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What does the presence of a corpus luteum indicate on ultrasound after ovulation? Why does the corpus luteum form in the female ovary: its function, size, pathology? Does the corpus luteum grow after ovulation?

Not every woman can explain how the corpus luteum is formed after ovulation and what purpose it serves in the body. Some are horrified by the diagnosis, which indicates this formation, and the doctor is not always able to devote enough time to detailed explanation. But general information should be accessible to everyone, therefore this article clearly highlights the relationship between the processes occurring during the period of ovulation and the successful maintenance and development of pregnancy.

Number of glands producing hormonal substances, increases when, after ovulation, it forms, which becomes a temporary formation that significantly affects the woman’s reproductive system. The “colored” name comes from lutein, a substance yellow color, filling this temporary gland. Its main purpose is to produce the required amount of progesterone, which affects conception and successful pregnancy.

The formation, growth, normal functioning and regression of this gland depend on other endocrine centers - the ovaries and pituitary gland, as well as on the activity of the immune system. In addition to progesterone, the corpus luteum produces androgenic hormone and estradiol.

Formation process

During the secretory phase of the monthly cycle, that is, in its second half, the formation of this yellow formation begins. The process begins with the maturation phase of the follicle ending with its rupture, after which the mature egg begins to move along fallopian tube. When interacting with a sperm, fertilization occurs and then the cell searches for a suitable place for implantation.

After the follicle bursts and releases the egg, the formation of a new element begins in the place where it was before. reproductive system.

In this case, two options are possible further development. One of them is associated with the onset of pregnancy, and the second develops if conception does not occur. The positive thing is that if there is a corpus luteum, it means there was ovulation, so the body functions normally. In the absence of fertilization, a gradual regression of the yellow formation, or its reverse development, begins. At this time, the endometrial layer, which has formed for implantation of the embryo, begins to be rejected. In the previous place of the yellow luteal formation, a whitish body appears in the form of a scar area, which also gradually degenerates and disappears.

If successful conception occurs, the duration of how long the corpus luteum lives after ovulation increases. Its functioning is extended up to three months, until the developed layer of the placenta begins to produce progesterone, which is necessary to support the fetus. When pregnancy occurs, it is especially important how long after ovulation the corpus luteum appears and when it begins to produce hormones important for the safety of the fetus.

The development of the temporary endocrine gland consists of several periods. The first stage begins at the moment of rupture of the follicle, after which its active growth immediately occurs inner cells. The second stage is known in medicine as the vascularization period, during which a dense network of blood capillaries begins to grow through the new growing tissues in the burst follicle. In some cases, ingrown vessels cause the development of ovarian apoplexy, which causes serious bleeding. Thanks to a good blood supply, progesterone is actively produced in the new formation.

The most active phase is the third, when there is a surge in the functional activity of the gland. It lasts about 10 days until the body understands that there is no pregnancy, at which time the new formation reaches 20 mm. The lutein contained within controls hormonal levels, switching from estrogen to progesterone production. In the absence of pregnancy, reverse development occurs, which ends with menstruation. In newly formed cells, the processes of their reduction and overgrowth begin connective tissue. In place of the yellow formation, white appears.

Some pathological manifestations

Despite its temporary existence, the gland formed in the ovary can undergo some pathological processes. The most common cyst is one that arises at the site of the luteal formation. Usually it does not manifest itself with visible symptoms and is a benign element. This can last for several months, and in some cases leads to disruption of the monthly cycle.

In addition, pathology can develop due to impaired blood circulation, which prevents the remnants of the gland from completely dissolving. Fluid accumulates and the size of the formation can exceed 70 mm. If this is discovered during pregnancy, the luteal cyst does not need to be removed, since such deformation does not prevent it from functioning as a progesterone-producing gland. If the corpus luteum hurts, appropriate diagnostics are carried out and the main cause of the pathology is identified.

The presence of a cyst-like formation in the ovarian area is not critically dangerous for a pregnant woman and the developing fetus. The only case when serious harm to health can occur is when the shell ruptures. To avoid this phenomenon, you should beware of bruises, sudden movements and injuries, especially in the areas where the active ovary is located. Happens often spontaneous resorption cysts, during the second half of pregnancy or even after childbirth.

Such interconnected processes in a woman’s body, in which the temporary gland is involved, show her important role For:

  • successful conception;
  • implantation of a fertilized egg;
  • normal course of pregnancy;
  • preventing miscarriage;
  • providing the body with enough hormones.

What is the corpus luteum in gynecology and why is it necessary? What does the corpus luteum mean in the ovary?

Cyclic operation female body determines the possibility of functioning of the reproductive system. During the period from one menstruation to another, changes occur in the gonads. The ovary forms a dominant follicle, from which it subsequently emerges. At the site of the ruptured follicle, a corpus luteum is formed - this is a temporary gland designed to support the cycle until the next menstruation or pregnancy if it occurs.

  • Corpus luteum in the ovary - what does this mean in gynecology
  • When does the corpus luteum form after ovulation?
  • Phases of the corpus luteum
  • VT sizes by cycle days
  • Formation of the luteal body after ovulation
  • What is gravidar corpus luteum?
  • What does VT look like on ultrasound?
  • Severity of blood flow of the corpus luteum

What is the corpus luteum in gynecology

The corpus luteum is a temporary structure in the ovary, which consists of reddish-orange parenchyma and is formed after the release of the egg at the site of the dominant follicle. Thanks to the yellow pigment, the temporary gland got its name.

Normally, the formation of glandular formation begins immediately. The main function of education is the production of progesterone and the production of a small amount of estrogen. A corpus luteum appears in the ovary where the egg was released. If the ovulation process is started in both sex glands, then the corpus luteum appears on both sides at once.

The yellow body will appear exactly at . As soon as the follicle opens under the influence of hormonal levels and releases the egg, at that moment a temporary secretion gland begins to form. The lifespan of the luteal region is variable and depends on conception.

After fertilization, the temporary gland remains in the ovary for several months. On early stages it keeps the uterus in a favorable condition for conception. As soon as the placenta is formed, the corpus luteum will begin to dissolve. Its cells degenerate and connective tissue grows in this area, like a scar. In the absence of an embryo in the uterine cavity, the glandular formation remains until the onset of menstruation.

If a luteal cyst (large corpus luteum with hemorrhage) has formed, then a slight delay in MC may be observed, and cystic formation goes away within a few cycles.

Ovulation cannot occur without the formation of the corpus luteum. In this case, a temporary gland sometimes forms without rupture of the dominant follicle.

Phases of the corpus luteum

The corpus luteum gradually changes over the two weeks after ovulation. Postovulatory transformation includes several phases:

  • proliferation - after the follicle ruptures, its walls gather into folds, where an active increase in granulosa cells occurs;
  • vascularization - the formation of blood flow with the growth of blood vessels into the thickness of the temporary gland;
  • heyday - accompanied by maximum hormonal activity and characterized by pronounced blood flow and proliferation of lymphatic vessels;
  • regression - if there is no fertilized egg in the uterus, the temporary gland shrinks, and a small scar forms in its place.

Size of the corpus luteum after ovulation by day of the cycle: table

A temporary gland is formed at the site where the follicle ruptured. This can be either the right ovary or the left ovary.

From the first hours after the release of the female gamete, the luteal body grows, reaching its maximum, and then, in the absence of pregnancy, undergoes a reverse change. Its exact size is shown by a pelvic ultrasound. Comparison with the norm from the table provides the basis for assessing the functioning of hormonal levels.

Table 1. Size of the corpus luteum by day

Due to the fact that the length of the cycle in women is variable and depends on the duration of the first phase, it is customary to correlate the size of the corpus luteum not with the days of the cycle, but with the days after ovulation.

What happens to the corpus luteum after ovulation?

After ovulation, the endometrium undergoes final preparation for embryo implantation. The corpus luteum is responsible for this process, which begins to grow after the release of the female gamete. The further fate of the temporary secretion gland is determined within one week after ovulation.

  1. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum continues to function. The gravid corpus luteum maintains the uterus in a relaxed state and does not allow the myometrium to activate contractile function. Thanks to progesterone, the embryo attaches and develops further. After 12-16 weeks, the placenta will take over its function.
  2. If, then the gland works for 10-14 days. Gradually, it undergoes a reverse transformation and disappears before menstruation. In the next cycle the process is repeated.
  3. After a miscarriage, the iron also undergoes regression. Often due to insufficiency of the luteal phase, when the corpus luteum is small and cannot perform its assigned functions to maintain pregnancy. If the reasons for the miscarriage are different, then the corpus luteum lives in the ovary for 2-8 weeks and after a while disappears on its own.

