Definitions for "Luteal phase defect"
problems with the uterine lining that can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant and have a successful pregnancy.
A luteal phase defect can refer to one of two problems with the luteal phase - the second part of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation has occurred. First, the phase itself may be too short (only ten days rather than the average 12 to 16), which does not give an embryo enough time to implant successfully. Second, progesterone production in this part of the cycle may be too low, meaning that the lining of the womb will not get thick enough for an embryo to implant before menstruation begins.
When the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and menstruation) is too short (less than 10 days) it may indicate that the corpus luteum is not functioning properly and may prevent implantation of a fertilized egg or may lead to early pregnancy loss.