What are the signs of ovulation cramping. How can you differentiate ovulation pain from menstrual cramps. What causes mittelschmerz and how can it be treated. Is ovulation pain a sign of fertility. How long does ovulation cramping typically last.

Understanding Mittelschmerz: The Phenomenon of Ovulation Cramping

Ovulation cramping, also known as mittelschmerz, is a common experience for many women during their reproductive years. This mid-cycle discomfort occurs when an egg is released from the ovary, typically around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. While some women may not feel anything during ovulation, approximately 20% experience some form of ovulation pain.

The term “mittelschmerz” is derived from German, combining the words for “middle” and “pain,” aptly describing its occurrence midway through the menstrual cycle. This phenomenon can range from a mild twinge to more severe cramping, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

What causes ovulation cramping?

The exact cause of mittelschmerz is not fully understood, but several theories exist:

• Stretching of the ovary surface as the follicle grows before egg release
• Irritation caused by the release of blood and fluid when the follicle ruptures
• Pain resulting from the egg breaking through the ovary wall

Identifying the Six Key Signs of Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain has distinct characteristics that set it apart from menstrual cramps. Recognizing these signs can help women better understand their bodies and reproductive cycles. Here are the six primary indicators of ovulation pain:

1. One-sided pain: The discomfort is typically felt on only one side of the lower abdomen.
2. Sudden onset: The pain often comes on unexpectedly, without warning.
3. Sharp sensation: Unlike the dull ache of menstrual cramps, ovulation pain is often described as a sharp twinge or cramping.
4. Short duration: While it can last up to 24 hours, the pain often subsides within minutes or a few hours.
5. Alternating sides: The pain may switch sides from month to month, depending on which ovary releases the egg.
6. Timing: Ovulation pain occurs approximately two weeks before the start of the menstrual period.

In addition to these primary signs, some women may experience mild spotting or vaginal discharge during ovulation. In cases of severe cramping, nausea may also occur.

The Link Between Ovulation Pain and Fertility

For women trying to conceive, ovulation pain can serve as a natural indicator of fertility. The presence of mittelschmerz suggests that ovulation is occurring, which is crucial for conception. However, it’s important to note that not all women experience ovulation pain, and its absence does not necessarily indicate infertility.

Can ovulation pain help with pregnancy planning?

Yes, ovulation pain can be a useful tool for women trying to conceive. The highest chances of conception occur in the days immediately before, during, and after ovulation. By tracking ovulation pain alongside other fertility signs, such as changes in cervical mucus and basal body temperature, women can better predict their most fertile days.

Conversely, women who wish to avoid pregnancy can use awareness of ovulation pain as an additional method of birth control. However, it’s crucial to remember that sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Therefore, unprotected intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation can still result in pregnancy.

Differentiating Ovulation Pain from Other Abdominal Discomfort

While ovulation pain is generally harmless, it’s essential to distinguish it from other potential causes of abdominal discomfort. Conditions such as appendicitis, ovarian cysts, or ectopic pregnancy can sometimes mimic ovulation pain but are typically more severe and persistent.

When should you seek medical attention for abdominal pain?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional:

• Severe pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
• Pain accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Abdominal pain that occurs outside the expected time of ovulation
• Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep

A medical examination and diagnostic tests can help rule out other potential causes and ensure proper treatment if necessary.

Effective Treatment Options for Ovulation Cramping

For many women, ovulation pain is mild and brief, requiring no specific treatment. However, for those experiencing more persistent or intense discomfort, several options are available to alleviate symptoms:

How can you relieve ovulation pain at home?

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen or taking a warm bath can help relax tense muscles and ease cramping.
• Rest: Taking it easy during episodes of ovulation pain can help minimize discomfort.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce bloating and discomfort associated with ovulation.

Are there long-term solutions for recurrent ovulation pain?

For women who experience severe or bothersome ovulation pain every month, hormonal contraception may be an option. Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings prevent ovulation, thereby eliminating ovulation pain. However, this approach is only suitable for women who are not trying to conceive and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

The Impact of Age on Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain is most commonly reported by adolescents and women in their twenties. However, it can occur throughout a woman’s reproductive years, up to the age of 45. The intensity and frequency of ovulation pain may change as women age, with some experiencing a decrease in symptoms over time.

