What Is a Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst?

A hemorrhagic cyst is formed when any tiny blood vessel present on the wall of an ovarian cyst gets ruptured. Blood and debris fills up the cyst cavity, forming a hemorrhagic cyst.

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovary is a part of female reproductive system. It produces and stores eggs, the female gametes to be precise.

Each month, one of the egg matures and grows up. It is bound inside a sac or follicle during its maturation phase. After it has grown to its full size, it approaches the boundary of the ovary to ultimately be released inside the fallopian tube. The sac containing it is left behind and dissolves on its own.

There are two kinds of ovarian cysts.

Follicular Cyst

If any of the follicle/ sac containing the egg does not release it in the end,  it forms a follicular cyst. This is a fluid filled sac in side the ovary, still containing the egg.

Corpus Luteal Cyst

Routinely, the follicle containing the egg releases it after full maturation into the tube, and itself gets dissolved. Sometimes, the sac, after release of egg, does not get dissolved. It stays in the ovary like a fluid filled sac. This is called a corpus luteal cyst.

Such cysts are lined by thin blood vessels.

Out of the two, hemorrhage in commoner inside the corpus luteal cyst, since it is lined inside by many tiny blood vessels, that may potentially rupture.

Ovarian cysts occur commonly in women during her reproductive age. They may be symptom less. So, you may not notice their presence.

Many of them regress on their own with time to disappear. No medical intervention is required.

Ovarian Cyst And Pregnancy

You may have an ovarian cyst and get pregnant.

Since you are pregnant, doctor can’t manipulate or operate the cyst at this moment. You have to move on now with your pregnancy and the cyst together, very carefully.

Usually, such cysts don’t interfere with pregnancy. There are chances that it stays as such or even regress with time.

However, sometimes such cysts may complicate. So, you and your doctor need to monitor it closely.

Possible Complications

  • A hemorrhagic cyst may rupture, leaking out blood inside the pelvic cavity. This may be accompanied by acute pain lower down. This condition is a medical emergency, to be rushed to the ER immediately.
  • Such cysts may give you frequent painful episodes due to stretching of the ovarian wall.
  • May get infected. Infection has chances of spreading to other pelvic organs too. So, antibiotic treatment is mandatory.
  • May cause a crampy pain, suggesting  that it is slowly leaking out, such a situation may lead to preterm labor.
  • It may twist. This is another very painful condition. The patient needs to be taken to the hospital immediately.

In all above conditions, medical intervention would be required.

You have to be watchful for any of the above events. For that, monitor the cyst closely by U/S. Also, if you feel any pain, leaking blood from down there, or cramps, report to your doctor immediately.

Management During Pregnancy

  • Let the strategy be such that you complete your pregnancy weeks as many as possible without disturbing the cyst. For that, you need to take a lot of bed rest.
  • Do not lift any heavy object or strain yourself at work. This would stretch the ligaments and musculature of the pelvic area, giving chances for the cyst wall to break or twist.
  • Keep a close eye on the cyst. This is done by regular follow ups with ultrasound monitoring. If you get any alarming symptom, report to your doctor immediately.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “Managing Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst During Pregnancy

  1. radhika

    I’m pregnant less than 5 weeks. I have got spotting 3-4 Times. But my HCG levels are increasing day by day. I’m getting all healthy symptoms of pregnancy. My recent TVS USG report say that I’ve intrauterine gestational sac of less than 5 weeks measuring around 8 mm but no embryonic pole. I’ve two ovarian hemorrhagic cysts also in my left ovary. I’m scared to see all this. This scene has turned up all my emotions into dark. Kindly guide me. What are consequences?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      As you can read above, these cysts don’t usually interfere with pregnancy. There are pretty good chances that they remain as such or even regress with time, as the pregnancy progresses. This is so because, these cysts are hormone sensitive.

      They grow during the initial phase of pregnancy, when there is a continuous hormonal supply from the ovaries. As the placenta takes over, as the supplier of hormones, the cysts start reducing in size. Placental hormones don’t support the growth of these cysts.

      However, it is advisable that your pregnancy be monitored closely. Repeated U/S to assess both, baby’s growth and the status of the two cysts is imperative.

