Haemorrhagic corpus luteum

The corpus luteum is formed when a follicle breaks and an ovum is freed in the ovary. If it doesn't produce a pregnancy, the corpus luteum immediately dissapears after approximately 10 days.

If, during the ova liberation period a blood vessel from the ovary breaks or, if the corpus luteum doesn't correctly suture, a blood clot can be formed and produce a cyst of haemhorragic content.

Generally, it manifests like a very intense and acute pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. In some cases, it can be accompanied by nausea, vomits, tachycardia and hypotension. Moreover, a genital bleeding can appear, although it is not always the case. In extreme cases, a haemorrhagic shock can be produced.

The diagnosis is done with a transvaginal ultrasound, that enables the confirmation of the haemorrhagic corpus luteum, a study of its size and location, as well as the presence of blood in the abdominal cavity. A blood test would be necessary in order to know the hemoglobin levels, the clotting state and rule out a pregnancy.

In the vast majority of cases, the corpus luteum dissapears around 10-12 days after the ovulation period and its haemorrhagic content is absorbed spontaneously. When there is an important bleeding with a significant loss in hemoglobin levels or if the abdominal pain is very intense, a surgical intervention might be needed to control the bleeding and vacuuming the accumulated blood in the abdominal cavity. The intervention is normally carried out through lapariscopic surgery if the patient's conditions enable it.