An ovary with a corpus luteum has formed on the left: does this mean that conception has occurred? Types of corpus luteum in the ovary: what is it, what size does it have during ovulation and pregnancy, as determined by ultrasound

Conception and birth of a child is a complex and perfect mechanism consisting of many regulatory links. One of them is the corpus luteum of the ovary. This is a small endocrine gland that produces the pregnancy hormone progesterone. To better understand what the corpus luteum of the ovary is, you need to say a few words about the physiology of the process of conception and the initial stage of development of the embryo.

How is iron formed?

Ovulation is the process of the release of an egg from an ovarian follicle, after which it begins its movement through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. In place of the burst follicle, an endocrine organ is formed - the corpus luteum. This is a temporary gland that produces several hormones: progesterone, a small amount of estrogens, androgens, inhibins, relaxin, oxytocin. All of them, and above all progesterone, are necessary for the normal course of pregnancy.

Scheme of egg maturation, ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum

When an egg meets a sperm, conception occurs. The embryo begins its long “life” cycle. This process is regulated in the first trimester of pregnancy by the hormones of the corpus luteum. Its existence becomes “unnecessary” only after the placenta is fully formed. After 12-16 weeks of pregnancy it involutions.

If conception does not occur in this cycle, the gland also disappears. The inner layer of the uterus is shed, which is the beginning of menstrual bleeding.

Stages of organ formation:

• Proliferation is the initial stage. After ovulation, under the influence of luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland (LH), active division of ovarian cells occurs, which fill the cavity of the burst follicle.
• Vascularization. The development of capillaries and small blood vessels, without which the long-term existence of the organ is impossible.
• Bloom. The organ actively produces progesterone. It reaches its maximum size, which makes it possible to diagnose the corpus luteum on ultrasound.
• Fading. The gland ceases to exist and turns into a scar, which then completely resolves. Menstruation begins.

Each stage of development has its own “picture” during ultrasound examination, which makes it possible to diagnose various stages of the ovulatory cycle and suspect ovarian pathology or disorders leading to infertility.

Functions of the organ

What role does the corpus luteum play in the ovary for the normal course of pregnancy? Let's take a closer look at this process.

After ovulation, the body has approximately two weeks to prepare for the embryo to implant into the wall of the uterus. The leading role in this process is played by the corpus luteum, which is formed from steroidogenic ovarian tissue under the influence of luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland. Progesterone (steroid hormone of the corpus luteum) performs the following functions:

• stimulates thickening and “loosening” of the inner layer in the uterus, which facilitates implantation of the embryo (attaching it to the wall of the uterus);
• reduces contractile function of the uterus; regulates the increase in the size of the uterus; affects the glandular tissue of the mammary glands (preparation for lactation);
• inhibits the maturation of new follicles;
• strengthens the muscle ring of the cervix, which prevents premature birth.

If for some reason the corpus luteum does not develop or stops developing prematurely (before 8-9 weeks of pregnancy), the conditions for normal development of the embryo disappear and a miscarriage occurs.

Ultrasound diagnostics

The main instrumental method for studying processes occurring during pregnancy is sonography. It combines sufficient information content and safety for the fetus. But often the description of ultrasound results raises questions among pregnant women. What does the corpus luteum look like on an ultrasound?

Indications for ultrasound examination of the ovaries are:

• Pregnancy planning. Detection of the corpus luteum on an ultrasound means that ovulation has occurred and conception can be planned.
• Diagnosis of multiple pregnancy. The number of corpora lutea coincides with the number of follicles and accordingly shows how many fetuses there will be if fertilization is successful.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of infertility therapy (caused by hormonal disorders).
• Diagnosis of the cystic process in the ovaries. Often cysts form precisely at the site of the corpus luteum.

If these indications exist, they are not limited to a single ultrasound examination. During one cycle, sonography is performed 3-4 times. The most optimal timing is as follows: immediately after the end of menstruation, after expected ovulation (approximately on the 15-16th day of the cycle) and on the 22-23rd day of the menstrual cycle.

Research methodology

Ultrasound diagnostics of the corpus luteum is carried out in fundamentally different ways. Preparation for the procedure also depends on this.

