The CORPUS LUTEUM CYST and pregnancy
A corpus luteum cyst is formed after ovulation. If a pregnancy is achieved, the cyst is maintained in the first trimester to support the pregnancy until the placenta takes over. According to obstetrician-gynaecologist (ObGyn) Dr Jordan Hardie, the corpus luteum is able to support the pregnancy by secreting a hormone known as progesterone.
“A corpus luteum cyst is a very normal part of pregnancy, but most women are unaware of having them. When the egg is released from the ovary at ovulation and the baby is conceived, the site of ovulation in the ovary becomes a corpus luteum cyst,” he explained.
Dr Hardie said the corpus luteum of most women will involute (shrink) spontaneously in preparation for the ensuing menstrual period, but in women who become pregnant it will decrease in size as the placenta starts taking over hormonal support of the pregnancy.
The ObGyn further explained that in a few patients this corpus luteum can enlarge due to the collection of fluid, or patients may bleed into it leading to the formation of a cyst which may rupture, leading to intra-abdominal bleeding or ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary).
“When enlarged, it can remain asymptomatic. For patients who do develop symptoms, these can include abdominal pain which may be severe in the case of a ruptured cyst. For patients with ovarian torsion, this severe pain may become associated with nausea or vomiting,” Dr Hardie said.
However, he pointed out that if the patient develops ovarian torsion, that is an emergency requiring surgery. A ruptured ovarian cyst can be treated conservatively with painkillers if the patient remains stable, but severe intra-abdominal bleeding will require urgent surgical intervention.
According to Dr Hardie, most women become aware of the corpus luteum cyst during their first prenatal ultrasound, which will also identify factors that may predispose the patient to developing complications.
“An ultrasound will also be able to determine if the cyst is indeed a corpus luteum cyst or another type of ovarian cyst,” he stated.
—Kimberley Hibbert