Does ovulation pain change during perimenopause?

As women approach menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in ovulation patterns and associated symptoms. Some women may experience more frequent or intense ovulation pain during perimenopause, while others may notice a decrease in symptoms. These changes can be attributed to irregular ovulation and hormonal imbalances that occur during this transitional period.

Tracking Ovulation Pain: A Tool for Reproductive Health

Keeping track of ovulation pain can provide valuable insights into a woman’s menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health. By noting the timing, duration, and intensity of ovulation pain, women can:

• Predict future ovulation dates
• Identify potential fertility issues
• Monitor changes in their menstrual cycle
• Provide useful information to healthcare providers during check-ups

What are the best methods for tracking ovulation pain?

There are several effective ways to track ovulation pain:

1. Menstrual cycle apps: Many smartphone apps allow users to log symptoms, including ovulation pain, providing a digital record of their cycle.
2. Physical calendar: Marking the dates of ovulation pain on a calendar can help identify patterns over time.
3. Symptom diary: Keeping a detailed journal of all menstrual cycle symptoms, including ovulation pain, can provide a comprehensive overview of reproductive health.
4. Fertility monitors: Some advanced fertility tracking devices can help correlate ovulation pain with other fertility indicators.

By consistently tracking ovulation pain and other cycle-related symptoms, women can gain a better understanding of their bodies and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Ovulation Pain and Lifestyle Factors

While ovulation pain is primarily a biological process, certain lifestyle factors may influence its intensity or frequency. Understanding these potential influences can help women manage their symptoms more effectively.

Can diet and exercise affect ovulation pain?

Some women report that certain dietary choices and exercise habits can impact their experience of ovulation pain:

• Anti-inflammatory foods: Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help minimize bloating and discomfort associated with ovulation.
• Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can help improve circulation and reduce pelvic pain. However, intense exercise during ovulation may exacerbate discomfort for some women.
• Stress management: High stress levels can potentially intensify ovulation pain. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga may help alleviate symptoms.

It’s important to note that the impact of these factors can vary from person to person. Women should pay attention to their bodies and identify patterns that work best for them in managing ovulation pain.

Understanding ovulation pain and its implications can empower women to take control of their reproductive health. By recognizing the signs of mittelschmerz and implementing appropriate management strategies, women can navigate this aspect of their menstrual cycle with confidence and ease. Whether using ovulation pain as a fertility indicator or seeking relief from discomfort, knowledge about this common phenomenon is a valuable tool in every woman’s health arsenal.

Cramping when Ovulating – Signs, Treatment

Many women experience some cramping when they ovulate — there’s even a term for the pain: mittelschmerz.

By Jan SheehanMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Reviewed: February 17, 2010

Medically Reviewed

If you have abdominal pain or cramping in the middle of your menstrual cycle, when you’re ovulating, you may be experiencing mittelschmerz, a word derived from the German for “middle” and “pain.”

Mittelschmerz occurs when the follicle — a tiny sac in the ovary that contains an egg — ruptures and releases the egg. This mid-cycle pain and discomfort can range from a minor pinch or twinge that’s over in minutes to more severe cramping that lasts for hours.

“You’ll feel it only on one side of your lower abdomen, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg,” says Amy Autry, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California at San Francisco.

Some women don’t feel anything when the egg is released from the ovary; others feel cramping a couple of weeks before their menstrual period. Overall, about 20 percent of women experience some type of ovulation pain, according to Dr. Autry.

While it’s unknown exactly why women experience cramping or ovulation pain, several theories exist. Before the egg is released, the follicle grows. This may stretch the surface of the ovary, causing pain. It’s also believed that blood and other fluid is released when the follicle ruptures, causing irritation that disappears as the fluid is reabsorbed. Because the ovaries have no openings, there may be some pain when the egg breaks through the ovary wall.

Six Signs of Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain differs from menstrual cramps that come on just before or during a woman’s menstrual period. “It’s easy to recognize ovulation pain because it has a number of symptoms that are different from menstrual cramps,” says Autry.

The six signs of ovulation pain are:

• It’s one-sided.
• It comes on suddenly and without warning.
• It’s a sharp pain, twinge, or cramping rather than a dull ache.
• It often lasts only minutes, but may last a few hours or even up 24 hours.
• It may switch sides from month to month.
• It occurs about two weeks before your menstrual period starts.

Mild bleeding (spotting) or vaginal discharge may occur during this time. Some women may also experience nausea, especially if the cramping is severe. Mid-cycle pain is most common in adolescents and women in their twenties, but it can occur all the way up to age 45.

Understanding Your Body’s Signals

Women who experience ovulation pain may actually be at an advantage if they’re trying to get pregnant. Cramping in the weeks before your menstrual period is a sign that you’re ovulating and probably fertile. “You’re most likely to conceive if you have intercourse right before ovulation, on the day of ovulation, or immediately after ovulation,” says Autry.

On the other hand, mid-cycle pain may also help women who would rather not get pregnant. But while avoiding intercourse during times when you feel ovulation pain can be an effective back-up to your regular birth control method, don’t rely on it as your sole method of preventing pregnancy. “Sperm can live up to five days in a woman’s body,” cautions Autry. So you could get pregnant from unprotected sex on the days before you feel mittleschmerz pain.

Preventing and Treating Mid-Cycle Pain

For minor or brief ovulation pain, treatment is usually not necessary. For cramping that lasts more than a few minutes, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) or naproxen (Aleve and others) will usually relieve the discomfort. Applying a heating pad to the site of the abdominal pain or taking a warm bath can also help. Heat increases blood flow, which relaxes tense muscles and eases cramping.

If your mid-cycle abdominal pain happens every month and is particularly bothersome, hormonal contraception (birth control pills, patches, or the vaginal ring) is an option because it prevents ovulation. And without ovulation, you can’t have ovulation pain.

Mid-cycle abdominal pain that is extreme or lasts longer than a day should be evaluated by a doctor. Appendicitis, ovarian cysts, and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy can sometimes mimic ovulation pain, although pain from these conditions is typically much more severe.

A medical exam and diagnostic tests can rule out other causes for abdominal pain. “But in the vast majority of cases, abdominal pain or cramping in the middle of the menstrual cycle simply means that you’re ovulating and the pain will disappear soon,” says Autry.

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Symptoms and what they mean for fertility

Cramps that occur outside of a menstrual period might be a sign that a person is ovulating. Ovulation cramps occur when one of the ovaries releases an egg, which typically happens halfway through a person’s cycle.

Being aware of the symptoms of ovulation may help a person identify when they are most fertile.

In this article, we explore what ovulation cramps feel like and what they mean for fertility. We also look at other symptoms of ovulation and other causes of mid-cycle cramps.

Share on PinterestOvulation cramping begins about halfway through a person’s cycle, rather than right before or during menstruation.

An ovary typically releases an egg about midway through a person’s menstrual cycle. This is ovulation.

For some people, ovulation creates a sensation of cramping or pain once a month on one side of the abdomen. If a person has these cramps every month, the sensation may switch sides from month to month, depending on which ovary releases the egg.

Ovulation cramping may happen before, during, or shortly after the release of an egg.

Not everyone who menstruates has ovulation cramps. According to the University of Florida, about 1 in 5 people who menstruate have cramping around the time of ovulation.

Some people do not experience the cramping every month or do not have the same amount of discomfort every month.

Ovulation cramping may occur if:

• the follicle where the egg develops stretches the ovary
• the release of blood and other fluid from the ovary irritates surrounding tissue

The sensation of ovulation cramping can range from mild discomfort to intense pain. It may be difficult to identify the cause of the pain, especially if ovulation cramps do not occur every month.

The primary symptom of ovulation cramping is pain on one side of the abdomen, and this typically lasts 3–12 hours. However, a person who has had ovarian surgery may experience the pain until menstruation.

Below are characteristics of ovulation cramping:

• pain or cramping on one side of the abdomen
• pain or cramping that starts midway through the menstrual cycle
• pain or cramping that switches sides, month by month
• pain that is sharp and may be severe

Ovulation pain occurs right before, during, or right after the release of an egg, which is also when a female is most likely to become pregnant. As a result, the sensation may help with recognizing fertility.

However, people who do not want to conceive should not use ovulation cramps to determine when it is safe to have unprotected sex — this method is not accurate, the University of California note, and could result in unintended pregnancy.

Some people who menstruate do not experience any discomfort during ovulation.

