What Does It Feel Like When An Ovarian Cyst Ruptures?

As a part of your reproductive cycle, your ovaries let out eggs once every 21 to 30 days. During this period, the ovaries might build a fluid-filled sac or a cyst.

In most cases, the cyst isn’t a problem as it goes away on its own. But in some cases might experience an ovarian cyst rupture.

Ovarian cysts are usually normal. However, this condition becomes a problem when the cysts begin to appear repeatedly outside of your regular cycle.

Some women develop multiple cysts at one time because of a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Ovarian cysts are not fatal. However, unawareness about this medical issue among women can lead to problems, especially when the cyst ruptures. In this blog, we will help you understand more about ovarian cysts and how you feel when they rupture. 

A] What Is An Ovarian Cyst?

Ovarian Cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop on or within the ovaries during a woman’s reproductive years. The two ovaries in a female reproductive system are small organs in the pelvis. Ovaries hold egg cells and release hormones like progesterone and oestrogen.

As mentioned, most ovarian cysts are completely harmless. However, if the occurrence of cysts becomes a common phenomenon, it can lead to complications. Sometimes, when you leave cysts medically unattended, they might even become cancerous!

B] Different Types Of Ovarian Cysts 

Ovarian cysts can occur in different forms. So, one kind of cyst rupture will leave you with a specific type of pain or feeling. For example, how PCOS cyst rupture feels is usually different from a normal ovarian cyst rupture.

The below-mentioned are a few common types of ovarian cysts:

1. Functional Cysts: Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cysts. These usually form as a part of the menstrual cycle. Functional cysts do not cause any health complications because they only appear in the follicle (a small sac in the ovary) and disappear after 2-3 menstrual cycles. 
2. Dermoid Or Teratoma Cysts: Dermoid cysts are present in a woman from birth. However, these cysts are very rare and affect about 10 out of 100,000 women.
3. Cystadenoma Cysts: Cystadenoma cysts appear on the ovary’s surface. These cysts are filled with fluid or tissue from the ovary.
4. Endometrioma Cysts: Endometrioma cysts are filled with blood and grow on tissue outside the uterus.

C] What Are The Symptoms Of A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst? 

To understand if your ovarian cyst has ruptured, it is important to know ‘what a ruptured ovarian cyst feels like.’ The below-mentioned are a few symptoms that point toward a ruptured ovarian cyst. 

• You experience intense pain in your pelvic area, usually on the lower right side. Remember that if you have an endometrial cyst, it can cause pain on both sides. 
• There’s a sharp pain in your pelvic area after intercourse or while exercising. If you are wondering ‘Can I exercise with an ovarian cyst?’ The answer is yes, mild exercises can be comfortably performed but strenuous exercises can elevate pain sensations.
• You begin to feel the pain from ovarian cysts when you are at the midpoint of your menstrual cycle.

Apart from the pain, there are a few other signs of a ruptured ovarian cyst. These signs include the following:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Pain while sitting
• Dizziness
• Tenderness in the abdominal area
• Heavy feeling in your pelvis
• Fever 
• Shoulder pain (happens when you are experiencing a lot of bleeding)

D] How Can You Determine If An Ovarian Cyst Has Ruptured?

To determine if an ovarian cyst has ruptured, you need to be aware of the above-mentioned symptoms. Additionally, there are 4 more signs that point towards a ruptured ovarian cyst. 

1. Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the signs of an ovarian cyst rupture. When the cyst ruptures, you feel intense pain on the side where it bursts. 

2. Spotting/Vaginal Bleeding

Does an ovarian cyst cause bleeding? Yes, it does. Sometimes, an ovarian cyst rupture can also cause light vaginal bleeding or spotting. The spotting or bleeding is what ovarian cyst rupture discharge looks like.

There are some concerns about ‘can ovarian cysts cause bleeding during intercourse.’ Well, if the intercourse is rigorous, you can experience bleeding. 

3. Feeling Bloated 

Ovarian cyst bloating is a common phenomenon in this medical health condition. If you feel bloated even when your period is not due, it might be an indication of a ruptured ovarian cyst. 

4. Fullness In Pelvic

Sometimes, fullness in the pelvis is what a ruptured ovarian cyst feels like. You might feel heaviness in your pelvic as the fluid from the cyst settles in your pelvic cavity. 

E] When Does An Ovarian Cyst Require Medical Attention?

When it comes to receiving medical attention, most women always wonder ‘how long do ovarian cysts last?’The normal timeline for an ovarian cyst to last is 2-3 menstrual cycles. But if you feel that the cyst is not healing, you should see a doctor. 

Consider intense pelvic pain, consistent bloating, or nausea as red flags for ovarian cysts. If there is rapid pain due to the ovarian cyst rupture, it calls for immediate medical attention. Large cysts also demand medical intervention because they can cause severe health complications in the long run.

Ovary cyst requires medical attention when the symptoms start interfering with your daily routine. Sometimes, the symptoms can often be accompanied by fever which might make you unable to perform your regular tasks. In such a case, medical attention becomes absolutely important.

If you are wondering how to get rid of ovarian cysts without surgery, let us tell you that there are ways to do so. However, you would need to consult your gynaecologist to assess your situation and see whether the medication will work. If it does, your gynaecologist will give you medication to dissolve ovarian cysts. 

Conclusion

An ovarian cyst is a common occurrence during a reproductive cycle. If you think you have developed an ovarian cyst and you are wondering ‘how ovarian cysts go away,’ don’t worry! Most of the time, ovarian cysts will go away on their own. However, when the cyst ruptures and the symptoms become too intense, you might need medical attention.

Consulting a doctor is the best choice as he will be able to assess your medical state properly. If you think that the ovarian cyst rupture symptoms are going out of hand, don’t shy away from consulting a private gynaecologist in London.

Above all, you should take care of your health and ensure that you book regular checkups. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet so that your body maintains an appropriate hormonal balance.

Neha Goel

Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.