Ovarian cysts most often develop as part of normal hormone changes during the menstrual cycle, particularly around ovulation. Birth control pills can influence whether some cysts form by changing how the ovaries function, but their role depends on the type of cyst and the person’s symptoms.
Understanding what’s typical, what’s not, and when treatment is needed will help you clarify how ovarian cysts and birth control are related.
Let’s start with what exactly they are.
Understanding Ovarian Cysts
Cysts of this kind are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside your ovary, and they’re very common during the reproductive years.
In many cases, they develop naturally as your ovaries prepare to release an egg – and resolve without causing symptoms.
Because cysts can form for different reasons and behave in different ways, doctors look at timing, size, and symptoms before deciding whether you need any follow-up or treatment.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts?
Most ovarian cysts form as part of the normal ovulation process.
Each month, your ovaries prepare and release an egg. During that cycle, a small sac can develop and sometimes continue to fill with fluid instead of breaking down as expected.
Hormonal shifts, timing within your menstrual cycle, and how your ovary responds to those hormones all play a role in what causes ovarian cysts to form in the first place.
However, not all cysts are related to ovulation. Some develop independently of your menstrual cycle and behave differently over time.
This is why clinicians focus on how a cyst looks, how long it’s been present, and whether symptoms are changing, rather than assuming all cysts follow the same pattern.
How Birth Control Changes the Picture
The relationship between ovarian cysts and the pill comes down to ovulation.
Combined hormonal birth control pills work by preventing ovulation, which reduces the chance of forming the most common type of functional cyst.
This means the pill can lower the likelihood of new cysts developing – rather than acting as a treatment for cysts that already exist.
Because not all ovarian cysts are caused by ovulation, however, birth control does not affect every cyst in the same way.
Whether the pill is helpful depends on the type of cyst, your symptom history, and your overall reproductive health. That’s why treatment decisions are individualized.
Symptoms to Watch For
You may not have any symptoms at all. Many ovarian cysts only come to light during routine exams or imaging done for another reason. But for other people, symptoms can vary widely.
They’re often related to pressure or irritation in the pelvis rather than the cyst itself being dangerous.
Common cyst-on-ovary symptoms include pelvic discomfort, bloating, a feeling of fullness, pain on one side of the lower abdomen, or discomfort during sex.
Changes in symptoms matter more than their presence alone.
So, take note of worsening pain, new sensations that don’t follow your usual cycle pattern, or symptoms that interfere with daily life.
These are typically what prompt further evaluation, rather than mild or occasional discomfort on its own.
When an Ovarian Cyst Becomes Urgent
While most ovarian cysts are harmless, some situations need prompt medical attention. An ovarian cyst rupture can cause sudden, sharp pelvic pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or fever.
This kind of pain is typically different from the dull or intermittent discomfort many people notice with uncomplicated cysts.
Size can also matter, but it isn’t the only factor doctors consider.
There’s no single cutoff that defines what size of ovarian cyst is dangerous. Symptoms, appearance, and how quickly a cyst changes are just as important as measurements.
For example, a smaller cyst causing severe pain may be more concerning than a larger one that remains stable and symptom-free.
How Doctors Diagnose Ovarian Cysts
The most common diagnosing tool is imaging, particularly an ultrasound on ovarian cysts. This test allows doctors to see the cyst’s size, shape, and internal features – which helps distinguish between cyst types and guides next steps.
Doctors can also use this non-invasive ultrasound of ovaries for initial diagnosis and follow-up to see whether a cyst resolves on its own.
They interpret imaging results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and where you are in your menstrual cycle.
This combination helps determine whether monitoring is best or whether treatment might be appropriate.
Ovarian Cyst Treatment Options
Ovarian cyst treatment depends on several factors, including symptoms, cyst appearance on imaging, age, and whether the cyst changes over time.
In many cases, you don’t need immediate treatment. Functional cysts often resolve on their own, and follow-up imaging can confirm if they’re shrinking or disappearing.
When symptoms are present, treatment may focus on pain management and monitoring rather than intervention.
Surgery is typically reserved for cysts that persist, grow, cause significant symptoms, or appear suspicious on imaging.
The goal is always to match the level of treatment to your level of risk, rather than treating every cyst the same way.
Birth Control Pills and Cyst Prevention
Birth control pills for ovarian cysts are most often used to help prevent new functional cysts from forming, not to treat existing ones.
By suppressing ovulation, hormonal birth control reduces the chance that the ovary will form the type of cyst most commonly linked to the menstrual cycle.
This approach isn’t necessary or helpful for everyone.
Because some ovarian cysts are not related to ovulation, doctors usually base decisions about using hormonal contraception on symptom patterns, recurrence, and your overall reproductive health, rather than the presence of a single cyst.
When to See an OBGYN
It’s a good idea to talk with a doctor if ovarian cyst symptoms persist, worsen, or keep returning over time.
Ongoing pelvic pain, changes in your menstrual cycle, pain during sex, or symptoms that interfere with daily life are all reasons to seek care rather than wait things out. Even when cysts are common and often harmless, patterns over time matter.
An OBGYN can help determine whether monitoring is enough or whether further evaluation makes sense – especially if imaging shows changes or symptoms don’t line up with a typical cycle.
Consult with Stella Mattina’s Expert OBGYNs About Ovarian Cysts and Birth Control Pills
If you’re Googling for an OBGYN Dallas provider or an OBGYN Dallas TX clinic, choosing one who offers continuity of care makes it easier to track changes and make informed decisions if cysts recur.
Check out our locations near you and book with one of our OBGYNs for both continuity of care and peace of mind.
Dr. Gonzalo Venegas
Gonzalo Venegas, MD is the Medical Director of Stella Mattina Health and a respected obstetrician-gynecologist with over four decades of service in the Dallas medical community. He has led the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and contributed to community health through his role on the Parkland Health & Hospital System Board. A dedicated mentor at UT Southwestern, Dr. Venegas is known for his leadership, compassion, and commitment to advancing women’s health and medical education.