What are the symptoms of ovulation cramps? How do they impact fertility? Discover the causes, signs, and management of ovulation-related discomfort.

Understanding Ovulation Cramps

Ovulation cramps, also known as mittelschmerz, are a common symptom experienced by many people who menstruate. These cramps occur when one of the ovaries releases an egg, typically midway through the menstrual cycle. The discomfort can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and it may switch sides from month to month depending on which ovary is releasing the egg.

Symptoms of Ovulation Cramps

The primary symptom of ovulation cramps is a sharp, localized pain or discomfort on one side of the abdomen. This pain typically lasts for 3-12 hours, though it may persist until the next menstrual period for some individuals, especially those who have had previous ovarian surgery. Other symptoms of ovulation may include increased cervical mucus, breast tenderness, spotting or light bleeding, increased libido, and a rise in basal body temperature.

Causes of Ovulation Cramps

Ovulation cramps occur due to the physical changes that take place during the release of an egg from the ovary. The stretching of the follicle where the egg develops, as well as the release of blood and other fluids from the ovary, can irritate the surrounding tissues and cause the characteristic cramping sensation.

Ovulation Cramps and Fertility

Ovulation cramps can be a helpful indicator of fertility for those trying to conceive, as they occur right before, during, or shortly after the release of an egg. This is the most fertile time of the menstrual cycle. However, it’s important to note that ovulation cramps are not a reliable method of birth control, as they can be unpredictable and may not occur every month.

Other Causes of Mid-Cycle Cramps

While ovulation cramps are the most common cause of mid-cycle abdominal pain, other conditions can also lead to similar discomfort. These include appendicitis, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and implantation cramping during early pregnancy. If the cramps are severe, persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Managing Ovulation Cramps

In most cases, ovulation cramps are mild and go away on their own within a few hours. Over-the-counter pain medications, warm compresses, and hormonal contraceptives that prevent ovulation can all be effective in relieving the discomfort. If the cramps are severe or persistent, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Are ovulation cramps a sign of fertility?

Yes, ovulation cramps can be a sign of fertility, as they typically occur right before, during, or shortly after the release of an egg from the ovary. This is the most fertile time of the menstrual cycle for individuals trying to conceive.

Can ovulation cramps be a sign of a problem?

While ovulation cramps are generally a normal and harmless part of the menstrual cycle, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. If the cramps are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

How long do ovulation cramps typically last?

Ovulation cramps typically last for 3-12 hours, though they may persist until the next menstrual period for some individuals, especially those who have had previous ovarian surgery.

Can ovulation cramps be a sign of pregnancy?

No, ovulation cramps are not a sign of pregnancy. Implantation cramping, which can occur 3-14 days after fertilization, may be mistaken for ovulation cramps, but it is a separate phenomenon.

How can I relieve ovulation cramps?

To relieve ovulation cramps, over-the-counter pain medications (such as ibuprofen), warm compresses, and hormonal contraceptives that prevent ovulation can all be effective. If the cramps are severe or persistent, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Are ovulation cramps a reliable method of birth control?

No, ovulation cramps are not a reliable method of birth control. The timing and severity of ovulation cramps can be unpredictable, and they do not provide enough information to accurately determine when it is safe to have unprotected sex without the risk of pregnancy.

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.

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.

causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment • Russian Doctor

The name epilepsy comes from the Greek word for “to be seized”. Sudden spontaneous attack is the hallmark of this disease. Epilepsy is often accompanied by a fall to the ground and convulsive twitching.

As the brain performs its daily functions, millions of electrical and chemical signals travel from its nerve cells to the body. These electrochemical messages are essential to almost everything we do and feel. An epileptic seizure is a sudden and abnormally high discharge of electrical activity among a large number of nerve cells in the brain.

Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system, affecting approximately 1 in 250 people. About a quarter of people with epilepsy will be diagnosed before the age of 10, and another third before the age of 19.

