Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Pain

What Does A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Feel Like?

Ruptured ovarian cyst pain can be severe and even debilitating. Complications of a ruptured ovarian cyst can include hemorrhage and infections. It's important to understand what a ruptured cyst is, and to recognize its symptoms in order to prevent a serious - even life-threatening - medical emergency.

What is a ruptured ovarian cyst? An ovarian cyst is membrane on your ovary that fills with fluid. This membrane, which is basically a small sac, may grow larger and larger, causing pelvic pain on one side. Eventually, the sac becomes so full that it ruptures and the fluid inside begins to leak out.

The rupture of this fluid causes irritation of the pelvic lining, which results in ovary pain. This pain usually becomes less intense over the course of a few days.

Signs of a ruptured ovarian cyst Ovary pain is common when you have a ruptured ovarian cyst. Unfortunately, this pain feels a lot like discomfort you sometimes get from an ovarian cyst that has not ruptured, so it can be difficult to distinguish one from another.

A constant, dull ache is one of the typical signs of a ruptured ovarian cyst. It may become especially noticeable during or after intercourse, or even during urination or a bowel movement. Lifting, bending and reaching may trigger some discomfort, as can exercise or sports activities.

Pain may grow worse just before or just after your period. Irregular periods are a symptom of both a typical ovarian cyst, or one that has ruptured.

Heavier bleeding than normal may occur, and spotting may also occur at various times during your cycle.

When an ovarian cyst ruptures, you typically feel sharp ovary pain immediately. If you already know you have an ovarian cyst which has not caused pain before, a rupture is likely if it suddenly starts. If your cyst had previously caused some discomfort, your pain may escalate gradually upon rupture.

Treating a ruptured ovarian cyst The severity of your condition, any complications that have occurred and the extent of internal damage caused by the rupture will determine the best course of treatment.

The first step will be to stabilize your condition and determine how much fluid has leaked into your abdominal cavity. Typically, you'll get antibiotics right away, starting with Gentamycin or one of its variants, followed by penicillin. A drug called Metronidazole is an option. This counteracts anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.

If you are pre-menopausal, your doctor will probably give you something to keep you from ovulating - possibly an oral contraceptive. This reduces the risk of more cysts developing. This option is likely to be temporary.

Your doctor will also try to relieve your ruptured ovarian cyst pain with medications. He or she will consider the other types of drugs you're taking and prescribe pain killers accordingly. In many cases Fentanyl or Vicodin may be appropriate. If your ovary pain is mild or moderate, a non-prescription pain reliever like Tylenol will work.

Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove the cyst, but this is rare.