Can corpus luteum cyst cause bleeding in early pregnancy

Corpus Luteum Cyst In Pregnancy: Symptoms And Treatment

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Corpus luteum cysts during pregnancy are common ovarian cysts formed when the corpus luteum (cluster of cells in which the egg seals itself) fails to shrink after about 12 weeks of pregnancy, causing it to fill with fluid. The corpus luteum produces progesterone that helps prepare the endometrial lining for implantation. These cysts are common during pregnancy and not usually troublesome. But, if these are not treated immediately, they might continue to grow, rupture and twist, giving rise to complications in the pregnancy (1) (2) (3).

Read on to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for corpus luteum cyst in pregnancy.

Are Corpus Luteum Cysts Normal In Pregnancy?

If the corpus luteum cyst persists, doctors suggest ultrasounds.

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Corpus luteal cysts are among the most common functional ovarian cysts in pregnancy. When the corpus luteum cyst develops into a luteal cyst, it continues to produce progesterone to support the pregnancy and is mostly harmless. The cyst gradually disappears at the start of the second trimester.

If the corpus luteum cyst persists for a long time, your doctor may recommend regular ultrasounds to monitor the cyst and observe if any signs of cyst rupture or torsion exist (1) (4).

Corpus Luteum And The Menstrual Cycle

The corpus luteum releases progesterone and plays an integral part in the menstrual cycle, which proceeds in three distinct phases (5) (6):

  • Follicular phase: The follicular phase begins on the first day of the menstrual period and continues for around 14 days. During this phase, the pituitary gland secretes a high level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) into the blood supply, inducing the maturation of the follicles containing eggs.

One of the follicles, known as the dominant follicle, grows faster than the others and causes an increase in estrogen levels by day seven. The estrogen then suppresses the level of FSH and increases that of LH, thereby marking the beginning of the ovulatory phase.

  • Ovulatory phase: This phase occurs on day 13 or 14 of the menstrual period. As the level of LH in the blood increases, the egg in the dominant follicle completely matures and releases. The follicle then contracts into a cluster of cells called the corpus luteum, marking the start of the luteal phase.
  • Luteal phase: This phase usually begins on day 15 with the corpus luteum producing an increased level of progesterone. It induces the development of the uterus’s endometrium lining to implant the sperm-fertilized egg and helps sustain the pregnancy.

The corpus luteum produces progesterone up to ten weeks of pregnancy, after which it shrinks and eventually disappears. If pregnancy does not occur, the progesterone and estrogen levels gradually decrease, causing the endometrium lining to fall off, which induces menstrual bleeding.

Symptoms Of Corpus Luteum Cysts

Unexplained weight gain is a symptom of corpus luteam cysts.

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Functional ovarian cysts, such as corpus luteal cysts, generally do not present symptoms and can disappear without treatment. However, when ovarian cyst symptoms manifest, they could include (3) (7)

  • Constant pelvic pain or pain before and at the beginning of a period
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Unusual bloating or swelling of the abdomen
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding and heightened menstrual cramps
  • Difficulty or pain during urination and bowel movements
  • Frequent urination

Identifying Corpus Luteum Cysts

A corpus luteum cyst is detected through a transvaginal ultrasound.

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A corpus luteum cyst is usually detected through a transvaginal ultrasound using a transducer. When placed in the vagina, the transducer produces sound waves that help visualize the ovary and the cysts, if any. In addition, a transvaginal ultrasound enables the doctors to identify the cyst’s location, size, and shape and determine if it is fluid-filled or solid (8).

This cyst can also be detected through a transabdominal ultrasound, where the transducer is placed on the abdomen to visualize the cyst (9).

Risk Factors Of Corpus Luteum Cyst

Endometriosis can be a risk factor for corpus luteam cyst.

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While corpus luteum cysts are a common occurrence and can appear irrespective of additional influences, certain risk factors can increase the possibility of their appearance in some women (9) (10)

  • Fertility medications: The most commonly prescribed fertility drug is clomiphene, given to women facing difficulty in conceiving or women with PCOS. PCOS interferes with the production of the pregnancy hormones that release the eggs from the follicles. These medications could create a hormonal imbalance resulting in an ovarian cyst.
  • Endometriosis: This condition causes the tissue lining the uterus to grow on its outside. Women who have endometriosis are at a higher risk of developing a corpus luteal cyst.
  • Pregnancy: Pregnant women may be at greater risk of the cyst; however, a corpus luteum cyst can also develop in nonpregnant women.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: The condition where the egg implants outside of the uterus, either in the fallopian tubes or the ovary. The probability of developing a corpus luteum cyst may be higher in women with ectopic pregnancy.

When To Seek Emergency Care

Corpus luteum cysts generally do not require any medical attention and disappear over time. However, if you experience acute abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, and high temperature, check with your healthcare provider as these could be symptoms of an ovarian cyst rupture or a torsion (7).

Seek medical treatment in case of extreme symptoms and complications. The treatment may be as follows (3) (7).

  • Observation: For mild symptoms that do not cause any discomfort, your healthcare practitioner may recommend regular observation through routine ultrasounds and physical examination until the symptoms subside.
  • Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills may be prescribed, which can help prevent the risk of recurrence of the ovarian cyst. Your healthcare practitioner may also prescribe pain relief medication.
  • Laparoscopy: In severe pain or ovarian cyst rupture or torsion, laparoscopic surgery may be recommended. In this surgery, a tube fitted camera, inserted through a small cut in the lower abdomen, is used to visualize and remove the cyst.

Corpus Luteum Cyst Rupture During Pregnancy

Cysts can sometimes rupture and cause acute pain in the lower abdomen. The doctor may prescribe certain pain relief medications, following which the cyst usually heals.

A ruptured cyst can sometimes lead to hemoperitoneum, a condition characterized by a blood-filled peritoneal cavity. The condition generally requires a laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery based on its severity (10) (11).

Corpus Luteum Cyst Torsion During Pregnancy

A growing corpus luteum cyst may add weight to the ovary, causing it to twist on itself or the surrounding tissues. When an ovarian torsion occurs, the blood supply to the ovary is obstructed causing severe pain and sometimes vomiting and may require immediate surgery (12).

1. Can a corpus luteum cyst cause miscarriage?

Typically, a corpus luteum cyst does not interfere with the pregnancy but helps sustain it by producing the progesterone hormone and disappears by the second trimester. However, a corpus luteum cyst can become hemorrhagic, where blood fills the cyst cavity, causing acute abdominal pain. Seeking medical attention helps prevent the risk of miscarriage (13).

2. Can a corpus luteum cyst be cancerous?

A corpus luteum cyst, being a functional cyst, is usually not cancerous. However, some conditions associated with corpus luteum cysts, such as endometriosis and PCOS, are associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Further, ovarian cancer can sometimes show as a luteal cyst. Your doctor may conduct different tests based on the cyst’s size and symptoms to identify any chance of malignancy (14) (15).

3. Can a corpus luteum cyst cause a positive pregnancy test?

Pregnancy can cause corpus luteum cysts. However, a corpus luteum cyst can sometimes give a false positive pregnancy result due to increased hCG levels. Your healthcare practitioner may carry out additional tests, such as blood tests, for confirmatory results (16)  (17).

4. What does the corpus luteum look like on an ultrasound?

A corpus luteum is a thick-walled cyst having a typical ‘ring of fire’ peripheral vascularity on color Doppler ultrasound. It is usually seen with a crenulated (ridge-like) inner margin (18).

5. Can a corpus luteum cyst be mistaken for a gestational sac?

The corpus luteum may be confused with the ectopic pregnancy’s gestational sac. However, a reliable way of distinguishing it from ectopic pregnancy is by identifying the location of the lesion. Corpus luteum arises from the ovary, while most ectopic pregnancies are tubal (19).

Corpus luteum cyst is not a condition of concern and mostly disappears with time. However, to avoid complications, you should be aware of the symptoms of corpus luteum cysts and seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and timely treatment.

Infographic: What Conditions Can Mimic Corpus Luteum Cysts In Pregnancy?

Corpus luteum cyst in pregnancy is mostly harmless and often resolves without any interventions. If the imaging is not clear, your doctor may order a few other tests to exclude some gynecological or acute abdomen conditions requiring immediate attention. Go through the infographic to know the conditions that may be mistaken for corpus luteum cyst and how it is differentiated.

corpus leuteum [infographic]

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Corpus luteal cysts are harmless when they turn into a luteal cyst as they can produce progesterone.
  • Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds can help detect corpus luteum cyst size, shape, and location.
  • Ovarian cyst symptoms include pelvic pain during period, pain during intercourse, unusual swelling or bloating of the abdomen, etc.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

  1. Corpus luteal cyst.
    https://radiopaedia.org/articles/corpus-luteal-cyst
  2. Baerwald A.R. et al.; (2005); Form and function of corpus luteum during human menstrual cycle.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2882116/
  3. Ovarian cysts.
    https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/ovarian-cysts
  4. What Risks Are Associated With Ruptured Ovarian Cysts?
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst
  5. Ovulation and the phases of the menstrual cycle.
    https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/periods/ovulation-and-the-menstrual-cycle/
  6. The Menstrual Cycle.
    https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/the-menstrual-cycle
  7. Ovarian cysts.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001504.htm
  8. Ovarian Cysts.
    https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ovarian-cysts
  9. Ovarian Cyst.
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/o/ovarian-cyst.html
  10. Corpus luteal cyst rupture.
    https://radiopaedia.org/articles/corpus-luteal-cyst-rupture
  11. Kishore Pandit et al.; (2018); Massive Hemoperitoneum from a Ruptured Corpus Luteal Cyst.
    https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/acaa/944d531d408b65026d63fc0b6451290df0f2.pdf
  12. Ovarian Torsion.
    https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/ovarian-torsion
  13. Mykhailo V Medvediev et. al.; (2020); Hemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst: Clinical management update.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731611/
  14. Ovarian Cysts: What Are the Risks?
    https://www.roswellpark.org/cancertalk/201709/ovarian-cysts-what-are-risks
  15. Science Made Simple: Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer.
    https://ocrahope.org/2020/05/science-made-simple-ovarian-cysts-and-ovarian-cancer/
  16. 7 Reasons Your Pregnancy Test Gave AFalse Positive.
    https://www.thesource.org/post/reasons-your-pregnancy-test-gave-a-false-positive
  17. Ovarian Cysts.
    https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/ovarian-cysts/
  18. Corpus luteum.
    https://radiopaedia.org/articles/corpus-luteum#:~:text=Ultrasound
  19. Robert Lee et al.; (2018); Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy in the emergency setting.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5769947/

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Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. She has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences. In addition, she has an internship experience in Oil India Limited as an R&D project trainee. As a writer at MomJunction, Aneesha ensures her content is engaging and... more

Dr. Richa Hatila is an experienced gynecologist practising in Varanasi. She did her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB, and a Fellowship in Laparoscopic surgeries (FMAS). She is currently associated with Shubham Hospital and Sah Speciality Clinic in Varanasi. 

Can a cyst cause bleeding in early pregnancy?

If the embryo is growing correctly, and there is a sufficiently strong heartbeat, this suggests that the pregnancy will continue and the risk of pregnancy loss is low. An ultrasound can also examine other pelvic organs to check for causes of bleeding. For example, an ovarian cyst may cause bleeding.

Does corpus luteum cyst cause bleeding?

What are the symptoms of a corpus luteum cyst? Small cysts don't generally cause symptoms unless they rupture, they become hemorrhagic (bleed), or torsion (twisting) occurs. These conditions cause severe pelvic pain, severe nausea/vomiting or lightheadedness/weakness.

Can a corpus luteum cyst cause miscarriage?

If you've been diagnosed with a corpus luteum cyst, know that in the vast majority of cases, they're completely benign and will resolve on their own. That's the case even if you're dealing with a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy; they're rarely harmful to the fetus.

What happens if a corpus luteum cyst rupture in early pregnancy?

In conclusion, although extremely rare, rupture of corpus luteum in early pregnancy with hemoperitoneum can cause acute abdomen that mimics rupture of ectopic pregnancy. Diagnostic process involves ultrasound examination and serial ßhCG measurements.