Functional Ovarian Cysts

What Increases Your Risk

A functional ovarian cyst sometimes develops during the latter part of the menstrual cycle, when an egg follicle fills up with fluid. Factors that may increase your risk for developing a functional ovarian cyst include:

• A history of a previous functional ovarian cyst.
• Current use of clomiphene citrate, such as Clomid or Serophene, to start ovulation. For more information, see the topic Fertility Problems.
• Use of low dose progestin-only contraception (such as some implants, pills, and IUDs).

Tubal sterilization ("having your tubes tied") may increase the risk of functional ovarian cysts.² Further research is necessary to confirm this link.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: January 31, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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