Functional Ovarian cysts: Expectant management versus Oral contraceptives

Background: Ovarian cyst is a common problem in females of reproductive age group. Objective: To compare the expectant management and use of oral contraceptives for the management of ovarian cysts. Methodology: This was a comparative study, conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan, from January 2017 to December 2018. A total of 870 females were included through non-probability, purposive sampling. Informed verbal consent was obtained. Ultrasound was performed to measure the cyst size, site, and characteristics. The lottery method was used to divide the patients into two groups. Patients in group E received expectant treatment (placebo) and in group OC, patients were prescribed hormonal treatment with combined oral contraceptive (COCP) having ethinyl estradiol 0.03mg and levonorgestril 0.15mg. Then patients were counseled and followed up for one month. After one month, USG was performed again to measure success as cyst resolution. The collected data was analyzed into SPSS 16. Both groups were compared for success by using the chi-square test, taking p-value <0.05 as significant. Results: Mean age of females was 26.42±7.59 years. There were 488 (56%) married females while 382 (44%) were unmarried. Mean cyst size was 3.93±1.28cm. was achieved in 605 (69.5%) females, out of which 259 (59.5%) had expectant management while 346 (79.5%) had oral contraception. Success (Cyst resolution) was achieved in 605 (69.5%) females, out of which 259 (59.5%) had expectant management while 346 (79.5%) had oral contraception. (p=0.00). Conclusion: It was concluded that oral contraceptives are more effective and successful in the resolution of ovarian cysts as compared to expectant management.