Cysts on the ovaries: is rupture dangerous? And what about in pregnancy?

Are ovarian cysts dangerous?
Can they rupture?
What are the risks associated with them, even during pregnancy?
How to get rid of an ovarian cyst?

The answers to these questions and a lot of interesting information can be found in the article.

What should I know about ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts, professionally ovarian cysts, are divided into functional cysts, dermoid cysts, cystadenoma, endometrial cysts. A special group is polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Functional ovarian cysts are further divided into:

A follicular cyst is a follicle that has not ruptured and persists in the formation of a yellowish fluid with a high estrogen content. Its size can reach up to 5 cm. It is the most common type of cyst.
A corpus luteum cyst arises from a yellow corpus luteum. When the opening is closed after ovulation, fluid begins to accumulate in the cyst, which is usually blood-permeable. The wall of this cyst is usually thicker (3 mm) and the lining is made up of cells containing lutein. They produce progesterone, which results in cycle disorders.

During pregnancy, pseudotumours can arise, namely gestational luteoma and hyperreactio luteinalis.

The former is a solid ovarian pseudotumour which arises from large luteinized cells. It is not a tumour in the true sense. It is the result of an increased reaction of the ovary and disappears after birth.

The latter is cystic in consistency and arises from the same cells. It also disappears after birth.

A dermoid cyst is actually a benign tumour that arises from germ cells. Its size often exceeds 10 cm.

Inside the cyst there may be skin cells, fatty tissue, hair, and rarely even teeth.

Endometriosis is basically a pathological appearance of the endometrium(the endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus), which is most often found in the pelvic area.

Cysts are formed that are filled with dark brown fluid. Accordingly, they have been given the name "chocolate cysts".

A cystadenoma is a malignant tumour of the ovary. This type of tumour mainly affects women after the menopause. Women who have never given birth, older women who have given birth or women who are late into the menopause are at greatest risk.

It is aggressive and grows into the surrounding area. The mortality rate is therefore high.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is said to be one of the main causes of female infertility.

Multiple small cysts form on the ovaries.

The result is a hormonal imbalance and the production of excess male testosterone. It is a high pre-cancerous condition and causes a number of other serious problems (anovulation, menstrual disorders, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, increased body hair, depression).

In milder forms, a woman may not even notice this disease.

You may have heard of an ovarian cyst rupture.Is it dangerous?

The rupture of a cyst (rupture) is a complication that a woman will not only feel. In addition to pain, it can be accompanied by bleeding, which is dangerous.

In this case, a gynaecological examination should be sought.

This can cause internal bleeding into the abdominal cavity, which in turn causes peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum - a serious complication threatening health and life). Nausea, vomiting may occur. There is no need to worry. Rupture is usually asymptomatic and occurs in about three percent.

Functional cysts are the most common form and are usually asymptomatic.
They usually disappear after two or three menstrual cycles.

There is also another complication with cysts, which is torsion of the ovarian pedicle. This is a twisting of the ovary, resulting in strangulation of the supply vessels and subsequent necrosis of the ovary.

Cysts can also lead to infertility. This is usually caused by the type, size or location of the cyst. It prevents the egg from passing into the ovary and being fertilised by the sperm.

What about the treatment of ovarian cysts?

Treatment is approached according to the type of cyst, its size, or the complications it causes. It can be hormonal, as in the case of PCOS, where partial surgical removal is an option. Dermoid cysts are operated on.

Functional cysts usually do not require treatment, but when difficulties arise, it is necessary. First, hormonal treatment with the help of contraceptives. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment by laparoscopy is resorted to.

Were you diagnosed with a cyst accidentally during pregnancy?

Did you become pregnant and an ultrasound scan detected a cyst on your ovary? You do not need to worry right away. It is important to find out the type, size and location of the cyst. The important thing is whether it grows larger during pregnancy. The cyst may become absorbed, rupture - and then spotting may be present.

As for larger, more problematic cysts, it depends on the difficulty.

Cysts are not related to pregnancy, they do not affect it or the development of the embryo and the fetus.
Any complication should be consulted with a gynaecologist and nothing should be underestimated.
It is necessary to observe a resting regime. This means avoiding exertion that could lead to an unnecessary increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity.

Gynaecologists try to avoid surgery during pregnancy. It all depends on the complications. In the case of dermoid cysts, their behaviour can be erratic. The cyst can be removed laparoscopically even during pregnancy.

Several surgical procedures can be performed during pregnancy. Nowadays, the risks are less.

Anaesthesia can be general, spinal or epidural. After all, many deliveries by section (caesarean section) are performed under general anaesthesia.

When the question of the effect on the embryo or fetus arises, it is best to wait until the first trimester is completed. The period of the first 12 weeks is the most sensitive. Modern anaesthetics no longer have the same effect as in the past.

The main emphasis is on maintaining the correct maternal blood pressure. This will ensure adequate blood flow through the placenta and will not reduce the oxygen supply to the fetus.

Postoperatively, emphasis is placed on maternal and fetal observation. The fetus is monitored by ultrasound and cardiotocography (CTG).

The most important thing is the well-being

Throughout the pregnancy, mental balance and well-being are important. Stress does not benefit the mother or the baby. In case of problems, a check-up with the gynaecologist is important.