A cyst is essentially a small fluid filled sac on or in the ovary. While the majority of these are in no way dangerous, some can be. Ovarian cyst bleeding could be a very troubling sign. Any kind of bleeding and severe cramping should alert a woman to seek immediate medical help. This can be a sign that the cyst has burst or that it needs to be removed.
When a Cyst May Rupture
Although there may not be any signs of trouble or even any reason to believe you have a cyst, they can rupture without warning. When an ovarian cyst does rupture, ovarian cyst bleeding can occur. If a cyst is to rupture, it can happen during sexual intercourse or during some sort of injury. An ovarian cyst can also lead to rupture and bleeding during childbirth.
When to Seek Help
There are certain telltale signs that you should seek help for potential ovarian cyst problems. Do not assume that all ovarian cysts will take care of themselves. While most do dissolve on their own, some do not. IF you do have a cyst, they can grow quite rapidly. When a cyst reaches a certain size or is possibly rupturing, you will need help fast. If you ever find yourself doubled over in severe pain, your ovarian cyst bleeding may have reached an emergency level. However, if you have regular pelvic exams and pay attention to your body, most cysts will not reach this point. If it does become a severe case, you may have no choice but to have surgery.
Surgical Options
There are different surgical procedures your doctor may perform based on your individual case. If your cyst is relatively small and is proven to be benign, a simple laparoscopic procedure may be done. This is done through the abdomen and leaves a very small, virtually unnoticeable, scar. Through this type of surgery, your doctor may do a biopsy of the cyst or remove it altogether.
Other types of surgery to control or treat ovarian cyst bleeding are more invasive. An ovarian cystectomy involves removing the entire cyst. If removing the cyst and part of the ovary is necessary, they will do what is called a partial oophorectomy. This is a little more severe, but still a generally safe operation. If the ovarian cyst affects more than the ovary or is too large, a salpingo-oophorectomy may be done. This entails removing the cyst, the ovary, and a portion of the fallopian tube.
One last surgical option is the most invasive and also the riskiest. It is also only turned to if the cyst does prove to be cancerous. For most women, the risk of a cyst testing positive for cancer is so minimal. However, it does happen. The diagnosis can be very devastating, but there are treatments to help. If the ovarian cyst bleeding does prove to be cancerous, a total abdominal hysterectomy will be done.
The Good News
Luckily for most women ovarian cyst pose no real problems. In fact, most are what are called functional cyst. These are found during routine exams and typically do not require invasive treatment. If a doctor detects a functional cyst, they will take a ‘wait and see’ approach to treatment. The cyst will usually dissolve. An exam will be done after two full menstrual cycles to be sure the cyst is gone. Since most are harmless and benign, most women will never have to experience the pain and fear involved with ovarian cyst bleeding.