27 Sep, 2008
Overview Of What Happens When An Ovarian Cyst Bursts
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While it is not normal, ovarian cysts can and do burst sometimes. To women, this is generally one of their biggest concerns they have once the discovery of ovarian cysts has been made and many wonder what exactly happens if one ovarian cyst should burst.
Upon the bursting of an ovarian cyst, women experience a severe pain usually radiating from the lower abdomen and pelvic area. The intensity of the pain felt by the individual depends on what happens when an ovarian cyst bursts. Such factors include but are not limited to the following: Was the cyst infected? Was there any bleeding? What did the cyst contain?
Proper care is very important when a ovarian cyst burst, usually requiring a trip to the emergency room as the pain can be quite intense. The lining of the peritoneal cavity, otherwise known as the peritoneum gets very irritated and causes extreme pain in the abdomen. The contents of the ovarian cyst as well as blood can cause the irritation and pain directly or indirectly due to a large concentration of prostaglandins and swelling.
There are some superficial similarities between the regular follicle ruptures associated with the release of an egg during a normal menstruation cycle and what happens when an ovarian cyst bursts. However, the actual differences are more substantial. The release of an egg normally causes very little pain or bleeding. An ovarian cyst that bursts usually causes considerable pain and because ovarian cysts are much larger than eggs – up to 5 to 10 cm in diameter – a larger amount of bleeding can result.
What happens when an ovarian cyst bursts is also severe bleeding caused by the release of fluids if there are a significant amount of blood vessels nearby. Since the peritoneum has many nerve endings, it only takes 10 ml of blood to irritate it. Women with ovarian cysts will experience extreme pain because of this. To put it in perspective, the only pain a blood donor will feel from 5 to 20 ml of blood is that of the needle prick. It is well known that the peritoneum is a sensitive and tender area.
An ovarian cyst generally resolves by itself and does not actually rupture. If it does not rupture, the fluid would be reabsorbed, which in turn makes the cyst collapse on itself. Usually, the cysts simply disappear after a few menstrual cycles have passed.
Concern about the risks and what happens when an ovarian cyst bursts is to be expected from women who have ovarian cysts. While extreemly painful, it is hardly ever a immediate threat to your life. Needless to say, if your a woman who is having this happen to you it would still be wise to go to the hospital or to your family doctor if you can and have yourself checked out.