Women can develop two types of ovarian cysts: functional or complex. The functional one occurs during ovulation and swells with fluids; the complex cyst has a solid core, may contain bumps or have several fluid-filled areas. In both cases, however, it is possible for a break to occur; if that's the case, learn how to manage it to reduce discomfort and avoid complications.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Treating a Ruptured Functional Ovarian Cyst
Step 1. Take some pain relievers
If a functional ovarian cyst has ruptured, you can treat it at home. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve discomfort.
In this case you can take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen (Tachipirina)
Step 2. Relieve pain with heat
If you want to treat a ruptured cyst at home, heat therapy is for you. You can use a hot water bottle or warmer to soothe the pain in the abdominal or lower back area; alternatively, you can also immerse yourself in a warm bath.
Be very careful when using heat on your skin; always place a cloth or towel between the heat source and your body to protect yourself from burns
Step 3. Drink some herbal tea
They are not specifically indicated to treat ruptured cysts, but they help to soothe the pain; many of these relieve tension, relieving muscle soreness.
- Try chamomile tea or herbal teas with mint, raspberries or blackberries;
- These are herbal teas that also affect states of anxiety.
Step 4. Rest
If the ruptured cyst causes pain, try to reduce activities for a few days. try not to do more than the minimum necessary and if the suffering is really great, consider staying home from school or work. Also limit physical activity, such as strenuous training.
You should also reduce sexual activity until the pain subsides
Part 2 of 4: Treating a Ruptured Complex Ovarian Cyst
Step 1. Take prescription medications
A complex cyst rupture is more serious and requires medical attention. Depending on the intensity of the pain, your gynecologist may prescribe a pain reliever, which can also be an oral pain reliever.
He may recommend paracetamol or morphine sulfate to take by mouth or other similar medicines
Step 2. Go to the hospital for injections
If your symptoms are quite severe, your doctor may refer you to the hospital, where you are given an intravenous pain reliever to manage abdominal pain.
If you have heavy bleeding, your gynecologist can give you fluids or give you an intravenous transfusion
Step 3. Undergo laparoscopy
Small complex cysts can be removed with this procedure; during surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen to insert a microscope and removes the cyst through several cuts.
- At the end of the operation, the doctor closes the incisions with sutures and gives you the instructions to take care of them;
- This procedure results in less pain and shorter healing time; in most cases, the patient is discharged on the same or next day.
Step 4. Undergo laparotomy
In more severe cases of complex cyst ruptures, this operation is recommended, which is performed when the cyst is particularly large or potentially cancerous. A long incision is made on the abdomen to remove the entire cyst or even the ovary.
- This procedure requires a few days of convalescence in the hospital;
- The cut is closed with sutures or staples. The surgeon will give you all the instructions for dressing the wound;
- After surgery, your doctor may order imaging to make sure the bleeding from the cyst has stopped.
- The cyst or ovary is sent to the laboratory to analyze any cancerous traces; if successful, you will need to review a treatment plan with your doctor.
Step 5. Suppress ovulation to prevent possible cyst recurrence
If you suffer from frequent breaks, your gynecologist can offer you a treatment to reduce them; he can opt for this solution after a serious episode or after several breakups.
Oral contraceptive is usually prescribed to suppress ovulation
Step 6. Check for cysts that haven't ruptured
If you have developed several on your ovaries, your gynecologist may advise you to monitor them; this means you need to recognize the symptoms in the event of a rupture.
Part 3 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to pain in the abdominal or pelvic area
One of the main symptoms of an ovarian cyst rupture is acute abdominal pain, particularly in the lower and pelvic area, which could arise during intense physical activity or sexual intercourse.
- The pain can also extend to the lower back and thighs.
- Malaise can occur close to menstruation.
Step 2. Check for bleeding
This is another symptom that develops in the case of an ovarian cyst rupture and you can have blood loss regardless of the menstrual phase; you may also notice periods that are particularly heavy, irregular or even less intense than usual.
If you experience abnormal bleeding, you should go to the gynecologist immediately
Step 3. Check for nausea
Rupture of the cyst can even manifest itself with stomach problems; you may feel nauseous or have vomiting, both of which are sometimes accompanied by pain or discomfort. You may also feel weaker than normal.
If you feel pain and start vomiting, see your doctor
Step 4. Watch for changes in urination or when you defecate
This ovarian problem can lead to an alteration of normal physiological functions; for example, you may feel an increased need to urinate or have difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel.
You may also feel bloated, suffer from flatulence, and feel full even after eating little
Part 4 of 4: Diagnosing Rupture of the Ovarian Cyst
Step 1. Go to the gynecologist or the emergency room
If your symptoms are severe, you need to see yourself immediately. Serious complaints caused by the ruptured cyst include heavy vaginal bleeding, a feeling of severe pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic or lumbar area, or even vomiting.
Bleeding can cause adverse side effects, so it is important to treat this as soon as possible
Step 2. Undergo a physical exam
When you go to the gynecologist showing symptoms of a ruptured cyst, a thorough examination is performed, which includes a pelvic exam to check for the presence of cysts and make sure of any rupture.
- In addition to symptoms, be prepared to report your medical history to your doctor as well.
- If you know for sure that you have an ovarian cyst, you must inform your gynecologist.
Step 3. Run your investigation
If doctors suspect that it is indeed a ruptured cyst, they do a series of tests to make a diagnosis. can also check if you are pregnant, to make sure pregnancy is not the cause of your problem.
- To check for other sources of pain, identify an infection, and complete the diagnostic process, he or she may also order a blood test, urine test, and a vaginal culture.
- Ultrasound and computed tomography can also detect the presence of cysts.
