Ovarian cyst bleeding is not a common symptom for all the types of such cysts. Bleeding usually occurs when the sacs found on the lining or in the ovary rupture. The pain that is felt when this happens depends on the size of the cysts and on their nature. Ruptured cysts cause as much pain as cysts that get twisted, but only if they are infected or bleeding. Ovarian cyst bleeding may cause inflammation of the abdominal tissues. More than that, this process may also lead to a torsion (twisting) that prevents the blood from circulating to the cyst.

If the ovarian cysts occur after menstruation, then they may contain small amounts of blood in them. If the cysts rupture, then bleeding is likely to occur in this situation. Ovarian cyst bleeding, however, is the main symptom of a particular type of cysts called haemorrhagic (associated with or resulting from blood loss) cysts. If women experience such a hemorrhage and feel a severe sensation of pain, then they must ask for medical advice as soon as possible, in order to prevent complications. If the doctor decides not to remove the cyst, then it can be cauterized (to destroy tissues by direct application of a heated instrument), in order to stop the hemorrhage.

Women with ovarian cyst bleeding must not fear having cancer of the ovaries, as cancerous cysts do not cause hemorrhage. Bleeding is a characteristic that is featured only by benign ovarian cysts. When more cysts appear on the lining of the ovaries, then the medical condition is named polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS). Women who have this health problem are usually infertile, feature an unusual bleeding, and typically experience miscarriages. This medical condition occurs often and is believed to be experienced by 4 to 7 percent of the women who are in their reproductive years. Ultrasound tests are not effective enough for performing the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome, so additional examinations must be done.