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11:29
Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma
Published on: January 22, 2022
Oral contraceptives for functional ovarian cysts
D A Grimes1, L B Jones, L M Lopez
1Family Health International, Clinical Research Department, PO Box 13950, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA. dgrimes@fhi.org
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 21, 2006
Summary
Combined oral contraceptives do not hasten the resolution of functional ovarian cysts. Watchful waiting is appropriate, with surgery indicated for persistent cysts.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Functional ovarian cysts are common in women of reproductive age.
- Large or persistent cysts may necessitate surgical intervention.
- Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been used clinically to treat cysts since the 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating OCs for functional ovarian cyst treatment.
- To determine the efficacy of OCs in resolving functional ovarian cysts.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of CENTRAL, PubMed, POPLINE, and EMBASE databases.
- Inclusion of RCTs in any language assessing OCs for cyst treatment.
- Data abstraction and analysis using Peto odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Four RCTs with 227 women were identified.
- Combined OCs did not accelerate the resolution of functional ovarian cysts.
- Most cysts resolved spontaneously within a few cycles; persistent cysts were often pathological.
Conclusions:
- Combined OCs offer no significant benefit for treating functional ovarian cysts.
- A strategy of watchful waiting is recommended for several cycles.
- Surgical management should be considered for persistent cysts.
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