Ovarian cysts and back pain are often connected because a growth on the ovary can sometimes cause discomfort in the lower back. This pain may be caused by the size, position, or growth of the cyst. It may also be determined by the number of cysts that a woman has on her ovaries.

Every month, cyst-like structures form on a woman’s ovaries. They are called follicles, and they are responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone. These follicles also release an egg when a woman ovulates. If these follicles keep growing, they are considered to be cysts.

Most women have cysts on their ovaries and never know it. This is because most of the cysts are small, do not cause any trouble, and go away on their own. Some women, though, have bigger cysts that occur, which cause painful and sometimes scary symptoms. A late period may occur, a heavy one, or none at all. Those who have ovarian cysts and back pain may also experience pain in the abdomen or pelvic region, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, breast tenderness, and bloating.

Many times ovarian cysts and back pain, as well as other symptoms, are thought to be related to other issues, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, an ectopic pregnancy, diverticulitis, or appendicitis. Some women who experience a missed period, backache, and breast tenderness may think that they are pregnant. Cancer of the ovaries can also produce the same kinds of symptoms, and will generally be ruled out with tests done by a doctor.

Cysts that continue to grow will often push against other organs in the body. This can result in back pain. It also may cause a person to have problems using the bathroom. A woman may have to urinate all of the time or may not be able to urinate well at all. Pressure may be felt on the bowels, making it hard for a woman to have a bowel movement.

Another connection between ovarian cysts and back pain occurs when a cyst ruptures. A ruptured cyst on the ovaries can cause internal bleeding, which results in sharp pain near the ovaries. This pain is sometimes felt in the back, depending on where the ruptured cyst was located.

Some types of ovarian cysts produce more pain than others and are more dangerous. All cysts that cause symptoms to appear will most likely need to be evaluated and treated by a doctor. Early detection of harmful growths through regular checkups can sometimes help treatment go more smoothly, and help to eliminate ovarian cysts and back pain.