Corpus Luteum Cysts: Impact on Fertility and Menstrual Cycle

Luteal cyst

On May 2nd, I had a follicle scan at the obstetrics and gynecology department.
The doctor mentioned that the left follicle was too small, about 1 cm, while the right side had some follicles that might indicate polycystic ovaries (however, during my scan in April, there was one normal-sized follicle on the right side, and no signs of polycystic ovaries were observed).
The doctor said that the chances of conception this time are low and advised me to consider skipping next month.

On May 3rd, I took an ovulation test and saw a test line, but it was weaker than the control line.
I had intercourse on May 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th.
On May 7th, the test line completely disappeared.
On May 12th, I took a pregnancy test in the morning around 6 AM, which was negative.
That afternoon, I felt slight pain in my lower abdomen.
On May 14th, I experienced more noticeable lower abdominal pain and consulted a gynecologist.
A transvaginal ultrasound revealed a corpus luteum cyst on the left side, measuring over 4 cm.
The doctor suggested that I could try to conceive and also had intercourse.
My question is: Am I pregnant? When will I know if I am pregnant? My expected menstrual period is around May 19th.
Will the presence of the corpus luteum cyst affect this cycle?

Xiao Yue Er, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/14

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On May 2nd, I went to the obstetrics and gynecology department for a follicle check.
The doctor said the left follicle was too small, about 1 cm, and there were some follicles on the right that might indicate polycystic ovaries (however, in April, I had a follicle check and there was one normal-sized follicle on the right, with no signs of polycystic ovaries).
The doctor mentioned that the chances of conception this time were low and advised me to consider skipping the next month.

On May 3rd, I took an ovulation test and saw a test line, but it was weaker than the control line.
I had intercourse on May 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th.
On May 7th, the test line completely disappeared.
On May 12th, I took a pregnancy test in the morning around 6 AM, which was negative.
That afternoon, I felt slight pain in my lower abdomen.
On May 14th, I also experienced lower abdominal pain, so I consulted a gynecologist.
A transvaginal ultrasound revealed a corpus luteum cyst on the left side, measuring about 4 cm.
The doctor suggested that I could try to conceive and I had intercourse again.

Am I pregnant? Answer: It's uncertain when I will know if I'm pregnant.
Answer: On May 19th, I had a normal cycle without conception.
My period is expected around May 19th.
Will the corpus luteum cyst affect this cycle? Answer: Not necessarily.

Reply Date: 2019/05/14

More Info

Understanding corpus luteum cysts and their impact on fertility and the menstrual cycle is essential for women who are trying to conceive. A corpus luteum cyst forms after an egg is released from the ovary during ovulation. The follicle that housed the egg transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces hormones, primarily progesterone, to support a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and menstruation begins.

In your case, the presence of a corpus luteum cyst (or yellow body cyst) can have both positive and negative implications for your menstrual cycle and fertility. The cyst itself is typically benign and can indicate that ovulation has occurred. The fact that your doctor observed a corpus luteum cyst measuring about 4 cm suggests that ovulation did take place, which is a positive sign for fertility. However, the size of the cyst and its persistence can sometimes lead to concerns about hormonal balance and menstrual regularity.

Regarding your specific situation, the negative pregnancy test on May 12, combined with the timing of your menstrual cycle, suggests that you may not be pregnant. The typical window for detecting pregnancy through a home pregnancy test is about one week after a missed period. Since your expected period is around May 19, it is advisable to wait until after that date to retest, as hormone levels may not have been high enough to detect pregnancy earlier.

As for the impact of the corpus luteum cyst on your menstrual cycle, it can sometimes cause slight delays or irregularities, but it generally does not prevent menstruation from occurring. If the cyst is functioning properly, it should produce enough progesterone to maintain the uterine lining, which is crucial for early pregnancy. However, if the cyst does not function as expected, it could lead to a shorter luteal phase, which may affect your ability to conceive.

If you continue to experience pain or discomfort, or if your menstrual cycle does not resume as expected, it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend monitoring the cyst through ultrasound to ensure it resolves on its own, which is common, or they may discuss other options if it persists or causes significant symptoms.

In summary, while a corpus luteum cyst can indicate that ovulation has occurred, its presence does not guarantee pregnancy. The best course of action is to monitor your cycle and retest for pregnancy after your expected period. If you have ongoing concerns about your fertility or menstrual cycle, consulting with a fertility specialist may provide additional insights and options tailored to your specific situation.

Similar Q&A

Does Ovarian Cyst Affect Fertility? Understanding Your Concerns

Hello Dr. Mao, In November of 2003, I visited a gynecologist due to irregular menstruation. After about six months of treatment, my menstrual cycle has returned to normal. However, six months later, I discovered that I had a cyst on my ovary. The doctor mentioned that it is comm...

Dr. Mao Yikun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
When discovering a cyst, the most important thing is to distinguish whether it is a malignant cyst. If the chance of malignancy is low, outpatient follow-up is sufficient. In pregnant women, the most common type of ovarian cyst found is a functional cyst, which occurs during the ...

Understanding Corpus Luteum Cysts: Impact on Fertility and Treatment Options

Last month, I experienced severe abdominal pain outside of my menstrual period. I went to the hospital for an ultrasound, and the doctor diagnosed me with a corpus luteum cyst. This month, during a follow-up examination, there was no improvement, and the doctor suggested surgery ...

Dr. Xu Junzheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
A corpus luteum cyst is formed in the ovary after ovulation when the corpus luteum becomes enlarged. Generally, corpus luteum cysts do not require immediate surgical intervention; in fact, most will resolve on their own within three months and do not affect fertility. However, it...

Understanding the Corpus Luteum: Impact on Ovulation and Sexual Activity

Hello Doctor: What is the corpus luteum? Does an enlarged corpus luteum affect ovulation? Can sexual intercourse continue when the corpus luteum is enlarged? Does it lead to corpus luteum rupture? Thank you.

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: After ovulation, the follicles in the ovaries form a corpus luteum. If the corpus luteum becomes enlarged, it is referred to as a corpus luteum cyst. Excessive vigorous sexual activity can potentially cause it to rupture, leading to internal bleeding that may require emerg...

Understanding Ovulation Bleeding and Corpus Luteum Cysts: What to Know

Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my situation. My last menstrual period ended on February 2nd, with a cycle length of 28 days. After my period ended, I experienced light spotting. I had sexual intercourse on February 11th, and subsequently, on February 12th, I visited...

Dr. Cai Yonglong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It is recommended to first seek treatment at an obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic.