal on their own without medical attention.
However, there are times when a burst cyst can be a medical emergency.
Sometimes, the infected cyst can triggersepsisthe immune system’s extreme response to infection.
Sepsis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Ovarian Torsion
An ovarian cyst, ruptured or not, can sometimes cause ovarian torsion.
This happens when the ovary twists and cuts off its own blood supply.
It is a serious condition that can cause ovarian tissues to die.
The pain will be severe and situated on one side, just like that of the burst cyst itself.
Immediate surgical intervention is needed to uncoil the ovary and preventnecrosis(tissue death).
Severe Bleeding
A cyst that is located near a significant blood vessel may cause severe bleeding if it ruptures.
Left untreated, the bleeding can lead to a serious condition known ashemoperitoneum.
What Causes an Ovarian Cyst to Rupture?
These ovarian cysts only occur in those who have started to get periods but haven’t yet reachedmenopause.
Acomplete blood count (CBC)may be used to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities.
While an ultrasound is the best method of evaluating a ruptured cyst, it has its limitations.
Mild pain during ovulation is normal.
In some cases, your cyst may be sparked by an underlying condition like endometriosis orpolycystic ovary syndrome.
Both can cause difficulty getting pregnant.
Pain medicationmay be prescribed to help manage the discomfort.
Rest may be recommended for a day or two to allow the symptoms to fully resolve.
The pain from a burst ovarian cyst can last for a few days.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent an ovarian cyst from rupturing.
Summary
Ovarian cysts are not uncommon and they’re not always a cause for concern.
A ruptured ovarian cyst can, however, become a serious health issue and lead to complications.
A related infection or severe bleeding can become life-threatening.
It’s important to receive the correct diagnosis and rule out other possible causes, like an ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment for a ruptured ovarian cyst will depend on the symptoms.
Pain medication and rest may be enough in some cases, while others may require hospitalization.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Management of ruptured ovarian cyst.
Lim WH, Woods N, Lamaro VP.Trends and outcomes of ruptured ovarian cysts.Postgrad Med J.
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Penn Medicine.Ovarian cysts and pregnancy: Could a cyst stop me from having a baby?.
Emory University School of Medicine.Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ovarian cysts.
