Intraperitoneal haemorrhage due to corpus luteum rupture triggered by sexual intercourse

This case report underscores the importance of considering corpus luteum rupture as a potential diagnosis in women presenting with acute abdomen. It describes a case of intraperitoneal bleeding resulting from corpus luteum rupture that occurred after sexual intercourse. A woman in her 20s developed sudden, severe abdominal pain during intercourse and exhibited unstable haemodynamics on arrival. Although point-of-care ultrasound and CT scans identified significant haemoperitoneum, definitive confirmation of a bleeding ruptured corpus luteum cyst was made through laparoscopy. The patient received stabilising care in the emergency department (ED) before undergoing the laparoscopic procedure. She had not been using hormonal contraceptives prior to her ED visit and was started on combined oral contraceptive pills as part of her post-treatment management. This case highlights the importance of recognising corpus luteum rupture as a differential diagnosis, the associated diagnostic difficulties and the preventive role of hormonal contraception in reducing recurrence.