Each month a woman produces an egg for the purposes of fertilization. This egg is matured in the ovary, within a fluid-filled sack called a cyst. Usually, this cyst ruptures, releasing the egg inside, but in some women this does not happen, resulting in a cyst that may continue to get larger. Since this condition is attributed to hormonal imbalances, a woman may be given birth control pills to correct it.
Step 1
Book an appointment to see a health professional. Pelvic ultrasound imaging will show cysts if any are present. Self-diagnosing is dangerous, so see a health professional for a full blood workup, physical examination, pelvic exam and an ultrasound. If a cyst is found, the doctor will prescribe a combinational oral contraceptive to shrink the cyst.
Step 2
Take the combination pills as directed. Women taking oral contraceptives should use them at the same time every day to reap their full benefits. Some doctors ask that women take these pills at a specified day in the first week of bleeding. This is to stop women from approaching or going through ovulation, which causes the ovarian cysts to form or existing ones to grow. As stated by MedlinePlus, these contraceptives are normally prescribed for 4 to 6 weeks.
Step 3
Remain active. According to Everyday Health, using oral contraceptives can increase the risk of a woman developing deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. This is a blood clot that forms deep in the veins of the leg; left untreated, the clot can travel to the lung where it can block the lung's artery and cause death. Deep vein thrombosis mainly forms in people who are not active or who are bed-ridden. Exercising your lower legs or walking regularly can lower this risk.
Step 4
Stop using tobacco products. Sign up to a smoking cessation program or contact a physician who can suggest a support group. It is very important to stop smoking during this treatment, not only because there is an increased risk of cancer from smoking while on the pill, but also because women who smoke are twice as likely to develop ovarian cysts than non-smoking women, as stated by Dr. Judith Reichman, Today Show contributor.
