WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1998: Re: Birth Control Pills to treat frequent ovarian cysts

Re: Birth Control Pills to treat frequent ovarian cysts

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Mon, 18 May 1998 00:48:23 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Lee: "Birth Control Pills to treat frequent ovarian cysts"

At Sun, 17 May 1998, Lee wrote: >
>Almost monthly I was having big discomfort from what my MD diagnosed as
>ovarian cysts. He prescribed birth control pills to decrease the
>incidence. Do you
>agree, or can I switch now?

It's usually preferable to change after the placebo pills are finished. This would be especially true when going from a 1/50 to a 1/35. It's unlikely this would lead to an unplanned pregnancy, but it's possible. It's more likely it would lead to unwanted spotting.

Is it okay for women with fibrocystic breast >to take BCP?

Oral contraceptives are actually one of the best treatments for fibrocystic change! They reduce the symptoms in about 70-75% of women who take them. Contrary to certain myths surrounding the pill, taking them will not increase the risk of cancer in women with fibrocystic change.

Also how long would you think it would be okay for me to >stay on the pill? I'm a 37 Y.O.

As long as you do not smoke, and do not have any history of chronic liver disease, a blood clotting disorder, or an estrogen-dependent cancer, you can usually safely stay on the pill until menopause. Doctors used to suggest taking a "break" when using the pill for many years, but there is no valid scientific evidence to support this, so most doctors no longer advocate this. The pill reduces the chance of uterine and ovarian cancer, decreases anemia, lowers the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (a serious infection of the tubes and other gynecologic organs), and decreases the formation of ovarian cysts.

Good luck with your treatment, and thanks for visiting obgyn.net

-- Ashley Hill David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, Florida

The above information is provided for medical education only, and is not intended as specific medical advice. I am sorry, but due to time constraints, I am unable to answer personal e-mail.

Next message: CHRIS: "cramping"
Previous message: Beth: "PCOS and Metformin"
In reply to: Lee: "Birth Control Pills to treat frequent ovarian cysts"

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