Pain, Bleeding Could Be Signs Of Burst Ovarian Cysts

By Amanda Clark

Ovarian cysts happen to many women. Normally these cysts on the ovaries form and dissolve on their own without harm. In some cases, however, burst ovarian cysts cause pain and bleeding - clear signs that immediate treatment is required.

Cysts on the ovaries can be common among women of childbearing age, but rarely are they life-threatening. During normal monthly menstruation, a follicle in the ovary releases an egg, or ovum, in the menstrual cycle. Sometimes, however, the follicle fails to break open, causing the formation of a cyst. This type of cyst is called a "functional cyst."

Usually the follicle will dissolve after releasing an egg, but sometimes the sac will seal itself off and fill with fluid. This type of cyst is called a "corpus luteum cyst." In both cases, these types of ovarian cyst will dissolve on their own within 1 to 3 months.

Most ovarian cysts go away naturally within four to 12 weeks. Sometimes, however, an ovarian cyst can burst, causing a woman severe pain and needing emergency attention.

A burst ovarian cyst causes a woman pain that typically radiates throughout the pelvic region into the lower abdomen. How severe the pain gets depends on whether the cyst is infected or bleeding, and of what the cyst is composed, such as fluid or blood. The contents can irritate the peritoneal lining, which increase the pain. An ovarian cyst also can give a woman discomfort by influencing the ovary to produce more prostaglandins.

The peritoneum, or covering of the abdominal cavity, becomes inflamed because so many nerves are located in it. The smallest amount of blood, as little as 10 ml, can irritate this tender body part.

Any woman who experiences severe pelvic pain, especially when accompanied by spotting or bleeding between periods, should get immediate treatment for a likely burst ovarian cyst. - 31802

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