An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. In some cases, the cyst can break open (rupture). A ruptured cyst may be managed in several ways:
You may just need to keep track of your symptoms.
You may need to take pain medicine.
You may need surgery.
The ovaries are a pair of small, oval-shaped organs in the lower part of a woman’s belly (abdomen). About once a month, one of the ovaries releases an egg. The ovaries also make the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These play roles in pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and breast growth.
An ovarian cyst can develop for different reasons. Most ovarian cysts are harmless. A cyst that ruptures may cause no symptoms, or only mild symptoms. Ruptured cysts that cause mild symptoms can often be managed with pain medicines. The cyst may be looked at with an imaging test such as an ultrasound.
In some cases, a ruptured cyst can cause more severe symptoms. These can include severe pain in the lower belly and bleeding. Symptoms like these need treatment right away.
You may need care in the hospital if you have severe symptoms from a ruptured cyst. You may be given IV (intravenous) pain medicines through a needle inserted into your vein. You may need to have fluids or blood replaced due to internal bleeding. In rare cases, a ruptured ovarian cyst may need surgery. This may be an emergency surgery.
If you need surgery because of internal bleeding, a surgeon will make a cut (incision) in your abdomen while you are under anesthesia. The doctor controls the bleeding and removes any blood clots or fluid. He or she may then remove the cyst or your entire ovary.