Flank Pain and Ovarian Cysts: Understanding the Connection

Many women will develop ovarian cysts and not know it because they rarely cause noticeable symptoms. Some cysts can cause adverse health affects, including kidney infections that can lead to flank pain.

Ovarian Cysts

• Ovarian cysts can develop on the surface of your ovary or within it. They are sacs filled with fluid. If one ruptures, it can cause health problems.

Bladder Problems

• One symptom of a damaged ovarian cyst is pressure on your bladder that makes it difficult for you to completely empty your bladder when you go to the restroom.

Kidney Infection

• If you are unable to empty your bladder properly, you are at an increased risk for developing a kidney infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Flank Pain

• The National Institutes of Health state that one of the most distinctive symptoms of a kidney infection is flank pain. If you have pain between your stomach and back on one side of your body, contact your doctor right away, especially if you are also experiencing fever and blood in your urine.

Treatment

• Ovarian cysts can be surgically removed. If you develop a kidney infection, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to clear it.