Gravidar corpus luteum

By maintaining proper, the luteal gland creates favorable conditions for the progression of pregnancy. It may happen that the size of the corpus luteum turns out to be insufficient. If such a situation is detected in a timely manner, medications are prescribed. hormonal drugs(progesterone) to support the luteal phase. With progesterone deficiency, a woman may experience abdominal pain and bloody issues, similar to the beginning of menstruation. If such signs are detected, you should urgently contact a gynecologist.

Corpus luteum in the ovary on ultrasound

It is not possible to assess the state of the luteal body before ovulation using an ultrasound - it does not exist yet. The gland can be observed during ultrasound examination immediately after the release of the egg from the ovary. In the first few hours, the body is just beginning to form, so it is not always possible to determine it. It is better to do an ultrasound 3-4 days after ovulation.

On ultrasound, the corpus luteum looks like an anechoic formation. The lack of echogenicity is due to its contents. Inside there is liquid, framed by an even contour without additional chambers. The corpus luteum is located on the surface of the ovary, where the dominant follicle was previously located. An additional indicator of the function of the corpus luteum is the thickness of the endometrium.

Peripheral blood flow

Practice shows that the better the blood flow in the cavity of the corpus luteum, the greater the amount of supporting hormone it can synthesize. An ultrasound with examination of blood vessels can establish that the strength of blood circulation in the luteal formation is maximum in comparison with other organs in the female body. The vessels saturate each gland cell with the necessary fats and acids. Vascularization works not only for delivery useful substances to the corpus luteum, but also for the removal of synthesized hormones.

The main organ of the female reproductive system is the ovaries. Their complex structure and complex mechanism functioning create the conditions for conception. Follicle development and ovulation occur monthly in the ovaries. To preserve the possibility of conception, an auxiliary gland, the corpus luteum, independently arises and develops in the ovary. By using ultrasound examination you can monitor its changes and, therefore, adjust the reproductive function.

What is the corpus luteum?

The corpus luteum is a gland that forms at the site of a ruptured follicle immediately after ovulation of the egg, performs an endocrine function and has a temporary existence. This process helps prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg. The tissues of this unique endocrine gland contain a yellow pigment - lutein, which explains its name.

The structure of the ovary and the presence of the corpus luteum in it

This gland mainly synthesizes the female hormone progesterone and, in small parts, produces the hormones estrogen, androgens, relaxin, inhibin, and oxytocin. By its nature, this small organ is exceptional, different from all endocrine glands, it is born during ovulation and is independently eliminated with the onset of menstruation. If fertilization of the egg has occurred, the corpus luteum continues to exist until the fully formed placenta begins to produce the hormone progesterone, necessary for the full development of the fetus.

The size of the corpus luteum usually ranges from 12 to 26 mm, these numbers change during the phase menstrual cycle. If the size of the corpus luteum does not correspond to the specified indicators, this indicates a pathological process, the possible development of a cyst.

Mechanism of origin and development of the corpus luteum

The mechanism of development of the temporary gland and the functions it performs are controlled by the ovaries, pituitary gland and immune system. It can be divided into four stages:

  1. Proliferation. When the egg is in the uterus, the content of lutein in the blood increases significantly. At this moment, the corpus luteum begins to form. The edges of the ruptured follicle form folds, the cavity fills with blood, and the process of active division of the cells lining the cavity begins.
  2. Vascularization. At this stage, blood vessels grow into multiplying cells. This ensures sufficient blood supply and full functioning of the gland.
  3. Flourishing. This stage is characterized by highest degree active work of the gland. It rises slightly on the surface of the ovary and becomes purple in color. If pregnancy does not occur, its active work lasts about 10 days and gradually declines.
  4. Regression (extinction). If conception does not occur in any of these 10 days, the gland cells undergo dystrophic changes. The corpus luteum looks like a scar, which then resolves on its own. During this period, the level of sex hormones sharply decreases, the endometrium separates, and the first day of menstruation begins. Simultaneously with the beginning of the decline of gland functions in the ovaries, the next follicular maturation begins.

Ultrasound of the corpus luteum as a diagnostic technique

An ultrasound scan of the ovaries allows you to study all the parameters of this gland. On ultrasound, the corpus luteum looks like a round, heterogeneous sac. WITH special attention refer to it in the following physiological conditions of the female body:

  • when planning pregnancy;
  • at the beginning of pregnancy;
  • for infertility;
  • if a cyst is suspected.


Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries when planning pregnancy allows you to track the exact time of ovulation

The most successful period for performing an ultrasound of the female reproductive organs is considered to be 7-10 days after the start of menstruation. Ovarian function, follicular development and the condition of the corpus luteum are examined 2–3 times during one cycle. In this case, an ultrasound is recommended to be done after completion menstrual bleeding, then on days 15–16, i.e. after ovulation, and on days 22–23 of the cycle.


