When we talk about cysts, there can be a collective scare, especially when the word in question comes accompanied by another that can be even more frightening. A hemorrhagic cyst can occur several times throughout a woman’s fertile life, but she may not even realize it. But do you know exactly what the presence of this hemorrhagic cyst in the ovary means?
What is a Hemorrhagic Cyst
Ovarian cysts can have several origins, some of them are actually beneficial for the body, as is the case with follicular cysts1. But in other cases, they are not so welcome. This is the case with the hemorrhagic cyst. The normal cyst is made up of liquid and an egg, it is also called a follicle.
The hemorrhagic cyst, on the other hand, is made up of fluid and blood originating from the walls of the ovary2. Usually, these cysts are highly vascularized, which is why they often become a headache in more complicated cases.
For a cyst to be hemorrhagic, it needs to be filled with blood that overflows to the point where it leaves the cyst and spills into the ovary and the abdominal pouch. The tendency with this type of cyst is to cause pain, but in the vast majority of cases, it disappears on its own as soon as hormonal stimulation of the ovary ceases. However, there are serious cases that require immediate intervention from a doctor.
How to Diagnose a Hemorrhagic Cyst
The first sign of a more severe hemorrhagic cyst are the symptoms. Cramps that are above the normal, abdominal pain on one side, a little below the navel are also symptoms. In addition to these, a woman may experience:
What are the Symptoms of a Hemorrhagic Cyst
- Nausea
- Mood changes
- Changes in the breasts
- Weakness and lethargy
- Frequent cramps on only one side
You may also feel abdominal pressure if the hemorrhagic cyst is very large. When it becomes heavy from the amount of blood accumulated, a woman may feel extra discomfort and feel that her abdomen is swollen on only one side.
Guided by these symptoms, the gynecologist will request an ultrasound with Doppler. This examination will show the size of the cyst and also what type of vascularization it has. With the report in hand, the doctor will recommend the best treatment for each case. The majority of hemorrhagic cyst cases are treated with hormonal medication. In some cases, an appropriate contraceptive is used, as well as excellent medicines like cicloprimogyna.
How to Treat a Hemorrhagic Cyst
In extreme cases of a hemorrhagic cyst, the treatment can be more invasive3. If the cyst is too large, the doctor may recommend a laparoscopy, which is a kind of minimally invasive surgery to remove the blood inside. Then they should treat it with the same medications used for small hemorrhagic cysts. Real images of a LAPAROSCOPIC surgery performed to remove a hemorrhagic cyst – if you have a weak stomach, please refrain from viewing these images, as they are real and graphic!
Can a hemorrhagic cyst rupture? Yes! But it doesn’t usually lead to major complications. Normally, when this happens (and the cyst is small), the woman feels a burning sensation in the abdominal region. The blood that leaks out is absorbed by the body and does not harm the woman. The big issue with the hemorrhagic cyst is the pain and the size it can reach.
In some cases, the cyst may outgrow the size of the ovary itself, and that’s when it becomes a real threat. For it to be considered harmful, the hemorrhagic cyst continues to grow over many cycles and does not stop. With each cycle, it receives hormones that feed and make it grow month after month. If you experience abdominal pain and suspect that something is wrong, talk to your gynecologist. They will guide you.
Author’s note
In 2011 I had a hemorrhagic cyst that caused me a lot of pain. It all began when I started using ovulation inducers. Clomid was used under medical supervision, but it still resulted in a significant hemorrhagic cyst. I discovered it due to abdominal swelling and also unusual pain.
Although Clomid gave me pain, this was different; it did not go away after the menstrual cycle. So I went back to the doctor, who ordered a transvaginal ultrasound that confirmed a highly vascularized hemorrhagic cyst. It was active and still growing! I was treated for three cycles with a hormonal medication, cicloprimogyna, which resolved the issue. I was lucky!
