What causes cramping during ovulation. How to recognize ovulation pain. When to seek medical attention for mid-cycle cramping. What are effective treatments for mittelschmerz discomfort.

What is Mittelschmerz? Decoding Ovulation Cramping

Mittelschmerz, derived from the German words for “middle” and “pain,” refers to the cramping or discomfort some women experience during ovulation. This phenomenon occurs when a follicle in the ovary ruptures to release an egg, typically in the middle of the menstrual cycle. While not all women experience mittelschmerz, it’s estimated that about 20% of women feel some form of ovulation pain.

Is mittelschmerz a cause for concern? Generally, ovulation cramping is a normal part of the reproductive cycle for many women. However, understanding its characteristics and knowing when to seek medical attention can help you better manage your reproductive health.

The Physiology Behind Ovulation Pain: Why Does It Happen?

The exact cause of mittelschmerz isn’t fully understood, but several theories exist:

• Follicle growth: As the follicle containing the egg grows, it may stretch the surface of the ovary, causing discomfort.
• Fluid release: When the follicle ruptures, it releases blood and other fluids that may irritate surrounding tissues.
• Egg release: The process of the egg breaking through the ovary wall may cause momentary pain.

How long does ovulation pain typically last? The duration can vary significantly among women. Some may experience a brief twinge lasting only minutes, while others might feel discomfort for several hours or up to 24 hours.

Recognizing the Signs: 6 Key Indicators of Ovulation Pain

Distinguishing ovulation pain from other types of abdominal discomfort is crucial. Here are six telltale signs of mittelschmerz:

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 suddenly and without warning.
3. Sharp sensation: It’s usually described as a sharp pain, twinge, or cramping rather than a dull ache.
4. Variable duration: The discomfort may last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours.
5. Alternating sides: The pain may switch sides from month to month, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg.
6. Timing: Ovulation pain occurs about two weeks before the start of the menstrual period.

Can ovulation pain be accompanied by other symptoms? Some women may experience mild spotting or vaginal discharge during ovulation. In cases of severe cramping, nausea may also occur.

Ovulation Pain as a Fertility Indicator: Friend or Foe?

For women trying to conceive, ovulation pain can serve as a natural fertility indicator. Recognizing this mid-cycle discomfort can help pinpoint the most fertile days of the menstrual cycle.

When is the optimal time for conception? According to Dr. Amy Autry, clinical professor at the University of California at San Francisco, “You’re most likely to conceive if you have intercourse right before ovulation, on the day of ovulation, or immediately after ovulation.”

Can ovulation pain be used as a contraceptive method? While some women use mittelschmerz as a signal to avoid intercourse if they’re trying to prevent pregnancy, it’s crucial to remember that this method is not reliable on its own. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, meaning unprotected sex in the days leading up to ovulation could still result in pregnancy.

Managing Mittelschmerz: Treatment Options for Ovulation Discomfort

For many women, ovulation pain is mild and doesn’t require treatment. However, for those experiencing more significant discomfort, several options are available:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate cramping.
• Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad to the abdomen or taking a warm bath can increase blood flow and relax tense muscles.
• Hormonal contraceptives: For women with consistently bothersome ovulation pain, birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings can prevent ovulation altogether.

How effective are these treatments for mittelschmerz? While individual responses may vary, many women find significant relief through a combination of these methods. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Distinguishing Normal from Concerning

While ovulation pain is typically benign, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain lasting longer than a day
• Pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or unusual vaginal bleeding
• Sudden, intense pain that interferes with daily activities

Why is it important to rule out other conditions? Some serious conditions, such as appendicitis, ovarian cysts, or ectopic pregnancy, can mimic ovulation pain but require immediate medical intervention. A thorough medical examination and diagnostic tests can help differentiate between normal ovulation discomfort and more serious issues.

Ovulation Pain Across the Lifespan: From Adolescence to Perimenopause

The experience of mittelschmerz can vary throughout a woman’s reproductive years. Ovulation pain is most common in adolescents and women in their twenties, but it can occur up to age 45.

Does ovulation pain change with age? Some women may find that their experience of mittelschmerz evolves over time. For instance, pain that was noticeable in younger years might become less pronounced with age, or vice versa. Hormonal changes, stress levels, and overall health can all influence how ovulation pain is perceived.

Is it normal to start experiencing ovulation pain later in life? While it’s more common for women to experience mittelschmerz from adolescence, some may only begin noticing ovulation pain in their 30s or 40s. This can be due to increased body awareness or changes in hormonal balance. As long as the pain follows the typical pattern of ovulation discomfort and isn’t severe, it’s generally not a cause for concern.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Ovulation Pain

While the primary cause of mittelschmerz is the physiological process of ovulation, certain lifestyle factors may influence the intensity or frequency of ovulation pain. Consider the following aspects:

Diet and Nutrition

Can dietary choices affect ovulation pain? Some women report that certain foods or dietary patterns seem to exacerbate their ovulation discomfort. While scientific evidence is limited, consider the following:

• Anti-inflammatory foods: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, may help reduce inflammation and potentially ease ovulation pain.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help prevent bloating and may minimize cramping.
• Caffeine and alcohol: Some women find that reducing their intake of caffeine and alcohol around ovulation time helps alleviate discomfort.

Exercise and Physical Activity

How does exercise impact ovulation pain? Regular physical activity can have several benefits:

• Improved circulation: Exercise promotes better blood flow, which may help reduce cramping.
• Endorphin release: Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, natural pain-relievers that can help manage discomfort.
• Stress reduction: Regular exercise can help lower stress levels, which may indirectly influence the perception of pain.

Is there an optimal type of exercise for managing ovulation pain? Low-impact activities like yoga, swimming, or walking are often recommended, as they provide the benefits of exercise without putting excessive strain on the abdominal area.