There are two methods for conducting ultrasound examination of the female genital organs, including the structure of the ovaries and the condition of the corpus luteum: transabdominal and transvaginal.

  • Transabdominal examination. Carried out through skin covering lower abdomen and pubic area. To obtain more reliable information, you need a full bladder.
  • Transvaginal examination. To obtain more informative results, it is recommended to do the procedure on days 14–15 of the cycle. This is done using a special sensor. First, a condom is put on the vaginal sensor and inserted into the vagina. Typically, the examination procedure does not cause any pain.

What result can an ultrasound of the corpus luteum have? Failure to detect the corpus luteum when the onset of menstruation is delayed indicates the presence of diseases endocrine system or pathological processes in the reproductive organs. If a fetus is noticed on an ultrasound and pregnancy is confirmed, but the corpus luteum is not detected, then the likelihood of a miscarriage is high.



The issue of the absence or presence of the corpus luteum should be discussed with a gynecologist.

Is the presence of a corpus luteum a sign of pregnancy?

It is a mistaken belief that the corpus luteum in the ovary is an indicator of pregnancy. This endocrine gland appears only after a mature egg leaves the follicle. Its presence in the ovary only indicates the possibility of conception.

The absence of the corpus luteum indicates that there was no ovulation in this cycle, and conception is impossible. If you do an ultrasound on the last day of the cycle, before the expected start of menstruation, and according to its indications, regression of the gland is not noticed, then this may indicate pregnancy.

The constant existence of the corpus luteum is a symptom of a cyst

The frequency of appearance and self-destruction of the gland is provided by nature for the full functioning of the female body. However, there are cases when the body malfunctions - the corpus luteum continues to develop and produce progesterone constantly, regardless of the physiological state of the body. This phenomenon is considered an indicator of a cystic process. Wherein characteristic symptoms similar to signs of pregnancy: delayed menstruation, severe painful sensations in the lower abdomen. Typically, a corpus luteum cyst does not threaten a woman’s health, but requires constant attention from doctors; it is necessary to regularly do ultrasounds and take adequate treatment.

Once a month, at the site of the ruptured follicle, a temporarily functioning endocrine-active unit - Corpus Luteum - is formed. We will talk about what role this organ plays and what size the corpus luteum should normally be after ovulation on this page.

Ovulation and the corpus luteum are strongly interconnected, because without ovulation the formation of VT is impossible. Under the influence of hormones, the cavity remaining after the egg leaves the follicle is filled with cells that are yellow in color, which is why the name of this temporary gland appears. Developed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, it begins to synthesize progesterone, one of the main reproductive hormones.

Its functions include:

  • stimulation of endometrial growth;
  • relaxation of the uterine muscles - reduction of hypertonicity, which is the prevention of spontaneous abortion and premature birth;
  • has a beneficial effect on the walls of the uterine vessels, thereby increasing its resistance to stress;
  • participates in preparation mammary glands to lactation;
  • regulates the activity of the maternal immune system in relation to the fetus.

In addition, during the formation and functioning of the corpus luteum, the growth of other follicles stops.

Formation of Corpus Luteum

So, ovulation has taken place, the egg has left its bed and set off on a journey through the fallopian tube. What happens to the follicle that is freed from its burden? Prolactin and lutropin begin to influence it, as a result of which the formation of a temporary endocrine organ begins.

The process occurs in several stages:

  1. Vascularization and proliferation - the follicle bursts, and for some time the rupture site bleeds slightly until it forms blood clot– a blood clot that is quickly replaced by connective tissue. Follicular cells not replaced by the scar begin to divide - proliferation occurs, and small blood vessels appear between them - this is called vascularization.
  2. Glandular metamorphosis - under the influence of the same hormones, previously expanded cells turn into specific cells - luteocytes. They begin their activity and produce lutein, a characteristic yellow pigment.
  3. The flourishing of VT - the corpus luteum that appears after ovulation, having undergone the previous stages of its formation, begins to secrete progesterone, which is formed in luteocytes. At this stage, the size of the corpus luteum is approximately 1.5-2 cm.
  4. If fertilization does not occur and there is no pregnancy, the next stage begins - involution, i.e. reverse development. It is characterized by atrophy of luteocytes and in the place of the former follicle, and then the luteal body, a whitish body remains, which subsequently completely turns into a scar. Due to multiple scars, the ovary acquires a corresponding structure.

