Apoplexy of the ovary: what is it? Causes, Symptoms and Methods of Treatment

The rupture of the ovarian tissue is an extremely dangerous condition, which is accompanied by severe pain and loss of blood. Why does ovarian apoplexy occur, what is it, and what symptoms are accompanied? These questions are of interest to many, since such a pathology in the absence of timely assistance is a threat to the life of the patient.

Apoplexy of the ovary: what is it and why does it occur?

Apoplexy is a sudden sharp disruption of the integrity of the ovary tissue. This acute condition, which is most often diagnosed in adult women aged 25 to 40 years. It is interesting that the rupture of the right ovary happens more often than the left ovary, due to some anatomical features.

There are some factors under the influence of which ovarian apoplexy can develop. What are these prerequisites? Any changes in the tissues of the uterine appendages or vessels feeding them, including varicose veins, scarring, sclerotization, can cause a rupture. In particular, chronic disorders of the reproductive system lead to similar disorders. In addition, this condition is often observed in women suffering from certain hormonal disorders. Risk factors include bleeding disorders, as well as long-term use of drugs that dilute it.

All of the above problems increase the risk of rupture of the ovary. But to provoke a sudden apoplexy can physical stress, intense sexual intercourse, weight lifting, falling or even severe stress.

Apoplexy and its forms

Depending on the presence of certain symptoms, it is customary to distinguish several forms of rupture:

• In some cases, this condition is accompanied by severe internal bleeding, weakness, dizziness and paleness of the skin - this hemorrhagic apoplexy of the ovary.
• The painful form is characterized by suddenly arising, strong, cutting pains in the lower abdomen. The clinical picture here is similar to the symptoms of appendicitis.
• Mixed form of apoplexy is accompanied by both pain and signs of internal bleeding.

The main symptoms of ovarian rupture

As already mentioned, the symptoms of the disease can be different. The painful form is accompanied by strong sharp pains, which are concentrated in the lesion. Painful attacks can be so strong that they cause nausea and vomiting, often lead to loss of consciousness.

With hemorrhagic apoplexy, the pain syndrome is less pronounced. Patients sometimes complain of pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which are often given to the lower back, the external genitalia and the sacrum. But the symptoms of anemia become clear: pallor of the skin, cyanosis of the lips, strong weakness, dizziness, fainting.

Ovarian apoplexy: diagnosis

Of course, with such symptoms it is best to immediately seek medical help. Only a specialist knows what signs are accompanied by apoplexy of the ovary, what it is and why it occurs. Since the clinical picture is not always specific, the patient is prescribed ultrasound. Such a study helps to detect free blood in the region of the posterior vaginal vault.

Methods of treatment of apoplexy

A woman in this state simply needs medical help, since prolonged pain and severe blood loss can lead to death. A few years ago it was believed that some forms of the disease can be treated conservatively. In fact, drug therapy can eliminate symptoms, but does not remove the blood that has been thrown out into the free space, which can subsequently cause peritonitis.

Today the only really effective treatment is surgical intervention. During laparoscopy, the doctor sews up damaged tissues, removes blood debris and treats tissues with an antiseptic solution. After the danger to the life of a woman is eliminated, a full examination is made, which makes it possible to determine the causes of the rupture and eliminate them.