What are Corpus Luteum Cysts?
These are much less common than follicular cysts. Corpus luteum cysts develop after the ovary releases its egg and the formed follicular cyst changes into a small hormone producing “yellow body”, also known as the corpus luteum. If the yellow body reaches a size of greater than 3 centimeters, it is then referred to as a cyst. Rupture of these ovarian cysts occurs more often on the right side, during intercourse and during the later days of the menstrual cycle when the cysts are at their largest. If they grow too large, they may need to be surgically removed. Smokers have a two-fold increased risk of developing functional ovarian cysts. Oral contraceptive therapy has been known to markedly reduce the risk of the formation of the functional ovarian cysts.
