When an ovarian cyst ruptures, it can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, depending on the size of the cyst and the amount of fluid that is released. Some ruptured ovarian cysts can cause little to no symptoms, while others can be more severe. Here are some of the things that can happen when an ovarian cyst ruptures:

• Pain: Most women with a ruptured ovarian cyst experience sudden and severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it may come and go or be constant.

• Bleeding: Some ruptured ovarian cysts can cause a lot of bleeding, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Uncontrolled bleeding can cause less blood flow to your organs.

• Infection: If an infected cyst ruptures, it can trigger sepsis, a life-threatening immune response to harmful bacteria. Women with infected cysts are treated with antibiotics and sometimes require hospitalization for surgical drainage of the cyst.

• Ovarian torsion: Blood flow to the ovary is reduced or cut off when the weight of a cyst causes the ovary to turn over on itself one or more times. If this happens, surgery is necessary to restore blood flow.

If you experience symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Mild symptoms can often be managed with pain medicines, but more severe symptoms may require hospitalization or surgery.