      Reply
  2. Asmaah

    I am 30 yrs old and I’m married. I have done my pelvic ultrasound which says, there are two more obvious complicated cysts in the right ovary 2.8×2.5×1.7 and 2.1×1.9×1.4 cm. Appearances are suggestive of hemorrhagic cysts with a simple 2.7×2.4×1.4 cm query a follicle. No prominent free fluid.
    Opinion: There appears to be a couple of hemorrhagic cysts in the right ovary.
    This is what my ultrasound reports says I want to know how it happens and does it affect my health and how I can I treat it and does it affect my married life and I’m trying to conceive. Can it might be problem because of this cysts.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Both the cysts are small in size and are likely to regress on their own with time. If you don’t have any symptom, nothing needs to be done.

      However, if you have pain in abdomen or any menstrual problem, medical intervention is required.

      Read more on the topic above.

      Reply
  3. Tani

    Hi,
    I am 8.5 weeks pregnant and in my Ultrasound report, it says that I have a thick walled unilocular cyst measuring 48x43x54mm in the right ovary with echogenic contents within peripheral solid area without vascularity noted along the wall. There is also a small cyst with fine internal septations measuring 20x12mm in the left ovary. The final impression says ‘complex cysts described as likely to be endometriotic/hemorrhagic in nature.
    Do I have cause for worry? I’ve had these cysts for a while now.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Don’t worry, but get the cysts treated. They cannot be left as such. They may get infected or get twisted.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      As you may read above, we can’t treat the cyst now. Pregnancy is the first thing to be attended. Just keep a close watch over the cyst to watch for any complications.

      In most cases, the cyst stays like that and doesn’t interfere with pregnancy.

      Reply
  4. Shubham Garg

    Hi, can you explain my Wife Ultrasound report because there is no doc. Who can confirm my wife pregnancy due to only 18 days over.
    OPINION -F/S/O– Right ovarian cyst of size 59*55mm, Cyst shows echogenic focus of size 19*11mm, Diagnostic possibility-hemorrhagic cyst with clot retraction.
    There is no detection of pregnancy in urine test.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Well, this ultrasound report shows no sign of pregnancy.

      She has a cyst in her ovarian region that needs to be treated. Conceiving would be difficult till the cyst is treated.

      Reply
  5. Ariana

    I am 5 weeks pregnant with a 5 cm hemorrhagic cyst on my right ovary. I get occasional crampy pain but nothing serious. Will this go away on its own??

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Such cyst usually do not interfere with pregnancy and there’s nothing to worry.

      However, you need to be watchful. Follow up with repeat ultrasounds is essential to see its status.

      Reply
  6. Suhani

    I m 6 weeks pregnant with the sac of 4mm. My cyst was of 86cc on first ultrasound it has doubled the size in 10 days. What is to be done.
    Please advise

    Reply
  7. Devika

    Recently my doctor advised follicular study.we submitted the report to the doctor. Doctor said u have hemorrhagic cyst with size 37×27mm .That time doctor gave the medicine.I am not getting pregnancy. After 3rd day of period I am getting abdominal pain .It does not stop it continue.Is it harmful to my health ? I have a doubt next egg also have that cyst or not?

    Reply
      1. Devika

        Doctor said egg contains hemorrhagic cyst with size of 37×27mm(report).I have a doubt if next cycle (period) come ,in the cycle an egg has that type of cyst or not?

        Reply
  8. Brianna C.

    I found out I was pregnant from an at home urine test. I was getting waves of pain in my lower stomach though and after intercourse noticed a very small amount of red blood (wiped twice and had 2 small streaks of it) I went to an ER because I was worried about an ectopic pregnancy. They did a transvaginal ultrasound but here’s where I’m confused: the doctor told me I have a hemorrhagic cyst in my uterus, not ovary but he clearly said uterus. He said it may have been the way the baby implanted into the uterine wall? However on the final report it says my gestational sac is present (9 mm) my yolk sac is present and there’s no free fluid in the cul de sac. The estimated gestational age is 5 weeks 5 days. My right ovary is within normal limits BUT there is a 2.6 x 2.3 x 2.5 cm left OVARIAN corpus luteum cyst and that there’s normal blood flow bilateral ovaries. The doctor was telling me I have a threatened miscarriage, but it seemed as if he thought I was bleeding heavier than I was. Since that small amount of blood there has been no more. So, is this cyst in my ovary or uterus?! What the dr. Said and what the paper says is so contradicting. If the cyst is in my uterus, is that why he said it’s a threatened miscarriage?

    Reply
  9. Brianna C.

