The hemorrhagic cyst is a complication that can occur when a cyst in the ovary breaks a small vessel and bleeds into it. Ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled bag that can appear on some women’s ovary, which is benign and common in women ages 15 to 35, and can be of different types, such as follicular cyst, yellow body or endometrioma, for example. . Learn about the types of ovarian cysts and the symptoms they cause.
Hemorrhagic cysts don’t usually affect fertility, but they can make pregnancy difficult if it’s a type of cyst that produces hormones that impair ovulation, such as polycystic ovary, for example. It usually appears and disappears naturally during menstrual cycles and usually does not require treatment, except in the most severe cases, where surgery may be necessary.
Symptoms of the hemorrhagic cyst in the ovary may include
These symptoms occur when the cyst becomes very large, due to the buildup of blood inside, which creates pressure on the walls of the ovary and are most evident during menstruation. Some types of cysts can produce hormones, such as progesterone, and in these cases, in addition to symptoms, it can be more difficult to get pregnant.
In addition, when a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures, there may be a burning sensation or severe pain in the stomach, in which case urgent consultation with a gynecologist is recommended.
The presence of a hemorrhagic cyst is diagnosed by transvaginal or pelvic ultrasounds, which show its location, the presence of bleeding and its size, although rare, can reach up to 50 cm in diameter.
Your doctor may also order blood tests to determine if hormones are produced and order semi-annual or annual ultrasounds to control the size of your cyst.
Treatment of the hemorrhagic cyst usually involves the use of painkillers, such as dipirone, under medical supervision, as cysts tend to disappear naturally after 2 or 3 menstrual cycles.
To help relieve pain and inflammation, hot water bags, thermal pads and ice may be applied to the pelvic area to stimulate blood circulation. Your doctor may also indicate oral contraceptives, as they may decrease the production of hormones that stimulate cyst growth.
Laparoscopic surgery may be necessary in cases where the cyst is more than 5 cm long, there is very severe abdominal pain, if the cyst has malignant characteristics or if other complications such as rupture or torsion of the ovary occur.
If not treated properly, the hemorrhagic cyst can cause certain complications, such as rupture or twisting of the ovary. Both situations cause very severe pain in the abdominal area and represent a gynecological urgency, and must be treated by surgery as soon as possible.
The hemorrhagic cyst is usually benign, however, there are cases of ovarian cancer that can manifest as cysts. Thus, the ovarian cysts most at risk of cancer are those that have the characteristics:
Treatment for ovarian cancer involves removing the weakened ovary, through surgery performed by the gynecologist or surgeon general. Find out how to find out if it’s ovarian cancer and how to treat it.