Ovulation, like those annoying monthly periods, feels distinct to each individual. Some women suffer ovulation discomfort every cycle, while others don't. While being aware of any aches or cramping you experience during ovulation can be somewhat useful in tracking your fertility (more on that later), it's simply prudent to become acquainted with how your body feels from month to month so you can distinguish what's normal for you from what may necessitate a visit to the ob-gyn.
What Is Ovulation Pain?
Ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz (German for "middle pain"), happens in the middle of your menstrual cycle when your ovary produces an egg. According to research, only approximately 20% of individuals who ovulate have this sort of discomfort. While most may only experience it seldom, others may experience it each cycle.Doctors don't know exactly what causes ovarian discomfort during ovulation, but they do have a few possibilities. The pain might be caused by the ovarian follicle straining your ovary before it bursts, or by the blood or fluid discharged from the follicle, which irritates the lining of your abdomen or pelvis and produces discomfort. Any pains might also be caused by contractions of the fallopian tube, which pulls the egg into the uterus, or by ligaments surrounding the uterus contracting due to elevated prostaglandin levels. These are the same [causes] for menstrual cramps. Ovulation pain is typically distinguishable from other discomforts because it arises on either the left or right side of your pelvis. If you ovulate from your left ovary, you will have a cramp on the left side of your lower abdomen. If your ovaries are producing eggs alternately, you may experience discomfort on a different side each month. However, you may not experience any ovulation discomfort, which is entirely normal.Where Do Ovulation Pains Occur?
Ovulation pain is often felt in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Most individuals have two ovaries—one on the left and one on the right side of the uterus. Your ovaries normally ovulate alternately. So, every other month, each ovary produces one egg.Many individuals report experiencing ovulation discomfort on the side that is releasing the egg. This implies that if your right ovary releases the egg, you will have discomfort on your right side.Some individuals have agony every month, regardless of which ovary delivers the egg. Others may discover that ovulation only aches on one side, resulting in discomfort every other month.Ovulation Pain Symptoms
It's possible that the symptoms may vary somewhat from one individual to another. During ovulation, symptoms might vary from a little twinge or acute pain to a broad sensation of discomfort or severe cramping. Some women may also have vaginal spotting or discharge in addition to the discomfort.You could also experience:- Light vaginal bleeding
- Stretchy, transparent vaginal discharge (like egg whites)
- Nausea if the pain is severe
- Pain in your lower back
What Causes Ovulation Pain?
Understanding ovulation discomfort requires a basic understanding of ovulation itself.Ovulation is the stage of your menstrual cycle in which one of your ovaries produces an egg. Eggs develop inside a follicle, which is a fluid-filled sac. The follicle finally expands and ruptures, releasing the egg. Both the follicle expanding and the egg breaking through the follicle may induce ovulation discomfort.This is a typical phase of the menstrual cycle and the ovulation process.Is Ovulation Pain The Same As Menstrual Pain?
Ovulation pain may feel like menstruation cramps (dysmenorrhea). However, ovulation pain occurs around two weeks before your menstruation.How Long Does Ovulation Pain Last?
Ovulation pain usually lasts a few hours. However, the discomfort may continue for up to 48 hours.How Is Ovulation Pain Diagnosed?
Your healthcare professional may diagnose Mittelschmerz depending on the timing of the pain. Ovulation normally occurs about two weeks into your menstrual cycle. If you have discomfort at this stage of your cycle, you may be experiencing ovulation. Your provider may want you to keep track of your menstrual cycles. Make a note of when and where you experience discomfort.Ovulation Pains Vs Implantation Cramps
If you're trying to conceive, you could be watching for any signs of implantation cramping, which is a symptom of pregnancy. The distinction between ovulation pains and implantation cramps is a question of time. Ovulation cramping happens about 14 days before you start your period, which would be day 14 if your cycle is 28 days. However, implantation cramping, which occurs when a fertilised egg travels from the fallopian tube and burrows into the uterine lining, occurs around a week later, generally around days 20 to 22 of a 28-day cycle.How to Track Your Menstrual Cycle?
The duration of your menstrual cycle is defined as the time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next. For example, if you begin bleeding on March 1 and again on March 30, your cycle will last 29 days. In this case, ovulation is anticipated to occur around day 15. If you have discomfort around day 15 of that cycle, it might be ovulation pain.What tests are needed?
Your healthcare professional may perform an abdominal and pelvic examination. These tests may rule out other potential reasons for discomfort, such as endometriosis or an ovarian cyst. You could also require an abdominal or vaginal ultrasound. Swabs of fluid from your cervix may also be collected by your physician to screen for infection.If your healthcare professional finds anything suspicious during the examination or your pain is severe, you may need further testing to determine the reason. Your healthcare practitioner will explain the following measures to you.How Is Ovulation Pain Treated?
Most individuals do not need therapy for Mittelschmerz. The soreness usually goes away after a day. To relieve pain, you may use over-the-counter medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen.A heating pad or hot bath may also help alleviate discomfort.If you are experiencing significant ovulation discomfort, speak to your doctor about using birth control tablets. Hormonal birth control medicines stop ovulation. Ovulation discomfort does not occur until you ovulate.If you use birth control pills, you will be unable to get pregnant. Consult your doctor if you want to start or expand your family.What Can You Expect If You Have Mittelschmerz?
Ovulation pain is typical. It is a period-related side effect. It is neither hazardous or indicative of a significant medical issue. Ovulation discomfort does not affect fertility, although it might make you more aware of when you ovulate.It's always a good idea to speak to your doctor about any discomfort you're experiencing. A healthcare physician may rule out a more dangerous ailment based on comparable symptoms.What Illnesses May Be Misinterpreted For Ovulation Pain?
The discomfort associated with ovulation is not cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing significant discomfort, see your healthcare physician. It may indicate a more severe problem, such as:- Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the uterine lining develops outside of the uterus
- Scar tissue following a C-section or other abdominal surgery that resulted in abdominal adhesions
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia, may induce inflammation, resulting in painful ovulation
- Pelvic inflammatory illness is an infection that affects the reproductive system
- An ovarian cyst is a bag of fluid that forms on your ovary
- Ovarian torsion occurs when your ovary twists
- Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside of the uterus, usually in your fallopian tube
- Appendicitis occurs when the appendix is inflamed
- Other abdominal concerns include inflammatory bowel disease
Ovulation Pain And Pregnancy Success
Some women believe that ovulation discomfort is directly related to their odds of becoming pregnant, although this is not always the case. Ovulation discomfort shouldn't have an impact on your fertility or chances of becoming pregnant, but it can be a sign that you ovulated that month, which is required for conception to occur. While monitoring ovulation discomfort might be useful for fertility tracking, keeping track of your basal body temperature and cervical mucus changes is a safer bet. Ovulation pain is not reliable; people who get this pain may not get it every month, so it's not helpful for predicting a fertile period. Ovulation discomfort might be mistaken for other types of pain, such as intestinal cramps, which are unrelated to your cycle.Furthermore, even if the discomfort indicates ovulation, determining the exact period is difficult. The exact timing of egg release following ovulation discomfort is unknown to specialists. This might imply that if you time your intercourse depending on when you experience ovulation discomfort, you face the danger of attempting to conceive too soon or too late.When To See A Doctor?
If you missed your previous menstrual period or had the following symptoms during ovulation, contact your doctor.- Fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Urinary pain.
- Red or blistering skin in the area
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Severe pain in the midst of your menstrual cycle that lasts more than a day or happens every month.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective
- Heavy vaginal bleeding occurs between menstruation
Ovulation pain, commonly known as mittelschmerz, occurs when a person has ovulation cramps or other discomfort when ovulating. Ovulation discomfort is not hazardous. Pain medicines from the pharmacy, heating pads, and warm baths are usually enough to treat it. However, if you have significant ovulation discomfort, see your healthcare physician. Your doctor may offer birth control medications to prevent ovulation.FAQs on What Should You Know About Ovulation Pain When Trying to Conceive?
- Does ovulation pain indicate that you have already ovulated?Ovulation pain happens before, during, or immediately after the release of an egg, which is also the most probable time for you to get pregnant. As a consequence, the feeling may aid in determining fertility.
- Does ovulation pain begin before the egg is released?The discomfort may occur before, during, or after ovulation. This pain may be described in a variety of ways. Just before ovulation, the follicle where the egg grows may expand the ovary's surface. This may cause pain.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Sreeja Rani, Sr. Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, Bangalore
