Luteal cysts- does anyone know anything about them?

[engelbart]

I had an ultrasound today and the sonographer picked up on a luteal cyst on my right ovary. She didn't say what it was or whether it would need any treatment, but gave me a letter to give to my gp. I'm reluctant to do a google search (don't wnat to scare myself to death...) but wondered if anyone has any experience of this....

[saralou]

when you ovulate the egg leaves behind a corpus luteum on your ovary... if the egg isn't fertilised the corpus luteum should disapear... but sometimes it doesn't and a luteal cyst is left behind

hth

what was your scan for???

[acebaby]

I am not medically qualified at all, and hopefully a proper expert will come along soon.

My understanding (from obsessively reading "taking charge of your fertility" when I was ttc) is that a corpus luteum cyst forms on the ovaries after ovulation. When your next period is due, the hormones cause the corpus luteum cyst to degrade and disappear, and then your period starts. If you are pregnant, the corpus luteum cyst persists, and prevents your period from starting.

Sometimes the luteal cyst persists when you aren't pregnant because of a hormone blip. This can cause a late period or an extension of your normal luteal phase.

I think I am probably a bit muddled, but I know how anxious these things can make people, so I didn't want your post to go unanswered. I think you are safe to google 'luteal cyst'!

[engelbart]

Thanks acebaby, have googled and don't feel too petrified! I was worried it would stop me getting pregnant, but from what I've read they're pretty harmless.

Saralou- sadly I had a miscarriage last week and the scan was to check there wasn't any retained tissue, which there wasn't.

[saralou]

i'm so sorry to hear that engelbart, the cyst is related to the pregnancy and will go as the hormones go.

[engelbart]

Thanks Saralou, you sound like you know what you're talking about. How long do you think until the cyst goes? My miscarriage was on Tuesday.

[saralou]

it's a how long is a piece of string question, will also depend on how far along you were as to how long the hormones leave your system.. but that usually happens quite quickly within a couple of weeks. these type of cysts generally resolve by themselves
and thats why they didn't say anything to you about it probably xx

[acebaby]

so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. Look after yourself

[engelbart]

Thanks acebaby and saralou. Feel more reassured about the cyst now anyway.