What is an Ovarian Cyst?

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac, and can be located anywhere in the body. On the ovary, different types of cysts can form. The most common type of ovarian cyst is called a functional cyst, which often forms during the normal menstrual cycle. Each month, a womans ovaries grow tiny cysts that hold the eggs. When an egg is mature, the sac breaks open to release the egg, so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. Then the sac dissolves.

In one type of functional cyst, called a follicular cyst, the sac doesnt break open to release the egg and may continue to grow. This type of cyst usually disappears within one to three months.

A corpus luteum cyst, another type of functional cyst, forms if the sac doesnt dissolve. Instead, the sac seals off after the egg is released. Fluid then builds up inside of it. This type of cyst usually goes away on its own after a few weeks. However, it can sometimes grow to almost four inches and may bleed or twist the ovary and cause pain.

Can Lower Back Pain Be Caused by Ovarian Cysts?

The answer is a resounding yes! As an ovarian cyst starts to grow in size it causes back pain in most women who suffer from the condition. As the cyst grows it will put pressure on the bladder or press against other organs in the body that will cause the lower back to ache. The lower back pain may grow in intensity as the cyst grows and most women will consider surgery to remove the cyst, however there are other natural alternatives that may also be considered. The severity of the lower back pain caused by ovarian cysts is specific to each individual according to size and type of cyst.

How Do You Treat Back Pain Caused by Ovarian Cysts?

Once a cyst is detected, usually during a gynecological exam, the patient will typically be re-examined in one to three months to see if the cyst has changed in size.

Depending on the womans pain and or if the woman is postmenopausal, the physician may want to remove it. There are two surgical procedures your doctor may choose from.

Laparoscopy - if the cyst is small and looks benign on the ultrasound, your doctor may perform a laparoscopy. This procedure is done under general anesthesia.

Laparotomy - if the cyst is large and looks suspicious, the doctor may perform a procedure called a laparotomy. This procedure involves making bigger incisions in the stomach to remove the cyst.

If you frequently develop cysts, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to prevent you from ovulating. This will lower the chances of forming new cysts, and can even shrink the existing cysts in size, which in many cases will also alleviate the lower back pain associated with ovarian cysts.