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Ovulation Pain: Why You Shouldn't Ignore It?

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

3 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Ovulation is a process that involves the release of an egg every month in a woman with regular menstrual cycles until she nears menopause. This is especially important in women who plan for a pregnancy as the chances of conceiving increases during this ovulation phase. The process of ovulation does not really cause any symptoms in most women but in a few, it can cause some discomfort such as mild pain during ovulation. They may experience severe cramps during ovulation as well. This may require medical attention. Ovulation pain or cramps during ovulation is something that should not be ignored, especially if it is debilitating or causes serious concerns.

What Is Ovulation Pain And What Causes It?

During the mid-phase of a menstrual cycle – roughly 14 days before the period starts – the follicles containing eggs grow in size and stretch the ovary wall. This can cause pain and eventually, the egg is released by rupture of the membrane. This leads to mild leakage of fluid and blood into the abdominal cavity. This irritates the surrounding structures leading to symptoms during ovulation. This is normal and can stay for a few minutes to a few hours.

Ovulation pain or cramping during ovulation need not be present every month. In a few women it can happen every month and usually occurs in the lower abdomen which can alternate every time or can remain on the same side as for each cycle as the egg is released from the same ovary or alternate ovary.

What Are The Other Symptoms Of Ovulation Pain?

Ovulation cramps, otherwise called Mittelschmerz, can occur on the right or left side of the lower abdomen. It can occur as mild pressure period-like cramps or twisting pain that can last a few hours. It can also be associated with vaginal bleeding or discharge and nausea. It is self-limiting and if it is not resolved or becomes too severe, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

How To Deal With Ovulation Pain?

40% of women suffer from Mittelschmerz and it can mimic period cramps. Following are the ways that ovulation pain can be managed:

(1) Rest as much as possible
(2) Take warm baths
(3) Apply a heat pad over the lower abdomen for pain relief
(4) Use OTC meds like paracetamol for pain management
(5) Taking doctor-prescribed oral contraceptive pills

If the pain is severe, talk with a doctor to understand available treatment options

Should You Be Worried About Ovulation Pain?

Pain during ovulation is not serious but the pain can be due to other reasons. Pain during the menstrual cycle could be because of many reasons especially when:

(1) Accompanied by urination issues like burning sensation or painful urination with fever
(2) Severe unbearable pain with vomiting which could be a sign of ovarian torsion or ovarian cyst rupture
(3) Endometriosis which means the growth of uterus tissue outside the uterus also causes symptoms mimicking Ovulation pain

Additionally,
– If the pain is severe and associated with blood discharge and restlessness in women planning to conceive, ectopic pregnancy has to be ruled out
– If this is recurring every month and is associated with foul-smelling vaginal discharge, sexually transmitted diseases are to be ruled out

Conclusion

The chances of getting pregnant are high during a woman’s ovulation period and one can plan accordingly. However the same can not be applied to avoid pregnancy or as contraception since the failure rates are quite high. If symptoms occur around the ovulation day, it could be ovulation pain. But if the pain occurs on other days or is associated with other symptoms, a gynaecologist has to be consulted to rule out other conditions, as there is no specific test to diagnose ovulation cramps. Consistent and debilitating pain should not be ignored.