The diagnosis of epilepsy is made only if there were at least 2 episodes of unprovoked seizures on different days. Having an “unprovoked” seizure means there is no overt trigger.

Causes

Epilepsy that first appears in adulthood is often associated with some local injury such as poor blood flow, a brain tumor, or a previous head injury. Epilepsy in children can sometimes be caused by meningitis in infancy or a developmental disorder of the brain, and is often inherited.

Certain events are believed to have a tendency to cause seizures:

• cocaine and some other drugs;
• intense exercise;
• abstinence from alcohol;
• exposure to flashes or strobe lights;
• hormonal changes;
• hyperventilation;
• poor quality sleep;
• loud music;
• skipping meals or malnutrition;
• strong emotions.

Catamenial epilepsy refers to seizures that occur during menstruation. These seizures occur most often around the time of ovulation or just before menstruation. Seizures appear to be triggered by estrogen and prevented by progesterone. This explains why some women experience seizures during puberty, when estrogen predominates, and may improve after menopause.

Symptoms and complications

Before an attack, many people experience a warning sign called an aura, which may include certain smells, sensations, or visual effects. After an attack, a person may be confused, tired or drowsy, experience muscle pain, and may not remember what happened.

Many people believe that a person having an epileptic seizure is in danger of swallowing their tongue and suffocating. In fact, this almost never happens. If you try to open the mouth of someone who is having a seizure, you could damage their teeth (or lose a finger). If the person is standing, you usually don’t have to do anything; if he is unconscious, turn him over on his side and unbutton his shirt.

An exception is status epilepticus when the seizure either lasts more than 5 minutes or recurs many times in a short period. This can be triggered after the sudden cessation of birth control pills. You must call an ambulance if this happens.

Species

Epileptic seizures are classified according to their specific characteristics. The classification takes into account where the seizure begins, the person’s awareness, and other features of the seizure.

A seizure can be classified according to where it starts in the brain:

• Focal seizures begin in one specific area.
• Generalized seizures may begin on both sides of the brain.

A person’s awareness during a seizure can also be used to describe and classify a seizure. People can be aware of what is happening during epilepsy without losing consciousness or having impaired awareness. Other features used for classified seizures include the presence of movement during seizures.

Approximately 5% of children born to women with epilepsy have a birth defect. Antiepileptic drugs are known to be responsible for at least some birth defects. Defects can be minor or easily corrected by surgery (malform fingers, cleft lip, or palate), but sometimes more serious problems, such as spina bifida, can occur.

Diagnosis

If you think you or your child has had an epileptic seizure, see your doctor.

The main test for epilepsy is the EEG. It is completely painless and can even be done while the person is sleeping.

CT, PET and MRI provide images of the brain. They are needed to diagnose injuries, tumors, abscesses, and infections such as meningitis that can cause epilepsy.

Treatment and prevention

Anticonvulsants will eliminate or reduce seizures in most people. There are several types, and not all of them work in every case.

Examples of anticonvulsants:

• carbamazepine,
• lamotrigine,
• phenytoin,
• topiramate,
• valproic acid.

The doctor may prescribe several to find the right one for a particular patient.

Unfortunately, many anticonvulsant medications can have side effects. Some can make a person mentally lethargic. Some can cause facial hair to grow and even change facial features. They can also reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives and cause birth defects.

If a person has not had a seizure while taking medication for a long time, their doctor may consider slowly stopping the medication.

Epilepsy arising from a damaged part of the brain may require surgery when medication is not enough. Sometimes this can cure the problem.

An implanted pacemaker-type device that stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck at regular intervals can sometimes improve seizures. A person wearing this device who anticipates a seizure can stop it by waving a small magnet over the implant to turn on the stimulator.

Sexuality for people with epilepsy

Epilepsy has a number of sexual and reproductive complications that scientists do not fully understand. Nearly a third of men with epilepsy have erectile dysfunction, and many women with epilepsy complain of vaginal dryness, painful contractions during sex, or low libido.

