How is it formed
In the first half of the cycle, the follicle matures in the ovary, from which the egg is released. The remaining membrane turns into the corpus luteum, a temporary hormonal organ that supports the second phase of the cycle and early pregnancy. Typically, the corpus luteum lives for about two weeks and disappears if pregnancy does not occur. Sometimes its cavity does not collapse, but is filled with liquid or a small amount of blood from small vessels - this is how a cyst is formed. This is a consequence of the normal ovulation process, so such cysts occur only in women of reproductive age.
- Appears after ovulation
- The wall is formed by the tissue of the corpus luteum
- Contents: liquid or blood
- Size is usually up to 5–6 cm
- Happens only when the ovaries are working
Symptoms
Most often, the cyst does not cause any complaints and is discovered by chance during a routine ultrasound. Sometimes a woman notices a pulling or bursting pain on one side of the lower abdomen, a feeling of heaviness, discomfort during sexual intercourse and physical activity. There may be a delay in menstruation for several days, and then more abundant or, conversely, spotting. All these symptoms are nonspecific. A sharp pain that occurs suddenly should alert you: it may mean a cyst ruptures with bleeding into the abdominal cavity or ovarian torsion.
- Most often asymptomatic
- Nagging pain on one side
- Heaviness in the lower abdomen
- Delay of menstruation for several days
- Spotting
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
Corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy
In the early stages, the corpus luteum produces progesterone, which is necessary to maintain pregnancy, so its cyst is often found during the first ultrasound. Such a finding is usually not dangerous: the cyst gradually decreases and disappears by about 12–16 weeks, when the placenta takes over hormonal function. There is no need to remove it, no treatment is required, ultrasound observation is sufficient. However, if you experience severe abdominal pain during pregnancy, you cannot delay treatment: torsion, cyst rupture, and ectopic pregnancy must be ruled out.
- Common finding in the first trimester
- Supports pregnancy with progesterone
- Usually disappears by 12–16 weeks
- Requires monitoring, not removal
- In case of severe pain - urgent examination
Survey
The main method is transvaginal ultrasound, in which a corpus luteum cyst has a characteristic appearance: a round formation with a thick wall and active blood flow along the periphery, often with mesh contents. The key step is to repeat the ultrasound after one to three cycles, preferably immediately after menstruation: by this time the functional cyst will shrink or disappear. For women of reproductive age, hCG is determined in case of pain to exclude pregnancy. The CA-125 tumor marker is not prescribed to everyone, but in case of a questionable ultrasound picture, in postmenopause or in case of persistent formation, since it also increases in benign conditions.
- Transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvis
- Control ultrasound after 1–3 cycles
- HCG to exclude pregnancy
- Tumor markers according to indications
- Examination by a gynecologist
- Diagnostic laparoscopy for unclear formation
Treatment and observation
In most cases, treatment is not required: the cyst disappears on its own, and a control ultrasound is sufficient. Sometimes a gynecologist prescribes combined hormonal contraceptives to reduce the likelihood of the formation of new functional cysts, but they cannot speed up the resorption of existing ones. Surgery is discussed if the formation does not disappear within three months, grows, exceeds 8–10 centimeters, or has suspicious ultrasound signs. Emergency intervention is needed for rupture with bleeding and torsion: it is performed laparoscopically, trying to preserve the ovarian tissue.
- Observation with control ultrasound
- Hormonal contraceptives to prevent new cysts
- Planned laparoscopy for persistent lesions
- Emergency surgery for rupture and torsion
- Limiting sudden loads with a large cyst
- Refusal to warm up and self-medicate
