Corpus Luteum Cyst

A type of ovarian cyst, corpus luteum cyst, is nothing but a collection of blood and other fluid in the ovary. This type of cyst occurs only in women as it's an ovarian cyst. Cyst can be defined as a sac which grows abnormally and is filled with semi-solid or liquid substances along with blood. A corpus luteum cyst is usually round and of the size of a pea to that of a grapefruit. Under normal circumstances, this cyst has no effect on the health of women and so is commonly considered a functional cyst. Corpus luteum occurs naturally and it commonly forms towards the end of the menstrual cycle as and when the follicles release the eggs. It then produces estrogen and progesterone, hormones which are responsible for preparing the woman's body for childbirth. If this structure grows in excess, it's considered a cyst.

Corpus Luteum Cyst in Early Pregnancy

If you miss your periods followed by spotting and pain in the pelvis, it may indicate the existence of a corpus luteum cyst. However, you need to make sure that it is the cyst elevating the pain by going through a pregnancy test, as you may be suffering from other conditions like ectopic pregnancy as well. You may need to go through an ultrasound or sonography test, to determine the exact cause, so that you get the exact treatment.

If the corpus luteum cyst ruptures, there would be excessive bleeding, accompanied by pain, which may need surgical attention. There are times in which certain medications could make the situation worse and may increase pain in the abdomen. You should try to avoid medicines like anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, besides foods rich in vitamin E. The bottom line is, staying away from foods which may result in easy bleeding.

Symptoms of Corpus Luteum Cyst

Usually, a corpus luteum cyst does not show any symptoms and occurs towards the end of the menstrual cycle in women. If there is formation of corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy, there is nothing to worry, as it lasts till about the arrival of the second trimester. Most often, they slowly dissolve and disappear without causing any complications. Nevertheless, there may be times in which there may be expansion of the cyst, wherein blood and other liquid may be filled. If that happens, the cyst would attach itself to the ovary. This may result in painful pelvis and in extreme cases, may need surgery. If the corpus luteum cyst ruptures, it would cause a sudden and severe pain and there may be internal bleeding as well.

If you are pregnant, normally you won't find any kind of bleeding. However, if the cyst bursts, you may bleed and this would be accompanied by extreme pain in the abdomen. Unless you find these symptoms, you don't need to worry, as most of the time, symptoms are non-existent or mild. Please seek immediate medical help if you find any of these symptoms.

In some rare cases, the cyst may twist the ovary, thereby cutting off the supply of blood which results in nausea and pain. In such cases, you would have to go through surgery to remove the cyst and untwist the ovary.

Treatment of Corpus Luteum Cyst

If you show only mild symptoms of corpus luteum cyst, you don't need to get any special treatment, as they would go away on their own within a few days. However, if you suffer from severe pain, you would need to go through a surgery.

So, if you get a scorching pain in your abdomen, don't ignore it, especially if you are pregnant. It may be this type of cyst and if not treated on time, may be harmful. As with all medical conditions, the doctor knows best, so it's always advisable to consult your health care provider, so that he is able to diagnose the condition in detail and prescribe medications for the same.