Background and purpose: Functional ovarian cysts are common in reproductive age female. According to high prevalence of functional ovarian cysts and costs for community-based diagnosis and treatment, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between fertility history and lifestyle factors with functional ovarian cysts.

Materials and methods: This case-control study was done in 280 women of reproductive age attending Imam Reza, Qaem, and Omolbanin hospitals in Masshad, Iran, 2014. Inclusion criteria were Iranian nationality and being 13-49 years of age. The exclusion criteria were pregnancy, history of infertility, menopausal, and women with acute gynecologic, hormonal and neoplastic situations. Data collection was done using a questionnaire consisting of demographic information, medical condition, and fertility history. To analyze the data t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square, and logistic regression were applied in SPSS V16.

Results: The results showed that cigarette and alcohol consumption (P=0.02) and body mass index (P<0.001) were associated with functional ovarian cysts. Frequency of ovarian functional cyst was higher in female with higher BMI and cigarette and alcohol consumption. The results of regression test showed women who used dietary supplements, had a lower risk of developing functional ovarian cysts (OR=1.19).

Conclusion: This study proved a relationship between life style with ovarian cysts. According to this result, more training and lifestyle modification are recommended in women of reproductive age to prevent functional ovarian cysts formation.