Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or within the ovaries. While cysts can develop in various parts of the body, finding an ovarian cyst often leads to questions about treatment options like birth control.
Understanding Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or within the ovaries. They are common, and many women will experience at least one during their lifetime, often without symptoms. Most ovarian cysts are benign and often resolve on their own.
The most common types are functional cysts, which develop as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Follicular cysts form when the follicle, which holds a maturing egg, does not rupture to release the egg and continues to grow. Corpus luteum cysts occur if the follicle releases the egg but then reseals and fills with fluid. These functional cysts are harmless and often disappear within two to three menstrual cycles.
How Hormonal Birth Control Works
Hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, and rings, contains synthetic hormones like estrogen and/or progestin. These hormones work by preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary each month. They achieve this by suppressing brain signals that trigger egg follicle development.
By preventing ovulation, hormonal birth control stops the monthly development of follicles that can turn into functional cysts. When ovulation is suppressed, the conditions necessary for functional cyst formation are eliminated.
Ovarian Cysts That Respond to Birth Control
Hormonal birth control is primarily effective in preventing the formation of new functional ovarian cysts. This preventative action helps manage symptoms associated with recurrent functional cysts, such as pain and irregular periods.
While birth control can prevent new functional cysts, it does not shrink existing ones. It is a useful option for individuals who frequently experience functional ovarian cysts.
Ovarian Cysts Not Primarily Addressed by Birth Control
Hormonal birth control is not the primary treatment for all types of ovarian cysts. For instance, endometriomas, often called “chocolate cysts,” are associated with endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. While birth control can help manage endometriosis symptoms by reducing the growth of this tissue and alleviating pain, it does not directly treat the endometrioma cysts themselves in the same way it prevents functional cysts.
Dermoid cysts, also known as teratomas, are another type of cyst not primarily addressed by birth control. These cysts are unique because they can contain various tissues like hair, skin, or teeth, forming from reproductive cells. They are present from birth and often require surgical removal if they become large or problematic, as birth control has no effect on their formation or growth.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves a hormonal imbalance leading to irregular ovulation and the presence of many small follicles on the ovaries, sometimes mistakenly called cysts. While birth control is often used to manage PCOS symptoms like irregular periods and excess androgen levels, it does not treat the underlying cause of PCOS or directly resolve these “cysts.” Instead, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms by balancing hormones.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Understanding the different types of ovarian cysts and their management is important, but self-diagnosis is not recommended. If you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or irregular periods, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can accurately diagnose the type of cyst through physical examination and imaging tests like ultrasound.
The appropriate treatment plan depends on the specific type of cyst, its size, symptoms, and individual health factors. Your healthcare provider can discuss whether hormonal birth control or other interventions, such as watchful waiting or surgery, are suitable for your situation.