Since VT functions only in the second half of the monthly cycle, in the absence of pregnancy it lives from 12 to 14 days. Towards the end of its existence, the level of secreted progesterone decreases and the next menstruation occurs.

Conclusion

A woman’s body is so complex that only it is possible for the formation and functioning of temporary organs. The luteal body, although it lives on average 12 days, bears a great responsibility for maintaining a possible pregnancy.

An endocrine active gland is able to inform the doctor about “ interesting situation“his patients long before the appearance of the very first symptoms, and dynamic tracking of folliculogenesis and the formation of the luteal body helps to assess the state of the reproductive system of a woman who dreams of becoming a mother.

Every month after ovulation female ovary iron is formed, which is necessary for the full development of a possible pregnancy.

Why is there sometimes no corpus luteum on an ultrasound scan, even if the diagnosis shows pregnancy? Is this fact dangerous for the development of the fetus? You will find the answer to these and other questions that concern expectant mothers in our article.

Every monthly cycle Follicles mature in a woman’s ovaries, most of which die by the time of ovulation. One of them remains - the “strongest” one, which continues to develop, increasing in size. He is called . It is in it that the egg matures, which, after meeting the sperm, will be fertilized.

As soon as the dominant has reached the right size, it ruptures and the egg is released into the lumen of the fallopian tubes.

Blood begins to accumulate at the site of the former dominant follicle. Special cells resembling grains appear in it, which actively produce lutein. It is this temporary neoplasm that is called the corpus luteum, since it has a characteristic yellow color.

How long does VT live?

The lifespan of a temporary gland directly depends on whether fertilization has occurred.

will exist throughout the first trimester, actively producing progesterone. Thanks to this hormone, the uterus does not contract, and the fertilized egg can be safely and promptly fixed in its cavity. In this case, progesterone blocks subsequent ovulations and has a beneficial effect on the growth of the uterine endometrium.

With the onset of the second trimester, when the formed placenta takes on the “responsibilities” of the luteal body, the temporary gland ceases to exist. However, in some women, ultrasound recorded its existence right up to the very birth. This fact does not indicate any pathological abnormalities, since pregnancy in this case develops safely.

The temporary gland is usually located on one of the ovaries, although cases of its development on both organs have been recorded. In this case, there is a possibility of conceiving twins (but this is just a probability, you should not take this as a fait accompli).

The amount of progesterone that it can “supply” into the female body depends on the size of the corpus luteum. With its deficiency there is real threat termination of pregnancy or not proper development.

If the meeting of the sperm and the egg does not take place during the period of ovulation, the corpus luteum, having existed for up to two weeks, dies. With its death, the amount of progesterone produced by it decreases, the cycle ends and the next menstruation begins.

Corpus luteum and ovulation

I would like to note that the corpus luteum is necessary not only for the proper development of pregnancy, but also for its onset. That is, if the temporary gland is absent during the luteal phase, this indicates the absence of ovulation, and therefore the impossibility of pregnancy.

There is another reason why there is no corpus luteum after ovulation. She is connected with age characteristics women. Thus, in adolescents and women during menopause, the lifespan of the temporary gland is significantly lower than in women of reproductive age.

One to three cycles per year without ovulation and without VT is the absolute norm. But if this happens every month, you need to look for the cause and treat it. Most often, this pathology is associated with changes in hormonal levels. Contact an endocrinologist and gynecologist, they will prescribe an in-depth examination.

VT during pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy (12-13 weeks), women are recommended to undergo ultrasound diagnostics. In some cases (if the doctor suspects possible violations) are sent for an ultrasound even earlier. This test is painless and does not pose a threat to health. expectant mother and her unborn baby.

Ultrasound allows you to see at the earliest stages the correct development of the fertilized egg, the condition of the ovaries and the uterine cavity.

They are one of the main criteria for determining the correct development of pregnancy. We have already talked about what this little temporary iron plays main role in the production of progesterone, without which the natural development of the fetus is impossible.

The less iron, the less quantity it can produce the desired hormone. The less progesterone in a pregnant woman’s body, the less chance of maintaining the pregnancy.

If the diameter of the corpus luteum is less than 10 mm, then doctors diagnose its insufficiency. If it is excessively large (more than 30 mm), this is a signal of the presence of a cyst.