    Also want to add I was told I had PCOS back in Sept. 2017. Never got my hormone levels checked, just got a transvaginal ultrasound and the dr found I had like 15 cysts in one ovary. I was put on the patch, and accidentally put another patch on the week I was supposed to have my period (lost track ooops) because of that I didn’t have another patch to put on after that period. PCP told me to just put another patch on after another period occurred. But now I’m pregnant magically (the Dr. told me I ovulated every once in a blue moon and it would be hard to naturally conceive) I’m only 19 years old, my grandma had PCOS and my mom had endometriosis (both had full hysterectomy) so I know I have issues in my family with fertility.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It’s difficult to comment without seeing your ultrasound. All that can be said is- hemorrhagic cysts are usually in the ovary.

      Reply
  10. Rahman b

    I done ultrasounds and it shows the following results , there is a 5.2×3.0×5.5cm (vol: 46.7cm) well defined think walled anechoic left adnexal lesion with posterior acoustic enhancement with internal echoes and minimal flow on color Doppler interrogation . The right ovary is of average size with good monographic architecture. No focal mass, intrauterine or collection noted or endometrial collections seen. No fluid noted in the pouch of Douglas.imprssion: left hemorrhagic cyst and features suggestions of early cyesis. And I’m bleeding heavy what should I do.

    Reply
  11. M.S.shaikh

    I have hemorrhagic cyst in my left ovary size 4.5×5cm i took infertility treatment last month now i am 4week pregnant . Is there any problem during this pregnancy?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Any symptoms from the cyst, like pain, bleeding, etc.

      If you’ve had sequential ultrasounds done, can you share the reports?

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The cyst is unlikely to interfere with pregnancy. It stays as is it, in most cases, till term. However, you’ll need to be observant by getting scans done at regular intervals.

      Reply
  12. M.m.

    I m on 3rd cycle of letrozole with d chiro and myo inositol tablet i oulate every month with right ovary in my left ovary i have hemorrhagic cyst size 5cm but can’t conceive. I can’t understand where’s the problem to conceive please explain me…

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      If you are ovulating, there should be no problem getting pregnant.

      Can you share your ultrasound reports, since when are you taking these medicines?

      Reply
  13. M.m.

    Today is my 12th day of cycle and i go to follicular scan follicle size is 26mm i took hcg 5000 at 11.30 am when to have intrcource for conceive….reply soon please

    Reply
  14. M.m.

    Day of mc right ovary left ovary E.T
    12 26×26 H+cyst 4.5×4.0 9
    This is follicular scan TV’S
    No other details mentioned in report
    Yesterday took hcg5000

    Reply
  15. Pooja

    I am 8 week pregnant and my ultrasound shows that I hv a large thin simple cyst 10*8cm arising from right adnexa. My Dr. Suggested me to operate it after 3 months.is surgery is necessary during pregnancy.can it affect my baby?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      What is the nature of the cyst? Did they do a biopsy? Can you share the exact ultrasound report here?

      In general, no surgeries are done till pregnancy completes itself. Most cyst stay as such throughout pregnancy. They don’t grow or complicate during this time.

      Reply
  16. Reshma

    Dr prescribe me placentrex injections 2 ampov of 2ml alternate day ten injections prescribe me for left ovarian complicated cyst and secondary infertility
    Report
    Uterus is normal in size and echotexture
    N/o any focal lesion
    E/o 4.4×4.8cm sized left ovarian complicated cyst and
    No e/o free fluid in pod

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      May work in some cases to dissolve the cyst.

      Placental extract basically improves wound healing. Complicated cyst may be taken as a old scarred wound.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      In your case, infertility is likely to be due to the cyst. So, if it gets dissolved with time by taking those injection, you should be able to conceive.

      Reply
  17. Ro Williams

    Been having ovarian pain since August 2018 but pain subsides once period arrives. Doctor said it could be a cyst that absorbed once my period started. After ovulation mid September the pain returned and I had a TVS on 27th September where they said there was a small cyst on my right ovary.
    On September 30th the date my period was due I found out I’d conceived. And four different pregnancy tests have confirmed this.

    At 3 weeks 5 days pregnant it’s way too early to do a scan but the doctor has told me they need to rule out ectopic pregnancy as cause of pain.

    My bloods were taken to confirm pregnancy yesterday and I’m back again tomorrow to see if the count has doubled.

    Apparently chances of this are small and it’s just precaution as they can see I have a hemorragic cyst and the pain has been apparent since the previous months before conception so it’s likely a pain from the cyst and nothing else.

    My concern is that the cyst is super painful and I’m worried it will affect my pregnancy?

    I also have to wait another two weeks for a scan to determine if in fact the pain is only the cyst and not tubal pregnancy and my brain is going crazy.

