Hemorrhagic cyst: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

A hemorrhagic cyst is when a cyst on the ovary ruptures a small vessel and ends up bleeding inside, causing symptoms such as severe cramps, pain during intimate contact or delayed menstruation, for example.

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that can appear on the ovary of some women, which is benign and common in women between the ages of 15 and 35, and can be of different types, such as follicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst or endometrioma. , for example. Learn about the types of ovarian cysts and their symptoms.

A hemorrhagic cyst does not usually alter fertility, but it can make pregnancy difficult if it is a type of cyst that produces hormones that alter ovulation, as in the case of polycystic ovary, for example. It usually appears and disappears naturally throughout menstrual cycles, and generally does not require specific treatment, except in the most serious cases, in which surgery may be necessary.

Hemorrhagic cyst symptoms

The main symptoms of a hemorrhagic cyst are:

• Pain on the left or right side of the belly, depending on the affected ovary;
• Strong cramps;
• Pain during intimate contact;
• Delay in menstruation;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Weight loss without apparent cause;
• Signs of anemia such as weakness, paleness, tiredness or dizziness;
• Breast sensitivity.

These symptoms appear when the cyst becomes very large, due to the accumulation of blood inside, causing pressure on the ovarian walls, and are more evident during menstruation.

Some types of cysts can produce hormones, such as progesterone, and in these cases, in addition to the symptoms, it may be more difficult to get pregnant.

Furthermore, when a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures, there may be a burning sensation or severe pain in the belly, in which case it is recommended to go to the emergency room immediately.

How to confirm the diagnosis

Hemorrhagic cysts are normally diagnosed by a gynecologist, through transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound examinations, which show the location of the cyst, presence of bleeding and size, which, although rare, can reach up to 50 cm in diameter.

The doctor may also order blood tests to identify whether any hormones are being produced and request biannual or annual ultrasounds to monitor the size of the cyst.

Possible causes

The exact cause of the hemorrhagic cyst is not completely known, but it appears to be related to excessive bleeding from the corpus luteum, which is formed after the release of the egg, leading to the appearance of the corpus luteum cyst.

Another cause of hemorrhagic cyst is the follicular cyst that appears when the ovarian follicle does not release the egg, forming the follicular cyst.

How the treatment is carried out

Generally, the treatment of hemorrhagic cysts consists of the use of analgesics, such as dipyrone, under medical supervision, as the cysts tend to disappear naturally after 2 or 3 menstrual cycles.

To help relieve pain and inflammation, hot water bags, heating pads and ice can be applied to the pelvic area to stimulate blood circulation. Oral contraceptives may also be recommended by your doctor, as they can reduce the production of hormones that stimulate cyst growth.

Laparoscopic surgery may be necessary in cases where the cyst is larger than 5 cm, there is very severe abdominal pain, if the cyst has malignant characteristics or if other complications arise such as rupture or torsion of the ovary.

Possible complications

When not treated properly, the hemorrhagic cyst can cause some complications, mainly rupture or torsion of the ovary. Both situations cause very intense pain in the abdominal region and represent a gynecological emergency and must be treated with surgery as quickly as possible.

Can a hemorrhagic cyst turn into cancer?

Hemorrhagic cysts are usually benign, however, there are cases of ovarian cancer that can manifest as cysts. Thus, ovarian cysts that have a higher risk of being cancer are those that have the following characteristics:

• Presence of cancer markers in the blood, such as CA-125;
• Cyst with solid components inside;
• Cyst measuring more than 5 cm;
• Presence of several cysts together;
• Extravasation of fluid out of the cyst;
• Presence of irregular edges and septa.

The treatment of ovarian cancer consists of removing the compromised ovary through surgery performed by a gynecologist or general surgeon. See more about how to know if it is ovarian cancer and the treatment.