Stress Management

Can stress affect ovulation pain? While stress doesn’t directly cause mittelschmerz, high stress levels can increase overall sensitivity to pain and discomfort. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular relaxation practices may help some women better manage their ovulation pain.

Tracking Ovulation Pain: Tools and Techniques

For women who experience regular ovulation pain, tracking this symptom can provide valuable insights into their menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health. Consider the following methods:

Menstrual Cycle Apps

How can apps help track ovulation pain? Many menstrual cycle tracking apps allow users to log symptoms like mittelschmerz. Over time, this can help identify patterns and predict when ovulation pain might occur.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting

What is BBT charting, and how does it relate to ovulation pain? Tracking your basal body temperature throughout your cycle can help pinpoint ovulation. By correlating this data with instances of ovulation pain, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of your cycle.

Ovulation Prediction Kits

Can ovulation prediction kits complement tracking ovulation pain? These at-home tests detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation. Using these kits in conjunction with tracking ovulation pain can provide a more accurate picture of your fertile window.

Is tracking ovulation pain beneficial for all women? While not necessary for everyone, tracking can be particularly helpful for women who are trying to conceive or those who experience significant discomfort during ovulation. It can also aid in discussions with healthcare providers about menstrual health and fertility.

Mittelschmerz and Fertility Treatments

For women undergoing fertility treatments, the experience of ovulation pain may be different. Here’s what to consider:

Ovulation Induction Medications

How do fertility medications affect ovulation pain? Drugs used to stimulate ovulation, such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins, may intensify ovulation pain in some women. This is often due to the development of multiple follicles, which can cause more pronounced discomfort when released.

Monitoring During Fertility Treatment

What role does ovulation pain play in fertility treatment monitoring? While healthcare providers primarily rely on ultrasound and blood tests to track follicle development and ovulation, some women find that their experience of mittelschmerz aligns with these clinical indicators. However, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance rather than relying solely on physical symptoms.

Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider

Why is it important to discuss ovulation pain with your fertility specialist? Sharing your experience of mittelschmerz can provide valuable information to your healthcare team. It may help in timing certain procedures or adjusting medication dosages. Always report any unusual or severe pain during fertility treatments, as this could indicate complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Mittelschmerz in the Context of Reproductive Health Conditions

While ovulation pain is often a normal occurrence, it’s essential to consider how it might interact with or be affected by various reproductive health conditions:

Endometriosis

How does endometriosis impact ovulation pain? Women with endometriosis may experience more severe ovulation pain due to the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. In some cases, what is perceived as intense mittelschmerz could actually be pain related to endometriosis lesions.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Do women with PCOS experience ovulation pain differently? PCOS can lead to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation). As a result, women with this condition may experience ovulation pain less frequently or not at all. However, when ovulation does occur, it may be accompanied by more noticeable discomfort due to the enlarged ovaries often associated with PCOS.

Ovarian Cysts

Can ovarian cysts be mistaken for ovulation pain? Functional ovarian cysts, which are common and often harmless, can cause pain similar to mittelschmerz. However, the pain from cysts may be more persistent and not necessarily tied to the mid-point of the menstrual cycle. If you experience frequent or severe pain, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out problematic cysts.

How can women differentiate between normal ovulation pain and symptoms of reproductive health conditions? While some overlap in symptoms can occur, persistent or severe pain, pain that doesn’t follow the typical pattern of mittelschmerz, or pain accompanied by other symptoms like heavy bleeding or infertility should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Regular gynecological check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to maintaining optimal reproductive health.

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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Cramping During Ovulation Isn’t Unusual

Women have long associated the female “cycle” with pain, at least some of the time. But most people might not realize that there’s a specific pain or cramping during ovulation that is different than typical menstrual pain and which occurs at a different time.

If you’ve felt abdominal pain in the middle of your menstrual cycle – about two weeks before you are due for your period – that is likely pain or cramping associated with ovulation, a process lasts a total of 12-24 hours.

There’s even a name for this pain. Known as mittelschmerz – which is German for “middle pain” – this cramping during ovulation can last for just a brief minute or two or it may plague some women for up to a few hours.

Why does cramping happen?

Technically, mittelschmerz occurs when the tiny sac in the ovary that holds the egg ruptures and releases it. Occurring mid-cycle, it’ll only be felt on one side, unlike common menstrual pain. This is because only one egg is usually released during ovulation, so the cramping will be felt in EITHER the left or right ovary, depending on which one is releasing the egg.

Theories hypothesize that the pain occurs because the surface of the ovary is stretched as the follicle grows prior to the release of the egg. Other studies have determined that blood and other fluid is released when the follicle ruptures. That causes irritation initially, but it disappears when the fluid is reabsorbed.

Regardless of why it happens, according to a variety of studies, only about 20 percent of all menstruating women notice ovulation-related cramping on a regular basis though a higher percentage report it on occasion.

How can you tell if it’s ovulation pain?

There are plenty of ways to diagnose ovulation-related pain.

• You don’t have your period. Instead, it occurs between two periods.
• It happens only on one side, though it may switch sides from month to month.
• Menstrual cramps often feel like a dull ache but cramping from ovulation is usually described as sharp or like a twinge or pinch.
• There’s usually no warning as there are no other physical signs to go along with it, like the bleeding that accompanies menstruation. It comes on suddenly.
• It lasts only a few minutes to a few hours, rarely longer.

Cramping during ovulation can be helpful!

If you are trying to get pregnant, experiencing cramping or other kinds of pain during ovulation probably means that your body is working correctly and producing eggs for fertilization, which will occur naturally or by artificial means. Those who experience regular cramping like this can often – after a few months – judge when they are ovulating and can determine the best time for intercourse that could result in a pregnancy.

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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.