    The pain I have is a dull ache like a menstrual cramp in my uterus area with sometimes sharp shooting in the right side of my pelvis when I move too quickly. I am
    Constipated but also gassy, have crazy emotions and so tired. What can I do to relieve the pain and how early can I have a scan to check it’s implanted correctly?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The cyst is very unlikely to interfere with pregnancy. Once pregnancy advances, pregnancy hormones would take over and pains from the cyst would subside.

      You need to wait for a week to 10 days for the scan.

      Try correcting your constipation by natural dietary measures. This would greatly reduce your pains.

      Do update us about the scan report.

      Reply
  18. Reshma

    Hello sir
    Can periods delayed after intake of placentrex injections? I delayed my period 4 days , i confused
    I m pregnant or it’s injections effect…

    Reply
  19. Reshma

    After placentrex injections Dr prescribe me folic acid and nostra from cd 18 to cycle day 28. 20 tablets in ten days….
    Nostra table is for what i can’t understand

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It’s the same thing as those injections. You may understand it as placentrex injections in tablet form.

      Reply
  20. Zera

    Hi,

    I’am 4 weeks and 5 days pregnant with my second baby. I was diagnosed with hemorrhagic cyst in my left ovary and polycystic ovary on my right two months ago. I am having cramps and pain in both ovaries. Would both of these ovaries cause problems during pregnancy?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Depends upon how big these cysts are? In most cases, such lesions stay as such throughout pregnancy, not interfering in any way. However, close monitoring by repeat ultrasounds is recommended.

      Reply
  21. Cassidy Buck

    With my last pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a complex ovarian cyst on my left ovary at 5 weeks. We waited and watched, and the cyst continued to grow and eventually caused symptoms of breathlessness because it was pressing up against the vena cava. They removed the entire left tube and ovary at 14 weeks.
    Pregnancy progressed normally and child was born healthy at 39 weeks.
    Now, I am currently 7 weeks pregnant with #3, and I was diagnosed with a complex hemorrhagic ovarian cyst on my single remaining ovary at 4 weeks.
    My priority is preservation of the ovary because I am only 30 years old and do not under any circumstance want to be thrust into surgical menopause.
    Is it more likely to continue to grow and cause problems because of what happened with the previous cyst?
    Is there a way they can drain or treat the cyst now, before it gets too big and irreparably damages the remaining ovary?
    Would my best chance of preserving the ovary be terminating the pregnancy? (This is something I don’t want to do, BUT I do have two healthy children and I absolutely do not want to risk having my last ovary removed, so this is a consideration).
    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Though most of such cyst do not interfere or grow with pregnancy, each case may behave differently. You’ll need to observe the cyst closely. If it grows with pregnancy, removal of cyst may be required to continue with pregnancy.

      If it stays as such with progressing pregnancy, you may leave it as such.

      Serial ultrasounds would, anyway, be required to observe it throughout pregnancy.

      Reply
  22. Nimiya

    I am 25 weeks pregnant. My 20week USG showed 12*10mm mixed echogenicity lesion of left ovary(? Haemorrhagic follicle). Is this affect my pregnancy or delivery ?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Are you having any pain, bleeding or any other symptom?

      In most cases, in general, it doesn’t affect pregnancy.

      Reply
  23. Ashanti

    My report states :hemorrhagic cyst 23.0mm × 15.0mm ×23.0mm and am 13 weeks pregnant. How will this affect my pregnancy please?

    Reply
  24. Kimberly

    I am currently 8 weeks, 3 days. Had an ultrasound two days ago, heartbeat of 180bpm for baby, and OB saw small cyst on right ovary, said not to worry, but last night I had pink/brown vaginal discharge, which seems to be letting up this morning. I’m feeling slightly crampy, some feeling of fullness in lower abdomen. I’m trying to figure out if they are connected. I’m 40 years old, this is my 3rd pregnancy, #1 was in 2007, #2 was in 2010, and I had no issues with either pregnancy, both resulting in healthy babies. I do have PCOS. Im freaking out, but I do realize that brown blood is better than red blood.

    Reply
  25. Aarti

    I am 30 years old and having almost consistent cyst in left ovary. Dr. said I have 1st degree infertility. For last three cycles I am taking letroz from day 2 to day 7. Then taking inj hcg 5000 on day 11. Even after that ovulation doesnot happen upto day 16. This time tvs usg scanned hemmorgic cyst. Does I have still chance to conceive in ongoing cycle or it is sign of anovulation?

    Reply

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