Hemorrhagic corpus luteal

A corpus luteum is formed when a follicle ruptures and an egg is released into the ovary. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum disappears spontaneously after about ten days. 

If a blood vessel in the ovary ruptures during egg release, or if the corpus luteum does not heal properly, blood can accumulate inside the corpus luteum, forming a hemorrhagic cyst. 

It usually manifests itself with intense, very sharp pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. In some cases, it may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, tachycardia, and hypotension. There may also be genital bleeding, although this does not always occur. In extreme cases, it can lead to hemorrhagic shock. 

The diagnosis is made by transvaginal ultrasound, which may confirm the presence of a hemorrhagic corpus luteum, to study its size and location, as well as the presence of blood in the abdominal cavity. It will be necessary to request a blood test to know the level of hemoglobin, the coagulation status and to rule out pregnancy. 

In most cases, the corpus luteum disappears 10-12 days after ovulation and its hemorrhagic contents are absorbed spontaneously. If the bleeding is heavy with a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels, or if the abdominal pain is severe, surgery may be necessary to control the bleeding and aspirate the blood accumulated in the abdominal cavity. Surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, if the patient's condition permits.