Cyst of the corpus luteum during pregnancy: signs and treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

During pregnancy, a woman is often diagnosed with fluid in the ovary, in medical terminology this phenomenon is called a ovarian corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy. It is formed even before the moment of conception, during ovulation, when a mature egg comes out of the follicle.

The concept of neoplasm

Cyst of the corpus luteum during pregnancy in medicine is called a tumor-like neoplasm, which has dense walls, and the inner space is filled with a yellow liquid. It should be noted that the development of a cyst is most common in only one of the ovaries. This happens after the maturation and release of the egg, but instead of the normal formation of the follicle and a he althy natural corpus luteum, it fills with serous fluid and stretches its shape.

This disease can be completely harmless and asymptomatic, rarely accompanied by a slight pain in the lower abdomen.

The usual follicle size is 25 to 35 mm. If it exceeds these parameters, then this indicates the presenceovarian disease.

During pregnancy, a corpus luteum cyst as an ovarian pathology is very rare, but can occur in women of any age. The main and important function of the corpus luteum is the production of the hormone progesterone, which affects the ability to conceive, bear and maintain pregnancy. Low progesterone levels can end early pregnancy.

A corpus luteum cyst in early pregnancy does not carry a serious danger and harm to the he alth of a woman and a baby, but only if there is no rupture.

First months of pregnancy

The size and shape of the corpus luteum tells how it functions hormonally.

That is, the size of the follicle from 18 to 24 mm indicates readiness for conception.

If pregnancy occurs, then the normal size of the luteal body is from 20 to 25 mm.

But the excess of these sizes indicates a cyst of the corpus luteum during pregnancy. But it should be noted that it does not lose its function of producing progesterone. But with an increase in it to 70 mm and above, most likely, the production of the hormone will stop.

But too small corpus luteum, especially in the first months of pregnancy, is also not the norm. This may indicate that:

• It doesn't function properly and there isn't enough progesterone. In this case, correction is necessary with drugs that containhormone, otherwise pregnancy may be at risk.
• The level of hCG is low, which is very important, because it supports the natural and normal development of the embryo, therefore, a small amount of the corpus luteum is a sign of abnormalities in the development of the fetus.
• Pregnancy can be ectopic or missed. Under such conditions, the size of the corpus luteum is also below normal.

Evaluate the condition of the pregnant woman and the baby allows ultrasound. If all the results and tests are normal, and the corpus luteum is small in the first months of pregnancy, then the woman is prescribed drug therapy that will support the process of bearing and the proper development of the baby.

What are the consequences of a cyst

Having found a corpus luteum cyst during early pregnancy, doctors assure that this will not affect the process of bearing and developing the fetus in any way. At its core, such a formation can be a normal functioning corpus luteum of pregnancy, which is able to regulate the rhythm of contraction of the fallopian tubes and sharply inhibits uterine contractions.

In the normal state, the cyst of the corpus luteum during pregnancy has a rounded regular shape, with even and clear contours. Ultrasound diagnostics shows that its contents are homogeneous and anechoic. Its diameter varies from 40 to 70 mm.

It is quite common that the cyst of the corpus luteum during pregnancy already after 14–15 weeks begins its reverse development, in this case all functionsthe corpus luteum begins to fulfill the placenta.

Violations of the integrity of the cyst walls can be dangerous, because as a result of this process, the entire contents of the neoplasm can spill into the abdominal cavity. The twisting of the cyst leg is also a threat; this can lead to tissue necrosis. In these cases, doctors will be required to resort to surgery.

Factors that influence the occurrence of neoplasms

During pregnancy, a cyst of the corpus luteum of the right ovary or left, is formed in the place where the follicle burst and the egg was released. This neoplasm develops due to disturbances in the circulation of the lymph and improper blood circulation in the corpus luteum. But it is very difficult to establish the true causes of this phenomenon during pregnancy.

A huge number of negative factors can affect the body of a pregnant woman, as a result of which a cyst is formed. The most common ones are:

• Hormonal disorders in the body, including due to the use of contraceptives.
• Pathologies of the thyroid gland.
• Previous pelvic surgery (abortion, curettage, etc.).
• Medicated ovulation stimulation in the treatment of infertility.
• Serious sexually transmitted infections.
• Prolonged stress.
• Inflammation of the genitourinary system.
• Rigid diets and prolonged fasting.
• Physical labor and loads.
• Harmful working conditions.