All sexually active women, including women with epilepsy, should talk to their doctor about folic acid supplements that reduce the risk of birth defects. There are also treatments for various sexual problems that may accompany epilepsy.

Exercise for people with epilepsy

Exercise is generally beneficial for people with epilepsy and they rarely experience seizures during exercise. People with epilepsy should take some precautions to avoid injury, such as avoiding swimming or bathing unattended, operating heavy machinery, or climbing stairs. While some precautions are necessary, parents should try not to be overprotective. People with epilepsy can lead full, happy and productive lives.

why they happen and how to recognize them – HEROINE

Pain during ovulation is not the same as painful menstruation, although they are no less common. Such pain may be accompanied by tingling, cramps and other unpleasant sensations. About why this happens and what to do if you experience pain during ovulation, you will learn from this material.

Why ovulation pain occurs

There are several common reasons why ovulation is accompanied by pain.

The egg develops in the follicle located in the ovary and is released during ovulation. This may be accompanied by the release of blood and follicular fluid, which irritates the abdominal cavity. This is what causes pain.

Although pain during ovulation is not an independent disease, it can be a symptom of serious disorders. For example, infections and pelvic inflammatory disease.

They are also not uncommon in polycystic ovary syndrome – a condition when benign formations appear in these organs. They bring a lot of health problems – you can read more about it here.

What are the pains during ovulation and how to relieve them

The nature of the pain during ovulation can be different – from pulling sensations to sudden and sharp spasms. It usually appears in the lower abdomen, on the left or right. Each cycle, its localization can change: this is due to which ovary is responsible for ovulation.

Often, pain can radiate to the lower back and increase with weight lifting and other active loads. A sharp change in body position, sex – all this leads to discomfort.

Each woman has a different duration of these sensations: for some it lasts a few minutes, while others suffer from it for about a day.

The whole complex of disorders that occur in a woman’s body due to ovulation is called ovulatory syndrome. There are several symptoms that accompany ovulation pain. And each of them must be dealt with in their own way.

Pain that radiates to the lower back

The ovaries are located in the center of the pelvis and often during ovulation pain radiates to the lower back. At the same time, it is pulling and dull.

Typically, during menstruation and ovulation, this pain is experienced by women with a retroverted uterus. But even those who have it located correctly are not immune from it.

To reduce this type of pain, you can do some stretching exercises for your lower back. Also try to maintain good posture throughout the day. If the discomfort is too strong, you should take painkillers. But remember that it should not be drunk too often.

You can also use warm compresses to apply to the lower back.

Convulsions

It is not uncommon for women to experience unpleasant cramps during ovulation. Obstetrician-gynecologist Kesia Gaither from the USA explains why this happens:

The uterus begins to reject the mucous membrane. Substances known as prostaglandins are released, leading to cramps and pain.

If these symptoms are too severe, you should consult a doctor. Often women in this state have a desire to lie down and not move, but this is not right. On the contrary, it is worth moving more, for example, you can perform not too difficult exercises to the extent possible. This will improve blood circulation and oxygen circulation in the body.

Soreness in the chest

During ovulation, the level of the hormone progesterone rises and this can cause pain in the chest. This most often occurs during the luteal phase – the second half of the cycle.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, USA recommend avoiding caffeine for chest pain. They also advise eating a low-fat diet and eating more foods rich in vitamin E.

You can apply warm compresses to your breasts or, if the pain is severe, take a pain reliever. It is also important to choose the right bra: it should be well supported, but not too tight.

Bloating

The fluid and blood that accompanies the release of an egg during ovulation can irritate the stomach lining. This often leads to pain and bloating.

To relieve symptoms, take a warm bath or place a heating pad that is not too hot on your stomach. It is also worth temporarily abandoning a large number of raw vegetables and other products that provoke fermentation. Read more about how to deal with bloating here.

Headaches during ovulation

The above symptoms may be accompanied by a headache, which causes even more discomfort.