A person might also recognize that they are ovulating by the following signs:

• increased cervical mucus
• breast tenderness
• spotting or light bleeding
• increased libido
• increased basal body temperature

Ovulation cramps occur when one ovary releases an egg. If sperm do not fertilize the egg, the menstrual cycle continues: the egg breaks and the uterus sheds its lining.

If sperm do fertilize the egg, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This attaching is called “implantation.”

Implantation can cause cramping. It can also cause a small amount of bleeding or spotting, which can occur 3–14 days after fertilization. Implantation bleeding is typically brownish and the flow is light.

Beyond implantation bleeding and cramping, early pregnancy can cause:

• nausea
• a frequent urge to urinate
• fatigue
• vomiting

Various health conditions cause abdominal cramps, which may happen to occur in the middle of the menstrual cycle and resemble ovarian cramping.

Some other causes of abdominal cramping or pain include:

• acute appendicitis, which can present with similar symptoms to ovulation cramps
• endometriosis, which involves tissue similar to uterine lining tissue growing outside the uterus and affects at least 11% of females in the United States ages 15–44
• uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the walls of the uterus and can cause pain, bleeding, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

Ovulation cramps typically go away on their own. To relieve the pain, the following can often help:

• over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• a warm compress or bath
• hormonal contraceptives that prevent ovulation

If ovulation cramps go away within a few hours, a person usually does not need medical attention.

A person should contact a healthcare provider if they have cramping and:

• pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• painful urination
• vomiting
• have missed a period

Ovulation cramping is often mild and goes away after a few hours. It can let people who want to conceive know that the time might be right.

However, people who do not want to conceive should not rely on ovulation cramps to indicate fertility. This is not an effective way to time unprotected sex.

If the cramping or pain is intense, a warm bath and over-the-counter pain medication may help. Anyone who experiences severe pain or cramps accompanied by vomiting or unusual bleeding should contact a doctor.

how to track ovulation and understand that it has come

If a woman complains at a gynecologist’s appointment that she cannot get pregnant, one of the reasons may be the lack of ovulation. Contrary to popular belief, it does not occur every month, but is necessary for conception. Few can boast that they feel the onset of this condition, focusing on sensations, so we will highlight the signs of ovulation in a woman.

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Women Health

Pregnancy test

Causes of pain

Delayed menstruation causes

ovulation

Let’s talk about how to find out that ovulation has come, highlight the main signs and methods for determining.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

When the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube after the rupture of the mature follicle, ovulation occurs. Thus, its meaning lies in the release of the egg for further fertilization and transportation through the genital tract. The ovulatory period does not have clear boundaries and a specific duration. For the most part, a woman is not able to feel the moment or day of ovulation, but certain signs and methods can indicate this.

What is ovulation and how does it happen

Each of the two ovaries contains approximately two hundred thousand immature eggs. By the time of puberty, about five hundred eggs reach full maturity. The female reproductive system goes through the same sequence of stages about once a month, which is associated with the activity of hormones. These stages are called the menstrual cycle – the time from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next. A favorable period for the onset of pregnancy occurs in the middle of the cycle, when signs of ovulation can be distinguished.

The release of the egg from the ovary towards the sperm occurs on average on the 14th day of the cycle, but when it comes to a 28-day cycle. In women, these numbers vary, so deviations from the average are normal. The definition of ovulation is that at this time a mature egg leaves the ovary and descends through the fallopian tube into the uterus. During the day, it can be fertilized.

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In the second phase of the cycle, the “main” follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, its function is the synthesis of the hormone progesterone. The corpus luteum functions for about ten days. In parallel, the lining of the uterus grows and thickens to receive and nourish the fertilized egg if needed. If conception does not occur, the egg dies, and the uterus cleans itself from the mucous membrane – critical days come. We will tell you what signs are noticeable during ovulation, but first we will explain how the egg matures.

• After the start of menstruation on the fifth or seventh day, the cell size reaches 4-5 mm.
• Cover of connective tissue appears on about the eighth day, the dominant follicle is different from the rest.
• In diameter, the leading follicle is 16-18 mm by the twelfth day, the rest regress at this time.
• The egg matures and leaves the follicular cavity through the rupture on the fourteenth day, about 36-48 hours pass between the process of preparing for ovulation and ovulation itself, but no more.
• The ovulatory cycle begins on the fourteenth or sixteenth day, when the diameter of the follicular cell (graafian vesicle) can exceed 20 mm.
• If the egg is fertilized, by the fourth day the embryo will enter the uterus and implantation will occur. If not, the egg will die.

