What Are the Early Signs of Ovarian Cyst Rupture?

Rupture of an ovarian cyst may manifest as abdominal pain, abdominal pain (repeated for emphasis in English context), abdominal mass, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, immediate medical attention is required.

1. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain arises from pelvic inflammatory reactions and bleeding caused by the rupture of an ovarian cyst, presenting as an acute abdomen. This stimulates the peritoneal nerve plexus, causing pain. The abdominal pain is usually located on one or both sides of the lower abdomen and may be accompanied by radiating pain in the waist.

2. Abdominal Tenderness

When a cyst ruptures, the cystic fluid flows into the abdominal cavity, stimulating the peritoneum and causing local inflammatory reactions and tissue damage, resulting in tenderness. Abdominal tenderness is mainly concentrated in the lower abdomen, with significant pain felt when pressed.

3. Abdominal Mass

After the rupture of an ovarian cyst, the cystic fluid flows out, but the cyst wall remains, forming a palpable mass. The abdominal mass is usually located in the central pelvic area and may increase after menstruation or sexual activity.

4. Nausea

Nausea may be caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction resulting from acute peritonitis. Symptoms of nausea may accompany abdominal pain, typically occurring in the upper abdomen.

5. Vomiting

Vomiting is usually one of the common symptoms of acute peritonitis, as the inflammatory stimulation causes contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to reflux of gastric contents. Vomiting is often projectile after severe abdominal pain.