Question Title: Endometriosis, ovarian cyst, or something else?

Dear Drs.,

I'm 29 and have been on bc pills since 17. Was on Ortho Novum 7/7/7 for first 7 yrs., was put on Orthocept, was put back on Ortho Novum, and got a benign ovarian cyst a while later (had pain with intercourse but no other symptoms). Now in the last year was put on Tricyclin and Trilevlin and then back to Ortho Novum because the periods were way too heavy on the others. (Have never been pregnant.)

Starting in March, got fairly constant abdominal pains, lower back pain, hip pain, side pain, and pain from the pelvic bone up to the navel (pain which also feels metallic-like inside). Last period (start April 26) was heavier than normal. Had pain with intercourse several times. No urinary tract infection but they did find a benign ovarian cyst on the left ovary. And general doctor mentioned that I might have endometriosis. On his orders, I'm taking 1800 mg of Advil a day and the pains aren't present at all times anymore, just once a day or so. I'm to see a gyn on June 17th, but am worried about having endometriosis now.

Do these problems have anything to do with changing pills?

My biggest concern:
What else might be causing the pains or can the cyst create all these pains?

Thanks for all of your help.
Jenna

Dear Jenna:
Birth control pills are prescribed to slow the progression of suspected endometriosis. Thus, as a treatment for this problem, changing OC formulatons does not cause endometriosis.

Besides endometriosis and ovarian cysts, pelvic pain can arise from infection/scar of the reproductive tissues and from problems in other nearby organ systems such as the bowel and bladder. It is reassuring when pain improves with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil.

Keywords: pelvic pain, endometriosis, birth control pills

This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consutlation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.