Abdominal pain, is it gastroenteritis again? Changsha Fourth Hospital reminds: Beware of corpus luteum rupture!

Xiao Luo (pseudonym) is a college student. Some time ago, she often had abdominal distension and pain. Because her stomach was not in good condition before, she instinctively thought it was gastroenteritis. In addition, the pain was slightly relieved every time she went to the toilet, so she didn't take it seriously.

However, this time, after she went to the toilet, her abdominal pain not only did not ease, but suddenly became very severe. After lying in bed for half an hour, the abdominal pain was not so severe, but she always felt like defecating, but she couldn't go to the toilet. During the morning class, she was not in good shape, her stomach was constantly uncomfortable, her head was dizzy, and she felt very uncomfortable.

Accompanied by her classmates, Xiao Luo came to the emergency department of Changsha Fourth Hospital . After the doctor patiently asked about her symptoms and completed relevant examinations, he considered that the corpus luteum had ruptured, and there was a large amount of fluid in the pelvic and abdominal cavities, and there was still active bleeding in the ovary. The results of the blood routine test showed that moderate anemia had occurred. The situation was critical and required immediate surgery.

The emergency department contacted a gynecologist to perform an emergency laparoscopic surgery on her. During the operation, it was found that the blood accumulation in the pelvic and abdominal cavity was close to 1000ml. Although the operation went smoothly, Xiao Luo took blood-replenishing medicine for a month after the operation because of severe anemia before her body returned to normal.

Abdominal pain is more than just gastrointestinal discomfort! Today, a gynecologist from Changsha Fourth Hospital will give you a deeper understanding of corpus luteum rupture.

1. What is the corpus luteum?

The corpus luteum is a normal physiological structure formed after ovulation, usually in young women of childbearing age. If the corpus luteum ruptures, it will cause intra-abdominal bleeding. The amount of bleeding after the rupture of the corpus luteum varies. If the bleeding is small, the rupture can close on its own; if the bleeding is large, it can cause syncope or even shock, which is life-threatening.

2. So what situations are likely to induce corpus luteum rupture?

Vigorous exercise: When running, jumping, doing aerobics and other exercises, if the movement is too vigorous, the abdominal pressure will suddenly increase, which may "burst" the corpus luteum.

Sexual intercourse or gynecological examination: During the "luteal phase", which is 1-2 weeks before menstruation, if the ovarian area is subjected to external pressure, it may also cause the corpus luteum to rupture.

Constipation or forceful coughing: When you strain to defecate or cough violently, your abdomen will suddenly exert force, and this sudden increase in pressure may also cause corpus luteum rupture.

Trauma or impact: such as falling, hitting hard objects, etc.

In addition, if there are no above mentioned factors, but the corpus luteum itself grows larger, it may rupture spontaneously.

3. What are the symptoms of corpus luteum rupture?

The typical clinical manifestation of ovarian corpus luteum rupture is acute lower abdominal pain during the luteal phase, which is usually unilateral. Patients can usually clearly identify the time when the pain starts. The pain is most severe at the moment of rupture, and the pain may be relieved when they seek medical attention. Once intra-abdominal bleeding occurs, patients often also experience digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting; if there is a lot of fluid accumulation, there will also be a feeling of anal distension.

4. How to treat corpus luteum rupture?

Most patients with corpus luteum rupture can choose conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory and hemostatic treatments. However, for patients with increased intraperitoneal bleeding, unstable vital signs, progressive hemoglobin decline, or conservative treatment failure, active surgical treatment should be performed while fighting shock.

Therefore, female friends, for your health, please be careful not to do strenuous exercise before your period is about to come! If you experience acute abdominal pain, please seek medical attention immediately!

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Wang Yuhui, Changsha Fourth Hospital

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(Edited by Wx)