Many scientistsconsider that the development of a cyst of the corpus luteum is associated with a low level of fertility. Today, a modern woman gives birth to one maximum of two children, and the ovaries work continuously, that is, the number of periods during a lifetime is large. And they, in turn, lead to the emergence of various pathologies of the genital organs.

Symptoms

Basically, during pregnancy, a cyst of the corpus luteum of the left ovary or the right is completely asymptomatic. But there are women who note some signs of this neoplasm that they feel:

• Pain during exercise or sexual intercourse.
• Unpleasant periodic pulling pains in the lower abdomen.
• Discharges mixed with blood.

If suddenly there is a rupture of the cystic body or twisting of its legs, then the following symptoms appear:

• Intense incessant pain in the lower abdomen.
• Bleeding.
• Unpleasant uterine contractions.
• Vomiting, nausea, stool retention.
• High heart rate.
• Pale skin.

During pregnancy, colossal transformations occur in a woman's body, which are accompanied by both positive and negative phenomena, one of which is a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy. Pain in this diagnosis is not normal, and if it occurs, you should immediately go to the hospital.

Diagnostic Methods

The cyst is diagnosed as a resultgynecological examination and ultrasound. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, they initially resort to a gynecological examination of the left and right ovaries. In this way, seals in the area of the appendages can be detected.

A cyst in the first months of pregnancy can also be detected by examination with a vaginal probe. This method of diagnosis does not require preparation, you only need to empty the bladder before starting.

How dangerous is a cyst for pregnancy

If the tumor-like neoplasm reaches a large size, then the following pregnancy complications may occur:

• Rupture of the cyst membrane and entry of its contents into the abdominal cavity.
• Twisting of the cyst stem and tissue necrosis.
• Hemorrhage in the ovary.

The main signs of complications in the diagnosis of a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy are pain in the lower abdomen, dizziness, nausea and weakness. In such situations, urgent surgery is needed to prevent the development of serious complications such as peritonitis, inflammation of the abdominal cavity, sepsis, which can lead to death.

But it should be noted that the cyst occurs only in the first trimester and by 4 months it very often resolves on its own, without any intervention.

Treatment

Cystic formation, as a rule, does not pose a threat to either the mother or the fetus. By the 20th week of pregnancy, it resolves on its own, by this period the placenta is formed, which produces progesterone. But if the cyst bursts, itlead to bleeding and deterioration of the woman's he alth. In addition, ovarian diseases can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. With such a threat, you should get rid of the cyst.

The most gentle surgical approach during pregnancy is laparoscopy. The cyst is removed with the help of several punctures of the abdominal wall. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, the trauma during such manipulations is minimal, and after a few days the woman can leave the hospital. Pregnant women undergo a course of additional treatment after the operation, the purpose of which is to preserve the fetus.

Traditional medicine

Ovarian cysticity during pregnancy is quite successfully treated by traditional medicine. But all prescriptions must be agreed with the doctor and carried out only under his supervision. Folk healers note that golden mustache, chaga, pine nut shells, wax successfully cope with the problem.

But it should be remembered that for a woman who is in an interesting position, the main rule is: "Do not harm yourself or the baby."

Prevention

You can prevent the development of ovarian cysts with the help of adequate and timely treatment of inflammation of the genitourinary system. It is important to maintain the hormonal background in an optimal state and adjust it, if necessary.

Principles for preventing cyst formation:

• Reduce physical activity.
• Improve the body.
• Maintaining and strengthening the immunesystem.
• Normalization of hormonal levels.

During pregnancy, a woman is recommended to:

• Exclude heavy physical labor and stress.
• Avoid thermal wraps in the abdomen, and do not visit baths, solariums and saunas.
• Eat wholesome and right, do not resort to starvation, keep drinking regimen.
• Maximum avoid stress and psycho-emotional stress.

Conclusion

You should not panic if you find an ovarian cyst during pregnancy. This neoplasm does not pose any danger to the mother or child. It is necessary to do additional tests and follow the recommendations of the doctor. As a rule, the cyst will pass either by the 20th week, or by the birth.

But if a pregnant woman experiences unpleasant pulling and persistent pain in the lower abdomen and she suspects that it is a cystic formation, then she needs to see a doctor urgently. A neoplasm detected during pregnancy should be constantly monitored by ultrasound and a gynecologist.