Research has also shown the hormones in birth control pills can help prevent ovarian cysts, benign breast disease and acne.

CNN: Health - Look what's 40 -- the pill

Ovarian cysts are fairly common in women and often do not cause any symptoms at all, however, they sometimes can cause pain or pressure in the pelvic area.

CNN: What are the potential problems with ovarian cysts?

The expected course of ovarian cysts varies with a woman's age, the size of the cyst, whether there is a family history of ovarian cysts, and whether the cyst is fluid-filled, appears to be a solid mass of tissue, or has both fluid and solid components.

CNN: What are the potential problems with ovarian cysts?

Women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome may have many small cysts at one time.

CNN: What are the potential problems with ovarian cysts?

It has long been suspected that women who have cysts growing in their ovaries are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

BBC: Removing benign cysts 'saves no lives'