An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid within the ovary that is surrounded by a thin wall. Many types of ovarian cysts exist, and many do not exhibit any symptoms. Ovarian cysts can be small or large in size but usually range from pea-sized to grapefruit-sized.

 

Most ovarian cysts, about 95 percent, are harmless and benign. They can occur in women of any age but most often affect women who are in their childbearing years. Some ovarian cysts can rupture, bleed or cause pain and may need to be removed through surgery.

 

One common type of ovarian cyst is the hemorrhagic cyst. Hemorrhagic cysts are also known as blood cysts, hematoceles and hematocysts. Hemorrhagic cysts occur when a blood vessel in the wall of a cyst breaks, causing blood to enter into the cyst.

 

Hemorrhagic cysts are a type of functional cyst, meaning that they occur normally during the course of the female menstruation process. Functional cysts, also known as simple cysts, have nothing to do with disease. They can be treated normally and often resolve themselves without the need for treatment or any type of surgery.

Generally, hemorrhagic cysts will cause abdominal pain, usually just on one side of they body and they may also cause bleeding and the rapid stretching of the wall of the ovary, which will also cause pain. Blood clots will generally form in the ovary and can be seen using a sonogram.

 

Hemorrhagic cysts can sometimes rupture and release blood into the abdominal region. This will cause severe pain for the woman, but rupturing hemorrhagic cysts are far less common. Most often, hemorrhagic cysts will regulate themselves. They may, however, require surgical removal. In some cases, even hemorrhagic cysts that rupture can resolve themselves without the need for surgery.

 

For minor pain and symptoms of hemorrhagic cysts or other types of ovarian cysts, medication or pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be prescribed. Narcotics and prescription pain medications may also be prescribed by a medical professional.

 

Heating pads, hot water bottles and ice packs can also be helpful for hemorrhagic cyst symptoms and can release tension and stimulate circulation, as can certain herbal teas, vitamin supplements and avoiding caffeine.

 

Women who have hemorrhagic cysts or any type of ovarian cyst that lasts longer than two or three menstrual cycles and women with a family history of ovarian cancer should speak to a medical professional about their symptoms and treatment options to avoid more serious problems in the future.

If surgery does become necessary, doctors will most often use laparoscopy on hemorrhagic cysts. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive and is often referred to as keyhole surgery or pinhole surgery. Laparoscopy uses very small incisions, generally around the belly button area for hemorrhagic cysts, to insert a rod lens and a camera system to perform the surgery.

 

Laparoscopy leaves less scarring than traditional surgery because of the smaller incisions and there is also less pain, blood loss and recovery time necessary for hemorrhagic cyst patients.

 

 

Valley, Verna (2005). Ovarian Cysts. Retrieved June 21, 2007, from the eMedicineHealth Web site: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm.