Monday, March 16, 2009

Stupid Cyst

On Thursday, Tom and I went in for our cd2 Ultrasound. Unfortunately, I have a substantial cyst on my right ovary. So we will not be having fertility treatment this cycle. For those of you not familiar with corpus luteums cysts here is some information :



An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid within the ovary that is surrounded by a thin wall. Many types of ovarian cysts exist, and many do not exhibit any symptoms. Ovarian cysts can be small or large in size but usually range from pea-sized to grapefruit-sized.

Most ovarian cysts are harmless and benign. They can occur in women of any age but most often affect women who are in their childbearing years. Some ovarian cysts can rupture, bleed or cause pain and may need to be removed through surgery.

One type of ovarian cyst is the corpus luteum cyst. A corpus luteum cyst occurs when an egg is released from the follicle. Usually this type of ovarian cyst is found during a pregnancy ultrasound or during a routine pelvic exam.
Corpus Luteum Cyst in Pregnancy & Conception
Corpus luteum cysts form after an egg is released from the follicle, which then releases the hormones progesterone and estrogen that prepare the body for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum will most likely break down and disappear on its own.

Women who are on birth control pills usually do not form corpus luteum cysts, as birth control pills prevent ovulation.

If pregnancy does occur with a corpus luteum cyst in existence, the pregnancy will most likely not be prevented or impeded in any way. In fact, certain fertility drugs that induce ovulation actually increase the appearance of corpus luteum cysts.
Symptoms of Corpus Luteum Cysts
A corpus luteum cyst is typically round and fluid-filled, ranging in size from 2 centimeters to 6 centimeters or more in diameter.

Most often, corpus luteum cysts will not cause any symptoms. They will occur at the end of a women's menstrual cycle, last into the early stages of pregnancy and then slowly resolve themselves without complication or treatment by the time the second trimester arrives.

However, in some cases a corpus luteum cyst may expand by filling with blood or liquid and attach itself to the ovary. The corpus luteum cyst may still exhibit no symptoms, but in some cases may grow, bleed or twist the ovary. This may cause pain in the pelvis or the abdomen and may require surgery.

Corpus luteum cysts also have the potential to rupture, which would cause sudden and sharp pain and some internal bleeding.

Women with corpus luteum cysts should not be concerned unless extreme pain or bleeding occurs. Most symptoms are mild or non-existent. However, if you experience serious symptoms, seek emergency care.

In most cases of corpus luteum cysts, everyday activities can still be maintained and the woman's life will not be affected. Some medical professionals may recommend avoiding sex until the corpus luteum cyst has resolved itself, because sex may cause a corpus luteum cyst to rupture.

Discussing any questions or concerns with a medical professional is the best way to understand a corpus luteum cyst and to be aware of any activities that you should or should not be doing.


The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. ~ Moliere

3 comments:

stacey said...

Darn cysts. I'm sorry. I hate that for you:-(

Tabitha said...

*Sigh* I'm sorry hun. Hope this darn cyst goes away soon, and that you get that BFP even SOONER!! (((HUGS)))

Lisa said...

ugh, I hate cysts! Sorry you have to wait out a cycle : (