Oral Contraceptive Pills Prevent Ovarian Cyst

By Devaki

Thursday, April 1, 2010, 12:02

The ordinary oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is a simple and effective remedy for ovarian endometriomas, says the scientists.

Ovarian endometriomas or the 'ovarian chocolate cysts' which contain the brown liquid, causes ongoing pain and complications. Cysts commonly recur, though they can be easily removed by surgery.

The researchers say that the OCP can reduce the re-occurrence of endometriomas, after their removal by surgical methods.

The trial conducted by the researchers consisted of 239 patients who had just undergone surgery to remove endometriomas. They were randomized into groups: those with no prescribed treatment, those taking cyclic OCPs, and those taking continuous OCPs. Patients were followed up for two years.

Women who took OCPs had significantly fewer recurring cysts. The long-term treatment seemed to be the key of success in those patients. But the length of treatment plays an important role in the efficacy of the therapy, say the experts.

The study has been published in the journal Fertility and Sterility.