Pop icon Miley Cyrus recently revealed she suffered a ruptured ovarian cyst while co-hosting her televised New Year’s Eve special alongside her godmother, country music legend Dolly Parton. The 32-year-old singer and actress described the experience as “extremely excruciating” and said it required emergency medical attention.
Cyrus recounted the medical scare during a May 21 appearance on The Zane Lowe Show on Apple Music 1, noting that the incident occurred live during Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party, a high-profile broadcast produced by Saturday Night Live’s Lorne Michaels.
“I had a pretty traumatic experience on a show that I was doing with [Lorne Michaels] when I was doing my New Year’s show,” Cyrus said. “I had a medical emergency. I had an ovarian cyst rupture. We didn’t know exactly what was going on, so we did it.”
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Despite the intense pain, Cyrus completed the show. “It was pretty traumatic because it was extremely excruciating, and I did the show anyway,” she added. “But it was really, really hard on me.”
Cyrus joins a growing list of public figures who have spoken out about their struggles with ovarian cysts — including Hailey Bieber, Kate Beckinsale, Hilary Swank, and Lena Dunham — helping to shed light on a condition that is both common and, at times, dangerously overlooked.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in an ovary. While most are benign and resolve without intervention, larger cysts can cause severe pain and may rupture, potentially leading to serious complications.
“Ovarian cysts are extremely common in reproductive-age women,” said Dr. Yen Hope Tran, an OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “In most cases, they’re harmless. But when a cyst grows large or ruptures, it can cause intense abdominal pain, internal bleeding, and even require surgery in emergency cases.”
Dr. Tran emphasized the importance of recognizing the warning signs of a cyst rupture, which may include sudden, sharp pelvic pain, nausea, bloating, and lightheadedness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek prompt medical attention.
Why Are Some Ovarian Cysts More Dangerous Than Others?
According to Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside the ovaries. Most commonly, they appear during a woman’s reproductive years as part of the normal menstrual cycle. These so-called “functional cysts” are usually harmless and tend to resolve on their own without treatment.
However, not all cysts are benign or self-limiting. “More complex types — such as dermoid cysts, endometriomas, or cystadenomas — can pose greater health risks,” Dr. Tran explains. These cysts are more likely to lead to complications such as rupture, ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), or ongoing pelvic pain.
Cysts that are larger than 5 to 10 centimeters, contain solid areas or internal divisions (known as septations), or are associated with significant symptoms often require closer monitoring and, in some cases, surgical removal. The risk of complications increases with the size, structure, and persistence of the cyst.
What Are the Common Warning Signs of an Ovarian Cyst?
While many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally, Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, notes that certain signs can indicate their presence — especially if the cyst is large or causing complications.
Common symptoms of an ovarian cyst may include:
- Dull or sharp pelvic or abdominal pain, often localized to one side
- A feeling of bloating, fullness, or pressure in the abdomen
- Changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular or heavier periods
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency, particularly if the cyst is pressing on the bladder
If a cyst ruptures, symptoms may become more severe and include:
- Sudden, intense pelvic pain
- Abdominal distension or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting, especially in cases of internal bleeding
- Low blood pressure or rapid heart rate, which may signal a medical emergency
Dr. Tran emphasizes that anyone experiencing sudden or severe pelvic pain — particularly if it’s accompanied by lightheadedness or signs of shock — should seek immediate medical attention.
What Medical Conditions Might Be Mistaken for Ovarian Cysts?
Because the symptoms of ovarian cysts can overlap with other conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential. Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, explains that several medical issues can present with similar signs, including:
- Appendicitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Gastrointestinal disorders such as diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
“A thorough pelvic exam and diagnostic imaging — most commonly a transvaginal ultrasound — are key to distinguishing between these conditions and confirming the presence of an ovarian cyst,” Dr. Tran says.
How Are Ovarian Cysts Typically Treated?
Treatment for ovarian cysts varies depending on their type, size, and whether they are causing symptoms, explains Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.
“For many simple cysts — especially in premenopausal women — observation is often the best approach,” says Dr. Tran. These cysts typically resolve on their own and may just require regular monitoring through follow-up ultrasounds.
Hormonal birth control may be prescribed to help prevent the formation of new functional cysts by regulating ovulation. However, this method does not treat existing cysts.
Surgical intervention may be necessary for cysts that are:
- Persistent over time
- Larger than 5–10 centimeters
- Complex in appearance (e.g., containing solid areas or septations)
- Causing significant symptoms such as pain or pressure
In the event of a rupture, treatment depends on severity. “Mild cases may be managed conservatively with pain medication and careful observation,” Dr. Tran explains. “But moderate to severe cases — particularly those involving internal bleeding or signs of infection — can require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, or emergency surgery to control bleeding and preserve ovarian function.”
How Do You Know When an Ovarian Cyst Is Dangerous?
While many ovarian cysts are harmless, certain signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. According to Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, you should seek emergency care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Pain accompanied by fever and vomiting
- Symptoms of internal bleeding, such as fainting, weakness, or low blood pressure
- Rapid breathing or an elevated heart rate
“Cysts that are considered dangerous are typically large, complex in structure, or growing rapidly,” Dr. Tran notes. “They also raise more concern when they occur in postmenopausal women, where the risk of malignancy is higher.”
A healthcare provider will evaluate the risk using pelvic imaging — usually a transvaginal ultrasound — along with blood tests such as CA-125, which can help assess the likelihood of ovarian cancer, and a detailed review of symptoms and medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. Many cysts develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle and resolve on their own.
Are ovarian cysts dangerous?
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve without treatment. However, larger or complex cysts can cause complications like rupture or ovarian torsion and may require medical intervention.
What are the warning signs of an ovarian cyst?
Common symptoms include pelvic or abdominal pain (often one-sided), bloating, changes in menstrual cycles, pain during intercourse, and urinary urgency. Sudden, severe pain may indicate a cyst rupture.
When should I seek emergency care for an ovarian cyst?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, pain with fever and vomiting, signs of internal bleeding (fainting, weakness, low blood pressure), or rapid breathing and heart rate.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam and imaging, most commonly a transvaginal ultrasound. Blood tests like CA-125 may be used to assess risk, especially in postmenopausal women.
What conditions can mimic ovarian cyst symptoms?
Conditions such as appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal issues can present similarly to ovarian cysts.
Conclusion
Ovarian cysts are a common part of many women’s reproductive health and are often harmless. However, when a cyst becomes large, complex, or symptomatic, it can lead to serious complications — as Miley Cyrus’s recent experience highlights. Recognizing the warning signs, understanding when to seek medical care, and maintaining regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are key to managing ovarian cysts safely.
If you experience sudden or severe pelvic pain, or symptoms like dizziness or fainting, don’t ignore them. Prompt evaluation can make a critical difference. With the right care and monitoring, most ovarian cysts can be managed effectively — and safely.