Ovarian Cysts & Birth Control Issues: A Doctor's Advice

Question
Dr Rappaport-
I have used your advice in the past and have really appreciated it.  I am 22 yrs old. I have a 4.5 yr old daughter and a 2 yr old son.  Since the birth of my son, I have had problems with ovarian cysts and birth control.  I have had 2 cysts removed by laparascope(both of them on the same ovary) I have tried all birth control pills such as, most ortho brands, the nuvaring, the patch, the mirena IUD, Mircette, Nor-QD, and the one i am on currently is Yasmin.  My last period started over two weeks ago, even though I was only on the second row of my pills, it is still flowing now that I am on the last row of pills.  I take my pills faithfully at the same time of day and have never missed a pill.  With the pill I have side effects such as nausea, headaches every day, weight gain, and breakthrough bleeding. The main purpose I am on bc pills is to prevent the cysts, not necessarily pregnancy. I really want to get off the pill, but I am afraid that I will have to have surgery again on a cyst.  I still have pain on that right ovary...I am really at a loss of what to do, HELP...i would appreciate any advice.
thank you-kandice

Answer
If your period is starting early while on birth control, the method is, obviously, not strong enough to regulate your cycle. I would suggest that you discuss with your gynecologist the possibility of changing your pills to a higher dose, such as 1/35 rather than a triphasic pill such as you are taking. The monophasic pills have a bit more estrogen in them and, thus, prevent irregular bleeding or early menses, each month.  Although we believe that birth control pills may help prevent ovarian cysts, it does not always work and if you continue to have cysts on your ovry, you may eventually have to remove the ovary in question. For now, I believe the higher dose pill will help you regulate your cycle and control the cysts.