Most people fail to understand that women have complex body systems which need to be dealt with differently as compared to men. Due to this lack of information, the nature and problems of women’s health are often neglected. Therefore, it is integral for us to develop a hardcore understanding of how female bodies operate. This will pave way for women to receive better diagnoses and treatment plans for their conditions.
Not only this but having a thorough awareness about their bodies will help women be better equipped to deal with unique health inconveniences. This can also help in reducing the seriousness of a disease and incorporating timely intervention. In this blog, we will have a deep insight of hemorrhagic ovarian cyst and learn about its causes, symptoms and treatments.
What are hemorrhagic ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that develop on an ovary’s outer or inner regions. When one of these cysts starts to bleed, it turns into a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. They have a variable range of sizes, with a mean size of 4.8 cm (about 1.89 in). They are painful but not always as harmful.
In particular, these cysts develop when women are in their reproductive ages, typically during ovulation. A study was conducted in 2016 with 48 participants. The results showed that a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst was most encountered by non-menopausal women. Furthermore, women who had given multiple births were also more prone to getting them.
How does a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst develop?
During ovulation, when eggs are released through an ovarian follicle, they can sometimes bleed or form a cyst. The risks of having an ovarian cyst increase:
- When you are pregnant. There might be a follicular overgrowth from ovulation. These can stay for longer durations and keep increasing in size, eventually turning into a cyst.
- When there are hormonal fluctuations or surges. These can be natural or because of any fertility medication. Some examples of drugs that escalate ovulation are letrozole and clomiphene.
- During endometriosis. It is a chronic condition that results from tissue overgrowth on uterine lining. These tissues can also gather to form cysts and might rupture to form a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst.
- When there is a history of ovarian cysts in your family. Also, if you have previously gotten it, there are more chances that you might get it again.
- Due to a pelvic infection. When the infection gets severe, it can spread to the ovaries and trigger the formation of cysts.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts?
A hemorrhagic ovarian cyst is a serious women’s health concern resulting in various disturbing symptoms. These symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition. Some people face severe illness while others experience no symptoms at all. These symptoms also depend upon the size and type of the cyst. A few common symptoms are listed below:
Mild symptoms:
- Irregular menstruation
- Pelvic discomfort
- Lower back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Abdominal cramping on one side of the body
- Boating and indigestion
- Painful intercourse
- Lower appetite
Although the symptoms are of the same type for almost all patients, they can differ in intensity, ranging from mild to harsh. In some cases, the situation can worsen and require immediate medical intervention. This can happen when the hemorrhagic ovarian cyst bursts, twists or starts to accumulate blood more vigorously. This can lead to internal bleeding in the lower abdomen or pelvis. As the condition becomes more disruptive, so do the symptoms. Examples of more severe symptoms include:
Severe symptoms:
- Weakness
- Loss of breath
- Swollen abdomen
- Pale skin
- Fatigue
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Anemia
- Organ damage
- Hemoperitoneum
- Unconsciousness
How are hemorrhagic ovarian cysts detected?
Ultrasounds are the best strategy to trace a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. The size and volume of a cyst can be easily tracked during an ultrasound, and the doctor can advise treatments accordingly. Sometimes, a color doppler ultrasound may be required to get a clearer picture of the intricate details such as an ovarian neoplasm. Other times, a doctor might request a blood test to check the body’s blood cell count or to look for anemic signs.
According to the International Journal of Research and Reports in Gynecology, clinical procedures like ultrasounds and laboratory tests aid the treatment process greatly. The results showed that patients with a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst can get the best therapies with these diagnostic regimes. It reduces the need for more intense treatments involving invasive surgical procedures.
What are treatment options for hemorrhagic ovarian cysts?
A small hemorrhagic ovarian cyst is usually harmless and dissolvable on its own. However, if it is bigger than the average size or causes sharp pain, it will require surgical removal. When required, a surgeon will opt for laparoscopic surgery. It is also known as keyhole surgery and is performed with a minor incision on skin.
However, in potentially dangerous cases of hemorrhagic ovarian cyst, the medical professional will advise the patient to go for oophorectomy. This involves the surgical removal of an ovary which can no longer be considered safe for the body. But this happens very rarely, when there are no alternate solutions available or when the disease has overgrown.
Self-care:
Apart from clinical treatments, patients having a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst also need to look after themselves at home. The measures they can take for their long-term healthcare can be:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Staying hydrated
- Heat therapy
- Pain killers
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Taking plenty of rest
Conclusion:
Women’s health requires extra special attention and treatment plans tailored specifically to fit the criterion of their condition. Due to which, there is a greater need of understanding female reproductive problems and feminine diseases more closely.
One example of a condition particular to women is the development of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts. A hemorrhagic ovarian cyst develops in the female ovary during peak times of ovulation. Some symptoms of the disease include nausea, abdominal cramping, lethargy, and iron deficiency. If diagnosed timely, the condition is curable. Ultrasounds and laboratory tests are great diagnosing strategies when it comes to hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.
At Preferred Primary Care, we have joined hands with the most professional medical officials to improve women’s health and provide profound post-acute services. Some examples of our exclusive services include cervical cancer screening, breast cancer treatment, fertility management, and family planning.
