Women’s reproductive health is a topic that doesn’t get discussed very often. This can lead to a lot of misinformation to exist, especially in the worldwide web. You’ll start to ask yourself questions like, can birth control cause ovarian cysts? Village Emergency Centers have decided to give you a complete overview of ovarian cysts and offer you treatment methods that will help you live a healthier and painless life.
Can Birth Control Cause Ovarian Cysts?
There is a big misconception that birth control can cause ovarian cysts. Birth control actually regulates ovulation so it’s the best way to prevent cysts from causing you discomfort. Birth control not only helps prevent cysts but also improves ovarian health in a number of ways.
- It can protect against ovarian cancer
- It can protect against endometrial cancer
- Prevents pregnancy
- Alleviates cramps
Learn More: Should I go to the emergency room for a UTI?
Ovulation and the Formation of Cysts
An Overview of Cysts
There is more than one type of cyst. Cysts may sound alarming, but more often than not you will not realize that you ever had a cyst as they tend to dissolve on their own. However, it’s still important to know that some are more harmful than others, here we will list them all so you know which to keep an eye on.
Functional ovarian cysts-Most common type found in women. They are harmless and go away on their own. Some functional cysts include:
- Follicular cysts: This type forms when the sac of fluid, or follicle, does not get released. The egg may not get released as well. It goes away after several weeks.
- Luteal ovarian cysts: This type is less common and forms when the tissue that is left behind from the egg fills up with blood. This cyst will go away within a few months. This type can lead to pain if it ruptures.
Pathological cysts-This type has the chance to be malignant, meaning it could be cancerous. Some pathological cysts include:
- Dermoid cysts: These cysts are mostly benign. They form from the same cells the eggs are made from. Surgery is required to remove them. They are often found in women under the age of 30.
- Cystadenomas: Formed from cells that surround the outer part of the ovaries. These also require surgical removal and are common in women over the age of 40.
- Endometriomas: Cysts formed due to endometriosis when the uterine lining begins to grow outside of the uterus.
Signs You Should Seek Treatment for a Cyst
Symptoms
While cysts might not always produce symptoms, when they do, you should be careful and monitor the progression of them. Here are just a few you should watch over:
- Irregular and painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Irritable bowel
- Bloating
- Urinary problems
- Hormonal imbalance
Serious Issues
Serious problems can develop with cysts. If you feel you have any of these, please seek immediate medical attention:
- Torsion: The stem of the ovary twists when the cyst is growing on it. It will then block the blood supply to the cyst and lead to severe abdominal pain.
- Burst Cyst: A burst cyst will result in severe pain in the abdomen.
- Cancer: A cyst could be malignant. It’s best to know of cysts as early as possible to catch cancer at an early stage. Cervical cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and one of the deadliest.
Further Reading:
Seek Help For Ovarian Emergencies
Now that you’ve learned all about ovarian cysts you will understand that birth control doesn’t cause ovarian cysts, it can actually help. Our River Oaks emergency room, Katy emergency room, Clear Creek emergency room, and our new Jersey Village emergency room are ready to assist you at a moment’s notice. At Village Emergency Centers, we strive to provide you and your loved ones quality medical emergency care.
Our emergency centers are conveniently open 24/7 and accept walk-ins for your convenience. Get directions here to visit one of our locations.