1. Traditional transabdominal (through the anterior abdominal wall). In this case, the bladder should be as full as possible, which will improve the conductivity of ultrasonic waves. To do this, immediately before the study you need to drink at least 0.5 liters of liquid.
2. Transvaginal (through the vagina using a special ultrasound sensor). This method is more informative, since the corpus luteum is too small. The bladder, on the contrary, must be emptied.

It is important that the intestinal loops, swollen due to gas formation, do not block the passage of ultrasonic waves. Therefore, a day before the procedure, you must exclude all dairy products, baked goods, vegetables, and fruits.

Organ dimensions on ultrasound

The first indicator that is determined by ultrasound is the size. They depend on the stage of its development and functional activity. Let's look at what this means.

Folliculometry results

Depending on the timing of the ovarian ultrasound, you can see a different picture. For convenience, we provide another table. Folliculometry results

The question of what does the absence of the corpus luteum mean on ultrasound in the second part of the menstrual cycle interests many. Indeed, this is not the norm. This happens when menstruation is delayed, caused by both physiological reasons and pathology. In the most severe situations, disruption of the regulation of the ovulation process at the hormonal level is possible. In any case, such a picture requires additional examination by a gynecologist and endocrinologist.

CONCLUSION. Detection of the corpus luteum during sonography is a normal physiological process that confirms either the onset of ovulation or early pregnancy. In any case, it is better to seek the answer to the question of what the corpus luteum of the ovary means from a qualified gynecologist.

Pregnancy is a natural state of a woman, thanks to which a person continues his family line. For this event to occur, the body must provide the required amount of the hormone progesterone. It is responsible for fixing the fertilized egg on the wall of the uterus, as well as its further normal development. The hormone is produced by the corpus luteum in the right ovary (sometimes called the luteal ovary). But this education does not always work as expected.

It is important to understand why the luteal body is formed, what its functions are, and what will happen if its development stops. It should be noted that the reproductive function of a woman largely depends on it.

This is a temporary, periodically occurring endocrine gland, formed after the onset of ovulation. More often, only one corpus luteum is formed - in the right or left ovary. In rare cases, a woman experiences two such formations.

The corpus luteum of the right ovary is formed during the onset of ovulation, that is, every 21-35 days. A new gland appears every month, and along the way it goes through the following stages of development:

1. The first (proliferation). There is an increase in the hormone lutein, which promotes the release of the egg into the uterus. In this case, the cells of the follicle walls begin to actively reproduce. The duration of the stage is 3-4 days.
2. Second (vascularization). The formation of blood and lymphatic vessels that grow into cells. Thanks to this, the gland is able to function normally. Here the most intense blood flow is observed, which means good nutrition of the cells. The duration of this period is also 3-4 days.
3. Third (blooming). The cells intensively produce lutein, a yellowish substance that contains the hormone progesterone. At this stage, the gland exhibits maximum activity. It rises slightly above the surface of the ovary and acquires a bright color. If pregnancy does not occur, then this stage of development of the corpus luteum lasts 10-12 days. Next, there is a decrease in activity.
4. Fourth (fading). It becomes known whether pregnancy has occurred. If this does not happen, then the corpus luteum located in the ovary begins to gradually decrease in size and its functionality decreases. Over time, the gland turns into a white scar, which then disappears completely. The level of progesterone in a woman’s body decreases, the endometrium in the uterine cavity is rejected and menstruation begins.

If fertilization has occurred, the corpus luteum formed on the right continues to function until the 12th week of pregnancy, when the placenta begins to produce hormones. If, upon examination of a woman, it is discovered that this formation is not developing, this may indicate a lack of ovulation. In this case, the patient must find out the causes of the presented condition and begin to fight the pathology that deprives her of the opportunity to have children.

Size and function of the luteal gland

The formation of the corpus luteum in the right ovary is a prerequisite for pregnancy. The main function of this formation is the production of progesterone. It prepares the uterine mucosa for fixation of a fertilized egg.

A - corpus luteum in the right ovary

In addition to progesterone, the luteal body produces other hormones:

• estrogenic and androgenic type;
• relaxin;
• oxytocin;
• inhibins.

All these substances take part in the creation of new life and the normal functioning of the female body. Progesterone prepares the uterine endometrium to receive a fertilized egg, building up the optimal layer of the mucous membrane. This hormone prevents the onset of menstruation and the production of other eggs. The contractile function of the uterus is also suppressed. Otherwise, spontaneous abortion may occur. Progesterone subsequently promotes the production of breast milk. One of the main functions of the hormone can be considered to reduce the impact of a woman’s immunity, which regards a fertilized egg as a foreign object and tries to destroy it.

The standard dimensions of the corpus luteum are 10-29 mm. If these indicators are exceeded, an inflammatory process may develop in the body. The dimensions of the gland can be determined in the following table:

You should not think that the presence of a “yellow” gland in the ovary immediately indicates the onset of pregnancy. It only means that the egg has matured in the female body and is quite ready for fertilization. But if the luteal body does not appear, you need to consult a doctor. This situation often indicates that the egg is not mature, and pregnancy is physiologically impossible.

Possible pathologies of the corpus luteum of the right ovary

Gland formation does not always occur without problems. There are factors that can impair its functionality:

• strict diets;
• stress;
• smoking or alcohol abuse, as well as harmful working conditions for women;
• infectious pathologies of the genital organs;
• use of certain hormonal drugs;
• malnutrition of the ovaries due to poor functionality of the lymphatic and circulatory systems;
• recent abortion;
• excessive physical activity (work or sports training);
• hormonal disbalance.

The above factors can lead to the formation or cause failure of a temporary gland. Let's take a closer look at each pathology.

Cyst

If the temporary gland arose in the right ovary, then, accordingly, . The corpus luteum does not become a malignant formation and does not require special treatment.

Click to enlarge

1. A woman experiences aching or dull pain in the abdomen (especially the lower right part).
2. The patient suffers from frequent constipation or diarrhea.
3. The menstrual cycle is disrupted.

If the cyst grows further, the nature of the symptoms changes. The pain becomes sharp and piercing, bleeding appears that is difficult to stop, and the body becomes intoxicated. The woman often loses consciousness, feels dizzy, has nausea and vomiting. The condition must not be allowed to progress, as it becomes dangerous not only for health, but also for life.

If this happens, the woman needs emergency surgical intervention. The presented pathological condition is accompanied by bleeding and acute pain. If doctors do not act in a timely manner, the abdominal organs become infected.

Failure

Insufficiency of the corpus luteum is another serious pathology that disrupts the natural process of pregnancy. In addition, it causes miscarriage in pregnant women. So the gland is not able to produce enough progesterone to preserve a fertilized egg.

The presented pathology can cause placental insufficiency. But with timely consultation with a doctor, this problem can be quickly eliminated. It is only necessary to compensate for the lack of progesterone artificially - with medications.

Remember! Only a qualified specialist can tell all the features of its formation and explain in detail what the corpus luteum is in the right ovary, and whether its location affects the sex of the child.

Probable conception is subject to a complex cyclical process. The female body experiences its influence throughout the entire reproductive age. You can judge how effectively the system on which the joy of motherhood depends works by the functioning of the ovaries, the maturation of the egg and the size of the corpus luteum.

What is the corpus luteum

The functional process of each internal organ is different, but together they form a complex relationship so that a woman can conceive a child. If fertilization does not occur, then the body must prepare for the next period of ovulation. In this process, a significant role is played by the luteal gland, which, due to its color, is called the “corpus luteum.” The temporary endocrine organ synthesizes progesterone, which helps the fertilized egg to implant and promotes its further development until the placenta is formed.

Stages of development

The process of formation of the corpus luteum in the ovary (right or left) is under the control of both the organ itself and the pituitary gland with the immune system. A transient structure, which is capable of periodically forming, functioning and undergoing regression, is subject to a certain cycle. As a gland that is involved in the secretion of peptides and steroids, the corpus luteum in the ovary undergoes the following stages of development during normal functioning of the reproductive system:

• Proliferation. At the site of the burst follicle, a blood clot forms from its vessels. Next, the connective tissue is rapidly replaced, and the cells of the granular layer of the original follicle begin to divide.
• Vascularization. When the corpus luteum is formed, blood vessels appear and the phase of glandular metamorphosis begins. Growing and increasing in size, follicular cells turn into luteocytes, the latter producing yellow pigment. For the gland to function properly, so as not to cause developmental delays, at this stage it is important to provide the female body with iron. Experts in the field of gynecology say that the corpus luteum in the ovary temporarily becomes the most intense organ in terms of blood flow in the entire body of a woman, and therefore needs increased care.
• Bloom. The stage of maximum hormonal activity of the corpus luteum, when it rises slightly above the ovary and acquires a purple hue. The duration of the gland's bloom does not exceed 12 days; if fertilization has not occurred during this time, then the activity of the small endocrine organ begins to decline.
• Regression (extinction). Lack of pregnancy starts the process of changing cells, which begin to shrink, a scar area appears, and a white body is formed. The concentration of sex hormones decreases, the corpus luteum begins to disappear, and at the same time a new cycle of follicle maturation begins in the ovaries.

How is an ultrasound examination performed?

If a corpus luteum is detected in the ovary during an ultrasound examination, the doctor can determine either early pregnancy or the end of the menstrual cycle. While the temporary gland produces progesterone, the woman’s reproductive system will stop the development of the next follicle. If fertilization of the egg occurs, the hormone activates the development of the uterine mucosa and reduces the influence of the female body’s immune system, giving the fetus a chance to develop.

When examining female organs, two methods of performing ultrasound are practiced: transabdominal (along the surface of the abdomen) and transvaginal (through the vagina). In the first case, before the procedure you will have to drink a lot of liquid without gas to fill the bladder. For the second procedure, in order to see the corpus luteum on an ultrasound, you will have to empty the bladder and undress from the waist down. The doctor will then insert one thin vaginal probe, wrapped in a condom, without any pain.

What are the normal sizes of the luteal gland?

There is no single standard regarding the correct parameters of the corpus luteum. The concept of a norm is conditional, but the size of a transient structure helps to find out how efficiently and harmoniously the reproductive system works. Normal sizes vary within a conventional range; if the indicators do not go beyond the limits, then the specialist will diagnose the absence of pathology.

Sizes by day of the cycle

A transvaginal ultrasound sensor helps determine the parameters of a small gland with millimeter accuracy, and during a standard menstrual cycle they can be visualized on the screen or appear in a photo as the following sizes:

If after the 14th day of the monthly cycle, which marks the peak of ovulation, the corpus luteum continues to grow, reaching 30 mm, then this may indicate pregnancy or that a cyst has begun to form. If the diameter of the follicle decreases in the third week of the menstrual cycle, the luteal gland leaves, only to appear again after some time.

Why is a corpus luteum cyst dangerous during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes in the body, when an “interesting period” begins, can provoke the appearance of a benign formation. Cystic corpus luteum is not at all rare, but rather a common occurrence that does not cause serious complications and does not require treatment. In this way, the luteal gland makes itself felt by continuing to produce progesterone and maintain pregnancy. In non-pregnant women, the hyperaction of progesterone leads to persistence, and the corpus luteum, existing longer than expected, turns into a cyst.

Medical recommendations include limiting physical activity and maintaining normal bowel function. Urgent seeking medical help is necessary only in case of severe pain in the lower abdomen and a significant deterioration in health, which is not necessarily associated with a ruptured cyst. Severe symptoms may have other causes and indicate serious complications.

Video

Menstrual cycles occur regularly throughout several decades of a woman's fertile life. Each time the female body prepares for conception and, if the fusion of germ cells does not occur, it begins the process all over again. One of the most important structures, which is necessary not only for the fusion of gametes to take place, but also for the successful course of pregnancy, is the corpus luteum of the ovary.

The concept of the corpus luteum: what does it look like and what is it?

The corpus luteum (CL) is a temporary endocrine gland that is formed from an ovarian follicle after a certain period of time. During the menstrual cycle it is 2 weeks, and during the gestation period it is 10–12 weeks. Afterwards it degenerates into scar tissue. This area is called the white body, and over time it also disappears.

Why is VT called yellow? It got its name due to its appearance. This is a round formation of yellow ovarian follicle granulosa cells. In the left ovary it is smaller than in the right.

How can you tell if it is ripe?

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You can only find out that a corpus luteum has formed in the body with the help of special studies:

• Blood test for progesterone. The gland produces progesterone, its production decreases as the corpus luteum degenerates. Laboratory analysis allows you to determine the amount of the hormone in the body.
• Ultrasound of the ovary. The monitor will show a small heterogeneous formation on the ovary. It depends on where exactly the gland is located whether it will be visible or not.
• Folliculometry. The most accurate way to monitor the size of the corpus luteum after ovulation. Monitoring begins on the first day of the cycle and ultrasound is done every 1–2 days until the gland becomes visible.

Functions and types

There are two types of corpus luteum: sexual cycle VT and gravidar VT. Why is VT needed? The main task of the corpus luteum is the production of the hormone progesterone. If pregnancy does not occur, the need for progesterone and, as a result, the gland itself disappears. During gestation, education is necessary until the placenta can produce the hormone on its own.

Progesterone performs a number of functions:

• prepares the endometrium of the uterus for implantation;
• thickens cervical mucus;
• reduces immunity during pregnancy;
• reduces the tone of the uterus.

How is it formed and what is the growth rate by week?

The formation of the corpus luteum occurs in several stages. Stages overcome by the corpus luteum in the process of formation:

1. Proliferative phase of the corpus luteum. After the follicle bursts and the oocyte comes out, cell division begins. The outlines of the gland are formed - a heterogeneous glandular structure, uneven edges.
2. Vascularization phase. Occupies days 13–17 of the menstrual cycle. The body grows, it is entwined with blood vessels that are implanted into the epithelial layer.
3. The blossoming phase of the corpus luteum. Occurs on days 18–25 of the cycle. The VT reaches its maximum size. Depending on whether fertilization has occurred, this stage is followed by a regression phase or the body continues to function.

The table shows the size of VT by day and week after ovulation:

How long does it function?

How long does a VT live? The corpus luteum has a limited lifespan, but it is formed every month during the menstrual cycle. The functioning of the formation depends on whether the fusion of gametes has occurred or ovulation has been wasted and menstruation should begin.

If the fusion of gametes does not occur, the function of the corpus luteum gland begins to fade from the 12th day after ovulation. In a 28-day cycle, this is day 26. It dries out, gradually degenerating into scar tissue, producing less and less progesterone, which is why the endometrium of the uterus begins to shed. Menstruation, as a result of endometrial rejection, accompanied by bleeding, is a consequence of the extinction of VT function.

What happens to the corpus luteum during ovulation and pregnancy?

If fertilization occurs during ovulation, the corpus luteum retains its size and continues to produce progesterone. The hormone is needed so that the embryo is implanted into the loosened endometrium and is not rejected by the mother’s immune system, and then it reduces the tone of the uterus and prevents miscarriage.

During pregnancy, the corpus luteum is necessary only in the early stages. When the placenta takes over its functions, it begins to regress, as before menstruation in the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms of deficiency

Insufficiency of the corpus luteum - what does it mean? With hypofunction of the iron, it produces insufficient progesterone. Often, hypofunction is asymptomatic and appears at the moment when a woman is trying to get pregnant or is already pregnant.

Symptoms:

• delayed menstruation;
• inability to conceive;
• miscarriages - the fertilized egg cannot attach to the endometrium.

Hypofunction of VT is diagnosed by ultrasound. If there is insufficiency, the size of the corpus luteum is small - does not exceed 10 mm. The cause of deficiency may be genetic pathologies, abnormalities in the pituitary gland, or ovarian diseases.

Why isn't it visualized?

What to do when the corpus luteum is not visualized on ultrasound? It depends on whether the woman is currently pregnant or not. Every woman periodically experiences anovulatory cycles, during which ovulation does not occur. There is no need to worry about this if there are no more than 5 such cycles per year. If there is frequent absence of ovulation, hormonal correction is required to allow you to become pregnant.

If a woman is pregnant, the absence of visualization of VT in the first trimester indicates problems with gestation. The expectant mother needs urgent treatment that will increase the level of progesterone in the body. Sometimes the absence of VT means that the pregnancy is frozen. In the second and third trimesters, the corpus luteum disappears - this is a normal process, so there is no need to worry.

Is it possible to get pregnant with hypofunction?

The decline of the function of the corpus luteum often becomes the cause of infertility. Should a woman who has been given such a diagnosis despair? This cause can be treated.

Fertilization of an egg is possible without treatment, but do not stop monitoring with doctors. Now the expectant mother has other tasks - to protect the fetus from being rejected by the endometrium. Can pregnancy occur without the corpus luteum? Yes, in cases where its development is stimulated by hormones.

Ultrasound and other diagnostic measures

Ultrasound examination is one of the main diagnostic methods that allows you to determine whether everything is in order with pregnancy, identify the presence of the corpus luteum and determine its size, and find out whether there are pathologies of the gland. Ultrasound of the ovaries is done transabdominally - in this case, the sensor is moved along the woman’s abdomen and pubis, or intravaginally - the sensor with a condom on it is inserted into the vagina. In order for the doctor to view the test results on the monitor, the bladder must be full at the time of diagnosis. You can see what the image of the corpus luteum looks like on an ultrasound in the photo.

Ultrasound is necessary in the following cases:

• suspicion of hypofunction of the corpus luteum;
• VT cyst;
• multiple pregnancy - in this case there will be two or more glands.

In addition to ultrasound diagnostics, a blood test for progesterone is done during pregnancy.

Corpus luteum cyst

Normally, in the absence of gestation, on the 13th day after ovulation, the corpus luteum should enter a regression phase. However, this does not always happen, and the gland tissue continues to grow and hypertrophy. This is how a corpus luteum cyst appears, in which intracellular fluid accumulates.

Cyst symptoms:

• absence or delay of menstruation;
• weak aching pain in the lower abdomen;
• unpleasant, painful sensations during sexual intercourse.

As a rule, such cysts do not grow larger than 8 cm and do not require treatment. They resolve on their own after 2–3 months. Depending on the size of the tumor, the doctor selects therapy. If the tumor does not resolve, drug treatment or even surgical removal is required.

What to do if a cyst forms during pregnancy (more details in the article:

The corpus luteum in the right ovary more often turns into a cyst, because the right ovary is larger in size and has a more developed lymph flow system. The corpus luteum in the left ovary is less prone to the occurrence of pathologies.

Hormonal support

To treat insufficiency of the temporary gland, gynecology prescribes hormonal drugs that stimulate its functioning. They must be taken if a woman is having difficulty conceiving, before IVF, or if she has been diagnosed with insufficiency during gestation.

The table shows the characteristics of drugs:

The corpus luteum plays an important role in the reproductive function of the female body. It is thanks to him that it becomes possible to conceive and bear a child.

Every woman who monitors her health knows that complex cyclical processes occur in her body every month. Her condition depends on them, as well as the possibility of getting pregnant. Ultrasound examination allows you to track these processes, and in the doctor’s report you can often see a description of the “corpus luteum.” But not every patient knows what it is, a corpus luteum on the ovary in an ultrasound.

Causes and functions

Every month, ovulation occurs in the body of a woman of childbearing age - a mature egg leaves the follicle. If fertilization does not occur at this moment, it dies, and from the next cycle the process repeats. However, this is not the only indicator of a woman’s readiness to conceive - a body is formed from the follicle cells, which has a granular structure and a yellow color, manifested due to internal filling. This happens in all women, and the corpus luteum in the ovary is called a temporary gland and is attributed to the work of the body’s endocrine system.

The main functional task of this gland is to maintain the proper levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which are responsible for the safety and normal course of pregnancy. Hormones also prepare the mammary glands to produce milk in the future and have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

When research is necessary

During an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, doctors always evaluate the functioning of the ovaries, however, there are cases when consideration and assessment of the condition of the corpus luteum requires increased attention and control:

• suspicion of a corpus luteum cyst;
• monitoring an already diagnosed cyst;
• when planning pregnancy (the study is carried out on the 13-14th day of the menstrual cycle);
• during the period of infertility treatment;
• with an increased level of hCG in the blood in the absence of pregnancy;
• when monitoring pregnancy in the first trimester in cases of threat of termination;
• as part of the examination after removal of the cyst.

Acceptable sizes

There are norm limits that help you understand what the different sizes of the gland indicate:

• 18-22 millimeters are ideal indicators indicating the onset of ovulation and the woman’s readiness for fertilization;
• 21-30 millimeters - provided pregnancy has occurred, these indicators indicate that the process is proceeding normally, without deviations or pathologies. In the absence of pregnancy, doctors diagnose a follicular cyst;
• 40 millimeters or more - in this case, the woman is diagnosed with a cyst.

The fate of the yellow body

The further activity of the formed temporary gland depends on the situation. If conception does not occur, then after two weeks the corpus luteum stops functioning, having previously decreased in size. This is usually accompanied by the onset of the next menstruation.

In the case of pregnancy, the development and work of the gland continues until the placenta is completely formed (12-15 weeks), after which the production of hormones is transferred to it. And the corpus luteum gradually decreases, leaving in its place a small white scar.

Corpus luteum as a sign of pregnancy

When a woman sees in an ultrasound report the entry “a corpus luteum was found on the ovary,” she does not ask the doctor what it is, mistakenly believing that pregnancy has occurred. In fact, a sign of the appearance of this gland indicates the possibility of getting pregnant. That is, the woman is healthy, and her reproductive function is normal.

It is possible to talk about pregnancy if a corpus luteum is detected on an ultrasound scan only if the examination is carried out one or two days before the expected period, the gland is clearly visible, and its size is larger than normal. In this case, the hCG level corresponds to normal levels in the early stages of pregnancy, and the test strips give a weakly positive result.

Possible pathologies

What is a corpus luteum is now clear, however, what to do if on an ultrasound the patient hears a diagnosis of a corpus luteum cyst? Will you really have to forget about the possibility of becoming a mother forever? It’s not all bad - in most cases, the increased size of the gland does not interfere with conceiving and carrying a pregnancy, since even in an enlarged state it still continues to produce the necessary hormones.

The occurrence of a cyst is explained by a number of reasons, some of which a woman can cope with on her own:

• frequent stress, nervous breakdowns and depression;
• smoking and other bad habits;
• work in harsh conditions, for example, where toxic substances are present;
• strict diets, fasting;
• long-term use of hormonal drugs that prevent pregnancy;
• sexual infections;
• functional circulatory disorders in the ovaries.

The cyst does not require specific therapy; it is important to monitor its changes, and if pregnancy occurs, monitor your health and not expose yourself to stress. It is not recommended to lift weights; sometimes doctors insist on bed rest.

There is no need to worry about the degeneration of a corpus luteum cyst into a malignant tumor - such cases do not exist in medical practice. Many patients are not even aware of the increased size of the corpus luteum, since this phenomenon is asymptomatic.

Insufficient function of the corpus luteum can lead to spontaneous miscarriage. For this reason, women are recommended to either donate blood for hCG or come for an ultrasound. If a lack of hormone production is detected, the gynecologist should prescribe hormonal therapy. There are drugs containing synthetically produced hormones, which replace their deficiency in the body.

Place of origin

A doctor performing an ultrasound can diagnose the presence of a corpus luteum on both the right and left ovaries - it all depends on the female body. The formation of the gland usually occurs sequentially, now on one, then on the other. There is no fundamental difference for pregnancy - in both cases this only means the readiness of the egg to meet the sperm, which will lead to conception.

There is an opinion that the sex of the child depends on the place of formation of the corpus luteum - if it is on the right ovary, then there will be a girl, and on the left it will be a boy. There is no scientific basis for this method of determining the sex of the fetus, and any case confirming it is a coincidence.

When is the best time to do an ultrasound?

Regardless of the reasons, planning conception or monitoring pathologies of the corpus luteum, it is recommended to carry out monitoring on certain days:

• The first ultrasound should be performed on the 5th or 6th day of the cycle, when your period has just ended. During this period, mature follicles are clearly visible;
• the second study is prescribed on the 9th or 10th day, based on the results it will be clear which of the ovaries the corpus luteum is formed on;
• the following is carried out on the 13th or 14th day, confirming the onset of ovulation or its absence;
• on the 13-15th day you can view the corpus luteum and evaluate its size;
• from the 21st or 24th day it will be possible to understand whether pregnancy has occurred. This will be indicated by an increase in the size of the corpus luteum. Regression of the gland will confirm that ovulation has passed, but conception has not occurred. Also these days you can find out whether the patient has a corpus luteum cyst.

To summarize, we can say that the corpus luteum is an important indicator reflecting the functions of a woman’s reproductive system. You shouldn’t be afraid of its occurrence, but its size and condition can say a lot and help you get pregnant, or prevent unpleasant consequences.