The ovaries are two small almond sized/shaped organs of the female reproductive system. They are located, one on each side, of the uterus. They serve an important part in fertility as they hold the ova until maturation occurs when they are dispelled through menstruation once a month in the childbearing years or conception occurs. Fluid-filled cysts may develop that grow within or on the surface of these organs as addressed about the symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts.
Cysts that develop on an ovary are a very common occurrence. This condition is typically painless and self-limiting with uneventful resolution in the majority of cases without intervention in a few months.
Symptoms are an unreliable predictor as to the presence of an ovarian cyst, as often, there are no symptoms. Your best resource for reproductive health is in scheduled visits to an OB/GYN for and in awareness of signs indicating any irregularities or changes in your body.
A large, ruptured cyst on an ovary will likely be noticed through symptoms shared by other serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, tubal pregnancy, or ovarian cancer. A ruptured cyst on an ovary can be confused as appendicitis and diverticulitis, both serious abdominal crises.
Symptoms indicative of an ovarian cyst rupture are similar to other serious abdominal health problems. Pain in the lower abdomen, dull pain, a mass characterized by the sensation of fluid movement, discomfort before and shortly after monthly cycle, dyspareunia, rectal pressure-pain with BM’s, feeling of fullness in abdomen, bloating, nauseated with vomiting, tender breasts, feeling that you have not completely voided the bladder and possibly, a mass that can be felt. With a sizable cyst, there may be low abdominal pain and significant distension resulting in a protruded navel.
A palpable mass in the abdominal region is cause for an examination by your physician for timely, accurate assessment. An ovarian mass will be distinguished by characteristics that include a non-stationary mass that is similar in shape and size to a distended bladder. These findings will include some pelvic discomfort, lumbar region back pain, and the absence of regular monthly period. Diagnostics for rupture include an evaluation of clues that include an abdomen that is tender, distended and rigid.
Pain is qualified in three dimensions for diagnosis when similar symptoms present in multiple conditions. The three dimensions are visceral, parietal, and referred. A ruptured ovarian cyst describes “groin” pain viscerally, with the actual perceived parietal pain as over the site of the cyst, and the referred pain felt at the inner thighs.
Rupture of a cyst may include hemorrhage into the site resulting in significant pain and tenderness. Pain will be sharp and severe upon sudden movement in standing or stooping. If allowed to progress, the pain becomes dull and more generalized in location. Low-grade temperature, nausea and vomiting are mild. If patient develops a high fever with nausea and vomiting becoming severe, there is the potential of a grave medical condition known as peritonitis.
The symptoms that constitute an emergency regarding a ruptured ovarian cyst are sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain with fever and regurgitation. Progression to shock with clammy skin that feels cold, any dizziness or fainting with rapid heartbeat and breathing is dire and requires immediate medical intervention.
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