Complications of Infected Ovarian Cyst - An Overview

Introduction

An infected ovarian cyst is formed due to pelvic infection, also called an ovarian abscess. These infected ovarian cysts are mostly harmless but can cause major complications if they burst, bleed, rupture, and cause pain. Infected ovarian cysts are mainly caused due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women occurring from chlamydia or gonorrhea. The bacteria can travel through the cervix into the uterus in sexually transmitted diseases and form cysts. These cysts can cause sepsis if they rupture due to bacteria present in them.

What Are the Causes of Infected Ovarian Cysts?

The main causes of developing infected ovarian cysts are

• Severe pelvic infections or pelvic inflammatory diseases.

• Pregnancy - The follicles formed while ovulating can remain in the ovary throughout pregnancy and form cysts.

• Ectopic pregnancy, where eggs get fertilized outside the uterus area and is often associated with ovarian cyst formation.

• Hormonal problems, especially after taking fertility drugs.

• Endometriosis - a condition that causes the tissue lining the uterus to grow outside the uterus.

• Previous ovarian cysts.

What Are the Symptoms of an Infected Ovarian Cyst?

Small ovarian cysts are asymptomatic; however, large cysts can cause the following symptoms:

• Pelvic pain.

• Painful menstruation.

• Change in the menstrual cycle.

• Unexpected weight gain.

• Vaginal bleeding.

• Pain during intercourse.

• Frequent urination.

• Bloating.

• Dull ache in thighs and lower back.

• Tenderness in the breast.

• Abdominal swelling and pain.

• Diarrhea.

• Vomiting.

What Are the Complications Caused by an Infected Ovarian Cyst?

The complications of infected ovarian cysts include

• Torsion of the Cyst- When the cyst grows over the ovaries, causing twisting of the ovaries, it is called ovarian torsion. This blocks the blood supply to the ovarian cyst and causes severe abdominal pain. This complication can occur during the first trimester of pregnancy or after delivering a baby. Other symptoms of torsion include dizziness, sweating, and vomiting.

• Cyst Rupture- This complication is usually due to large ovarian cysts that can burst or rupture, causing severe pain due to bleeding. This is a serious complication that can be life-threatening for the patient.

• Pelvic Compression- Larger tumor growth can cause pelvic compression and press the bladder and rectum, thus causing urination and constipation.

• Bleeding in the Cyst- This is the most common complication of the infected ovarian cyst. Bleeding of the cyst occurs due to rupture and twisting of the blood vessels of the cyst.

• Pelvic Infection or Abscess- They can cause abscess formation thus leading to cysts in the ovaries. The rupture of these ovarian cysts can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

• Pregnancy and Ovarian Cyst- Ectopic pregnancies can lead to a complication by forming cysts. These cysts get worst with growing pregnancy in an area outside the uterus that cannot sustain it.

• Other Complications- These include ovarian cancer, miscarriage, infertility, difficulty in giving birth, and premature birth.

What Is Ovarian Abscess and How Is It Related To Infected Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian abscess is a pocket formation in the ovary that is filled with pus. This abscess is usually formed due to bacterial invasion from another body part or due to any sexually transmitted infections through the vagina or cervix. These bacteria can cause infection in the ovaries and sometimes involve fallopian tubes also. The bacterial infection or abscess that begins from the fallopian tube and spreads to the ovaries is often called a TOA or tuba ovarian abscess. The abscess formation in the ovaries is most likely to infect the fallopian tube as well. Therefore ovarian abscesses caused by infections can lead to an infected ovarian cyst formation.

An ovarian abscess can be caused due to various risk factors, such as PID, unprotected sex, chemotherapy, weak immune system, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)/ AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, appendicitis, use of intrauterine devices, or pelvic infections after surgery.

How Are Infected Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?

During the diagnosis, the doctor initially ruled out pregnancy as the main cause of symptoms. However, they also recommend various diagnostic tests to rule out the infected ovarian cysts.

• Pelvic Examination- A physical examination done by the doctor to feel any lumps or changes in the pelvic region. The doctor can also insert two gloved fingers into the vagina to examine the cervix and uterus and puts pressure on the abdomen. If the patient experiences pain, they may have the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

• Laparoscopy- This is a minor procedure to view the pelvic cavity and reproductive organs by inserting a small camera through an incision made on the abdomen by the doctor. If the cyst is diagnosed during laparoscopy, it is removed right away.

• Ultrasound- Sound waves are used to view the internal organs in this procedure. Ultrasound can detect ovarian cysts, their size, location, and form (solid or fluid-filled).

• Smear or Culture Test- In this procedure, a vaginal discharge sample is taken from the cervix or vagina for testing in the laboratory.

• Urine and Blood Test- These tests are performed to check for infection in the body to rule out any other cause of symptoms presented by the patient.

How Is an Infected Ovarian Cyst Treated?

The treatment of infected ovarian cysts usually depends on the type and symptoms of the cyst. The treatment is planned in the following ways:

• Antibiotic Therapy - The doctor prescribes antibiotic medication to fight the bacterial infection. A person may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics in some cases of severe infections.

• Drainage Method - The doctor opts for this procedure to drain the bacteria causing infection in the ovary. Drainage can be done by using a needle or during surgery. The infected area of abscess formation is then cleaned after drainage.

• Hysterectomy - The procedure involves the removal of one or both ovaries if they start spreading infection. In some cases, a doctor may have to remove the infected uterus and fallopian tube which leads to infertility as the person cannot get conceive or become pregnant.

• Surgery - Surgical method is suggested by the doctor to avoid any life-threatening consequences in case of a ruptured ovarian cyst or abscess. Since infected ovarian cyst carries the risk of rupture, therefore, they need to get removed as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Infected ovarian cysts can be found in people of any age group and usually, the symptoms can occur for 24 hours or up to 20 weeks. Therefore, the patient should consult the doctor immediately if they experience pain in the abdominal area, pelvis, and lower back as an infected ovarian cyst can be life-threatening, if not treated timely.

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