Once again, we recall that we considered the standard option – 14 days with a 28-day cycle. As a rule, observations during one cycle do not reflect an accurate picture. And the duration of the menstrual cycle is affected by the rate of maturation of the egg in its first phase before the onset of ovulation, the first signs of which we will consider below.

Sensations during ovulation and its main signs

Some women say that their intuition, sixth sense or some personal observations tell them about the onset of the desired phase. Like, the body sends them strong signals. Medicine reacts with caution to subjective sensations, but signs and symptoms that indicate ovulation still exist.

• Spasms on one side of the abdomen (on the side where the process is taking place), sometimes similar to cramps, pulling pains below, which is most likely due to tension in the organ.
• Increased vaginal discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle is also a sign of ovulation in a woman. The secret becomes more liquid and creamy, similar to raw egg white.
• Often the body temperature rises by about 0.3 – 0.5 degrees, and after two or three days it returns to the previous figure.
• Increased sensitivity of the breast, including in the area of ​​the nipples. The occurrence of this symptom is affected by hormonal fluctuations in the body.
• The cervix rises and is less palpable through the vagina, becoming softer and wider. The gynecologist may notice this during the examination.
• How to understand and recognize ovulation if there are signs of an emotional nature? A woman’s mood improves, she experiences increased sexual desire, her sense of smell even becomes more acute (to search for a partner). This is because the level of the hormone estrogen rises, which affects the emotional lift. From a physiological point of view, the quality of cervical mucus improves, which promotes conception.

You should not rush to the forum to read how girls find all the signs of ovulation in themselves, and then note imaginary flaws in themselves. The listed symptoms are individual, may appear separately or not at all.

How to calculate ovulation

It is believed that ovulation occurs two weeks before the next period. So that the signs of early pregnancy do not take you by surprise, it is better to know when ovulation will begin. To do this, it is enough to keep a women’s calendar. It is necessary to subtract fourteen days between ovulation and the first day of menstruation from the menstrual cycle as a whole.

If the cycle lasts 30 days, ovulation will occur approximately on the 16th day, if 33, then on the 19th. The regularity of the cycle plays a big role in this regard. When it is unstable, the calculation may be wrong. For example, if the cycle lasts from 27 to 31 days, ovulation will occur between 13 and 17 days. To make the most accurate calculations, you need to track several cycles and calculate the average duration. Subtract 14 from the last digit and get the approximate date. No matter what obvious signs of ovulation you have, it is better to do a test, an ultrasound scan, or use other methods to get a reliable result.

How to determine ovulation: working methods

Knowing when this process occurs is important in addressing two questions. If a woman plans to become pregnant, and if she uses a calendar method of contraception. It is not enough to rely solely on signs, we will tell you how else you can understand that you have started ovulation.

Folliculometry

Ultrasound diagnostic method by which the doctor observes folliculogenesis during the menstrual cycle. He sees the process of maturation of the follicle and the development of the dominant. This method is much more informative than just external signs during ovulation or subjective sensations. For example, if the size of the dominant follicle is 18 mm, this day and the next are suitable for pregnancy.

The procedure is performed either transvaginally (by inserting a transducer into the vagina) or abdominally (through the anterior abdominal wall). On the monitor, the specialist identifies signs of the onset or past ovulation:

• maturing follicles
• follicular rupture
• accumulation of fluid behind the uterus

This method has its positive and negative sides: 9000 3

• Pros: Monitoring allows you to see the fertile day and find out if artificial hormonal stimulation is needed.
• Cons: For research, you need to go through several procedures, and for a more complete picture, you need to observe for several menstrual cycles. First you need to come 3-5 days from the beginning of your period, then 5-7 days after the previous ultrasound. Then the intervals of the sessions are every two days. It turns out that observations take a lot of time and you have to bear the costs.

Ovulation Tests

A test that you can do at home and buy at the pharmacy will help you catch signs of ovulation. It detects the rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and is similar to a pregnancy test. They have a common mechanism of action – you need to wet the strip with urine and wait for the result.

True, the reliability of the study is noted in the morning hours after the onset of pregnancy, while the signs of ovulation are more accurately seen in the daytime. Just then, the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the urine increases. Before ovulation, the values ​​will be maximum, and tests make it possible to fix the peak. A positive result indicates that this and the next days are the most favorable for conception.

For example, if the cycle is 30 days, then from the 13th day you need to start measuring. Even if there are signs of ovulation, but it has not come, without ovulation, the second strip will not appear. Around day 15, the test line will become as bright as the control line. This means that the ovulatory period needs to wait for the next day.

• Pros: Convenience and ease of doing research at home. Observations do not take much time.
• Cons: False-negative results are due to different testing times, the amount of fluid drunk, with an irregular cycle, there is a high chance of missing ovulation. In addition, sensitive tests are expensive.

Temperature measurement

If the first sign of ovulation is vaginal discharge, then the second is fever. The dynamics of its change speaks about the onset of the process. In the first days of the cycle, the basal temperature is kept at approximately the same level. The day before ovulation, it decreases by fractions of a degree, and on day X it increases above the beginning of the cycle.

It is important to remember that discharge is easy to spot, and sensations due to temperature fluctuations are less obvious signs of ovulation. They do not affect well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to take measurements with an accurate thermometer with a minimum error. The procedure is performed immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed. You can’t even run to the toilet or to another room for a thermometer. It should lie next to the evening. It is advisable to take measurements at the same time and highlight the results on the graph by connecting the points at the end into a broken line.

So, how to know that ovulation has come, what are the signs for this regarding changes in body temperature. On the first day of the cycle, it can be 36.9 degrees. A few days before ovulation – 36.2. And if she crawled up to 37 degrees, then ovulation most likely occurred. During menstruation, you do not need to use the method.

If the temperature rises after ovulation, the probability of successful conception is high, what early signs may indicate this, we wrote earlier. Note that measurements are taken rectally, since other methods give large deviations from the actual basal temperature. It is necessary to see changes in tenths of a degree, so it is possible that a woman sometimes notes a random wandering of temperature with false rises and falls.

• Pros: The availability and efficiency of the method, while respecting the rules of measurement, makes it stand out from the rest.
• Cons: The result is affected not only by the phase of the cycle, but also by stress, ailments, sleep disturbances, diseases, sexual contacts. Because of all these points, the temperature can rise, which complicates the search for symptoms. Reviews of experts say that the method determines the signs of ovulation, but it is considered auxiliary, not the main one.

Blood test

There is no specialized blood test to determine ovulation. But in laboratory conditions, indicators of luteinizing hormone are monitored. We will tell you what signs in this case appear so that you can catch the day of ovulation. About a day before the onset, the concentration of LH in the blood increases tenfold. Blood must be donated on days 3-8 and 19-21. At the peak of the hormone concentration, ovulation occurs. It reflects the level of the hormone in numbers with great accuracy.

Also, the analysis gives the opportunity to see the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is he who stimulates the growth of follicles, and together with LH is responsible for the secretion of estrogen and ovulation in general. If its concentration reaches 40 or more mIU / ml, it is almost impossible to get pregnant. In young women, this indicator may indicate a low ovarian reserve, and in mature women, it may indicate a loss of childbearing function.

• Pros: The blood sampling procedure itself takes little time, the analysis shows the onset of ovulation with great accuracy.
• Cons: There is a need to regularly go to the clinic, the analysis has to be taken several times, so the method can be considered expensive.

Why pain occurs during ovulation

Pain is not a common symptom of ovulation. It is not found in all women. Drawing pains are in the lower abdomen in the center, on the right or on the left, which depends on which ovary the dominant follicle matures. An unpleasant sensation is associated with an increase in the level of biologically active substances in the body of a woman before ovulation – prostaglandins.

They dissolve the wall of the follicle so that the egg can enter the fallopian tube. This gap cannot be physically felt, but the mechanisms associated with the process sometimes lead to nausea, headaches and discomfort in the lower abdomen. It should be noted that after menstruation, signs in the form of pain really indicate impending ovulation, and not about any pathology. The first is characterized by the following indicators:

• Pain occurs on the day of ovulation, sometimes it is noted the day before or a day or two after it. It should last no more than two days and pass on its own.
• Sensations accompany ovulation for several cycles, for clarification it is advisable to keep a diary and describe such phenomena in it.
• Approximately two weeks after the painful symptoms, another ovulation occurs.
• Pain is usually mild and does not require medication.