Both the first and second deviations from normal indicators undesirable during pregnancy. However, cystic changes, as a rule, do not threaten the development of the fetus. Indeed, in this case, the temporary gland produces the required amount of progesterone, therefore, the fetus can develop normally. And after a few months, the cyst resolves on its own, without any impact. medications. The only recommendation for such a diagnosis is regular monitoring by a gynecologist.

If the corpus luteum is not visualized or its size is too small, it is necessary to urgently begin drug therapy, since in this case there is a high probability of termination of pregnancy.

Pregnancy, but no corpus luteum?

Let's look at the main reasons why there is no corpus luteum during pregnancy.

Let us immediately make a reservation that such a formulation is not entirely correct. The fact is that conception is impossible in the absence of a temporary gland. And if the luteal body is not visible on ultrasound for several cycles in a row in a woman of reproductive age, we're talking about about the absence of ovulation. Therefore, pregnancy cannot occur in this case.

Therefore, if the test is positive, but there is no corpus luteum, this can be a serious signal about serious problems for fetal development.

What does it mean? How dangerous is such a deviation from the norm for the proper development of pregnancy?

If the doctor was unable to see the corpus luteum on an ultrasound, this may be due to several reasons:

  • The device on which the diagnostics were carried out is outdated;
  • The doctor “reviewed” the VT. Ultrasound diagnostics– a delicate process, on the verge of art. It happens that the doctor simply did not notice the existing gland.
  • Diagnosis was carried out after the placenta had formed and the temporary gland had stopped developing (after 13 weeks of pregnancy);
  • There is no pregnancy;
  • The size of the luteal body is so small that it cannot be visualized.

Serious therapy is needed only in the latter case, since such small sizes will not allow the hormone to produce the required amount of progesterone. And in its absence or deficiency, pregnancy will not be able to develop.

Hormonal support for progesterone deficiency

However, even if the corpus luteum is insufficient, women should not despair. Modern medicine offers wide range medications, containing all the necessary hormones that will help normalize hormonal background. First of all, we will talk about replenishing the insufficient amount of progesterone.

These medications artificially maintain the required amount of progesterone. They are taken until the placenta is formed.

The most popular drugs in this series are Duphaston and Utrozhestan. Although the effectiveness of these medicines It has long been proven that they should be used strictly on the recommendation and under the supervision of a gynecologist. This is due to two reasons.

Firstly, only a doctor, based on individual characteristics patients, can calculate the right dosage medicines.

Secondly, for greater effectiveness, the drug is taken only at a certain time.

In addition, the diagnosis of “progesterone deficiency” cannot be made only based on the results of ultrasound diagnostics. Considering that the reasons for deviations from normal indicators are not always associated with pathological processes, the doctor will prescribe additional laboratory research. After a blood test, which will show in detail clinical picture the amount of necessary hormones in a woman’s blood, conclusions will be drawn about the need for hormonal treatment.

If there is no corpus luteum, but there is a pregnancy, and its term exceeds 12 weeks, there is nothing to worry about. The temporary gland fulfilled its function, transferring its “powers” ​​to the formed placenta, and happily regressed. This diagnostic picture is considered natural, and there is no need to worry about the absence of the luteal body.

Correct monthly work of the small temporary gland guarantees the full development of the fetus. The corpus luteum is one of the important links in the chain reproductive organs female body. Therefore, it is important for women planning a pregnancy to know how its development occurs.

A early diagnosis Any deviations from the development of the luteal body will allow us to correct its work with the help of hormonal therapy.

Consultation with a gynecologist

Obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Artemyeva answers patients’ questions.

I’m already 19 days late, tests with two strips. Two weeks ago, at an ultrasound, I was told that there was no VT, most likely just hormonal disbalance. At that time, tests did not show pregnancy.

— No menstruation, high hCG, two-line tests, nausea. And do you still doubt? The VT could simply not be seen. Go to your gynecologist, you may need additional hormone tests. Already take your prenatal vitamins, at least folic acid.

— Ovulation was on May 12. May 29 - positive test for pregnancy. On June 3 I went for an ultrasound. A fertilized egg was found in the uterus (the term was set for 3 weeks), but the corpus luteum was not seen in the ovary. There are all signs of pregnancy. Why is there no VT?

— Ultrasound is a very subtle diagnostic method. If there is a pregnancy, then there is a corpus luteum, the doctor might simply not see it. Donate blood for b-hCG, and repeat the test two days later. If everything is in order, the result will double. You may need to take a progesterone test (see your doctor for a referral). The next ultrasound is at 12-13 weeks. At the same time, you will be prescribed a screening (special blood test) that will show whether the pregnancy is developing normally