Severe pulling pains should alert, especially if they are accompanied by fever, dizziness, vomiting. Signs of pathology – blood discharge during ovulation. If they are weak, then hormonal changes take place. There is a decrease in the amount of the hormone estrogen and a weakening of the endometrium. But if the discharge is plentiful or purulent, this is a clear reason to see a doctor. And you should not prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on your own, because on the days of the expected ovulation or shortly before them, they can reduce the chances of conception.

What happens to the egg after ovulation

When a follicle ruptures, the egg travels into the fallopian tube, where it can meet the male sex cells. If spermatozoa survive up to seven days in the uterus and fallopian tubes, the cell is given much less time – from 12 to 24 hours. Conception will occur only if the meeting of the spermatozoon with the female reproductive cell took place during the period of her vital activity.

The path to the female cell is difficult, spermatozoa do not always pass it in time. If fertilization does not occur, the next day the egg is unable to complete the task after ovulation. It turns out that if the fetal egg does not attach in the uterine cavity, it dies. But during fertilization, the egg finds a place and attaches to the hairs of the uterine wall. During this period, there may be slight pink discharge. A fertilized egg is already considered an embryo. You can confidently talk about the onset of pregnancy in 6-8 weeks.

Why ovulation does not occur and is it dangerous? If conception did not occur in a short period of cell viability, after ovulation, the first signs of pregnancy in the same cycle should not be expected. Most likely, it will not come. But it also happens that conception occurs in the second phase of the cycle.

But then ovulation is not celebrated on the 14th day, as usual, but approximately on the 18th. Then ovulation is called late.

In this situation, the risk of an unplanned pregnancy is likely, because the woman considers the days safe and does not use contraceptives. By the way, for planning pregnancy, the signs of early ovulation are also not very convenient. This cyclic pathology has a short follicular phase – less than 12 days, so the chances of conceiving a child are reduced. In this case, it has not yet fully developed and matured, and therefore is not ready for fertilization. If it happens, the risk of miscarriage is high.

Sometimes it happens that menstruation comes on time, but ovulation does not occur. Normally, a woman can observe up to three anovulatory cycles without changes in her health status. But if there are more of them, you should consult a doctor and be examined. We told how ovulation manifests itself, we list the main reasons for its absence:

• stress, intense emotional and physical stress
• obesity, when the body mass index exceeds 25
• underweight and low fat percentage
• elevated prolactin hormone levels
• thyroid dysfunction
• lack of estrogen, excessive production of androgens
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• oncology of the pituitary, ovaries and adrenal glands
• automyom lunar diseases
• taking antidepressants, COCs, corticosteroids, etc.

In any case, all these factors require increased attention, because they pose a danger to women’s health. You can suspect something is wrong with an irregular cycle, the absence of menstruation, with prolonged bleeding, a sharp increase in weight, hair loss. Determining ovulation is important not only for the implementation of plans to become a mother, but also for controlling body functions.

Photo: Unsplash, Pxhere

Early pregnancy. What is implantation cramps?

When do cramps occur during implantation? How to define them? What other early signs of pregnancy are there

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Women Health

Pregnancy

Photo: pexels

If you have ever been pregnant or tried to get pregnant, you may have heard of implantation cramps. But when exactly do such spasms occur and why?

When ovulation occurs, one ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tubes. If you have sex 3 days before or within 24 hours after this release, then there is a high chance that the egg will be fertilized. When this happens, the newly fertilized egg settles on the lining of the uterus. The implantation process can cause mild cramps (implantation cramps). Not everyone feels them, they do not have any effect on the course of pregnancy or the health of the fetus.

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What does cramping look like after implantation?

In most cases, they feel like mild spasms, a little aching. Some people also describe a tingling or pulling sensation. Typically, cramps are felt in the lower back, lower abdomen, or even the pelvis.

When do they occur?

Each menstrual cycle is different and it may take six to ten days for a new fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

As a rule, if the menstrual cycle is a regular menstrual cycle, then cramps can disturb 4-8 days before the next menstruation. (The average time between ovulation and menstruation is about 14 days)

Do they look like menstrual cramps?

The sensation itself is similar to menstrual cramps, but usually not as strong.