What is the cause of ovulation pain? How can it be managed effectively? Explore the insights on addressing this common menstrual challenge and when to seek medical attention.

Understanding the Ovulation Process

Ovulation is a critical phase in the female menstrual cycle, where an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. This natural process typically occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, approximately two weeks before the next period.

However, for some women, this event can be accompanied by a range of discomforts, commonly known as ovulation pain or Mittelschmerz. This discomfort can manifest as a dull ache, sharp twinges, or even a more intense sensation in the lower abdomen.

Prevalence and Causes of Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain is surprisingly common, affecting up to 40% of women. The exact cause of this discomfort is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with the changes that occur during the ovulation process, such as the swelling of the ovary’s surface and the release of the egg from the mature follicle.

While ovulation pain is generally harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of underlying medical conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even appendicitis. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the duration and severity of the pain, as well as any accompanying symptoms.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ovulation Pain

The symptoms of ovulation pain can vary from person to person, but common experiences include:

• Dull, aching discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Sharp, stabbing pains on one side of the lower abdomen
• Cramping or twinges in the pelvic area
• Mild spotting or discharge

The pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, and it typically occurs around the time of ovulation, which is typically about two weeks before the start of the next menstrual period.

Seeking Medical Attention for Ovulation Pain

In most cases, ovulation pain is harmless and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief or other self-care measures. However, if the pain persists for more than three days or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or vaginal discharge, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider may conduct a physical examination, order blood tests, or perform imaging tests to determine the underlying cause of the pain and rule out any serious medical conditions. They may also recommend treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Effective Strategies for Managing Ovulation Pain

There are several practical ways to manage ovulation pain and find relief. These include:

1. Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen
2. Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen
3. Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as warm baths or gentle exercises
4. Considering hormonal contraception, which can help regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation

By understanding the causes of ovulation pain and exploring these effective management strategies, women can take control of their reproductive health and find the relief they need.

Addressing Severe or Persistent Ovulation Pain

While ovulation pain is often a normal and manageable part of the menstrual cycle, in some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If the pain is severe, lasts longer than three days, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as blood work, pelvic exams, or imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a gynecologist, for further evaluation and care.

Addressing severe or persistent ovulation pain is crucial, as it can be a symptom of conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or even ectopic pregnancy. By seeking prompt medical attention, you can get the necessary support and treatment to manage your reproductive health effectively.

Ovulation pain – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• About one in five women experience pain during ovulation that can last from a few minutes to 48 hours.
• Ovulation pain is usually harmless, but can sometimes indicate various medical conditions such as endometriosis.
• See your GP (doctor) if your ovulation pain lasts longer than three days or is associated with other unusual menstrual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding.

Up to 40% of women experience pain during ovulation. Ovulation pain is usually harmless, but severe pain may indicate other health conditions. It’s good to know there are many practical ways to manage ovulation pain.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is part of the female menstrual cycle. An egg is released from an ovary and moves along a fallopian tube towards your uterus.

When does ovulation happen?

Ovulation usually happens once each month, around two weeks before your next period.

Ovulation does not happen if you are:

• on the contraception pill
• pregnant
• postmenopausal.

Some women do not ovulate regularly. This is common when you first start getting your periods. It can also happen during perimenopause (the lead-up to menopause). Hormone conditions can also affect ovulation (e.g. polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)).

Symptoms of ovulation pain

Up to 40% of women experience pain and discomfort during ovulation. The pain can last from a few minutes to 48 hours.

Women may experience different symptoms of ovulation pain, including uncomfortable pressure, twinges, sharp pains, cramps or strong pain in the lower abdomen.

What causes ovulation pain?

We don’t know exactly what causes ovulation pain, but it may be caused by:

• the surface of the ovary swelling before the egg is released
• the egg being released from a mature follicle (the sac containing an egg).

Getting a diagnosis

In most cases, ovulation pain is harmless. But severe pain in the lower abdomen might mean you have other health conditions (e.g. endometriosis, appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease).

Your GP (doctor) may ask about your medical history and do a physical examination to find the cause of your pain. They might also do some tests. For example:

• blood tests
• swabs from the cervix for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other bacteria
• an abdominal ultrasound
• a vaginal ultrasound (preferably at the time the pain is occurring)
• exploratory surgery (a laparoscopy or ‘keyhole’ surgery).

Managing ovulation pain

There are many practical ways to manage ovulation pain.

For example, you can:

• relax by having a warm bath, or rest in bed with a heat pack or hot water bottle
• use pain relief or period pain medication (e.g. anti-inflammatories) – ask your GP (doctor) or pharmacist for recommendations
• take the contraceptive pill or other forms of hormonal contraception, as they stop ovulation.

When to see your doctor

See your GP (doctor) if your ovulation pain lasts longer than three days or if it is associated with symptoms such as heavy bleeding or vaginal discharge.

For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s HealthExternal Link.

Where to get help

• Your GPExternal Link
• Gynaecologist
• Jean Hailes for Women’s HealthExternal Link
• Women’s health clinic
• Sexual Health VictoriaExternal Link Tel. (03) 9257 0100

• T. Cornforth, T 2017, Mittelschmerz pain between periodsExternal Link, verywellhealth, USA.
• C O’Herlihy, HP Robinson, L De Crespigny. Mittelschmerz is a preovulatory symptom. Br Med J. 1980 Apr 5;280(6219):986.
• eMedicine Consumer HealthExternal Link.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Why It Shouldn’t Be Ignored and When to Get Help

Some people may feel pain during ovulation. But other health conditions, such as cysts or endometriosis, can also cause pain during ovulation and may require medical attention.

Ovulation is a critical part of reproduction. Not every person who menstruates will feel ovulation when it occurs, but it can be very painful for others.

Though the sensation isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, you shouldn’t ignore ovulation pain — it can be a sign of something more serious.

Here’s what you need to know:

In most cases, ovulation discomfort is brief and harmless. You may notice one-sided pain for a few minutes or even a couple hours on your day of suspected ovulation.

Ovulation involves a follicular cyst swelling and then rupturing to release the egg after a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) goes through your body.

After the egg is released, the fallopian tube contracts to help it reach awaiting sperm for fertilization. Blood and other fluid from the ruptured follicle may also enter the abdominal cavity and pelvis during this process and cause irritation.

The sensation can range from a dull ache to sharp twinges. It may be accompanied by spotting or other discharge. If your pain becomes severe or happens at other points in your cycle, check in with your doctor.

There are several other reasons why you might be experiencing pain during your cycle.

Try keeping track of when and where you feel the discomfort, how long it lasts, and any other associated symptoms. Keeping a record can help you and your doctor figure out the underlying cause.

If your midcycle pain persists, your doctor can perform different tests to identify the source and offer treatment to help.

Cysts

An ovarian cyst can cause a number of symptoms, from cramping and nausea, to bloating. Some cysts may cause no symptoms at all.

Dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas are other, less common types of cysts that might cause pain.

Another condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is marked by many small cysts on the ovaries. Untreated PCOS can cause infertility.

Your doctor may order a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to help determine if you have a cyst and what type it is. Many cysts resolve on their own without medical intervention.

If they grow or are abnormal, though, cysts can lead to complications and may need to be removed.

Endometriosis or adhesions

Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity.

Areas affected become irritated when the lining tissue responds to hormones during your cycle, causing bleeding and inflammation outside of the uterus. You may develop scar tissue or endometriosis adhesions that are particularly painful during your period.

Likewise, intrauterine adhesions, also known as Asherman syndrome, can develop if you’ve had previous surgery. This includes a dilation and curettage (D & C) or cesarean delivery.

A prior infection in the uterus can also cause these adhesions. You can also develop Asherman syndrome with no known cause.

Since doctors can’t see these conditions during a routine ultrasound, your doctor may order a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. These are surgical procedures that let doctors see directly inside your uterus or pelvis.

Infection or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Is your pain accompanied by unusual or foul-smelling discharge? Do you have a fever? Do you feel burning when you urinate?

These symptoms might indicate a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infections (STI) that needs urgent medical attention.

Medical procedures — or even childbirth — can cause infections. Sometimes a urinary tract infection (UTI) might even cause general pelvic pain.

STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are contracted from condomless sex.

Ectopic pregnancy

One-sided pelvic pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

This occurs when an embryo implants in the fallopian tubes or other location outside of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is potentially life-threatening and is usually discovered by the eighth week.

If you think you might be pregnant, see your doctor immediately. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you’ll require immediate treatment with medication or surgery to prevent your fallopian tube from rupturing.

If you’ve visited your doctor and ruled out any issues, you’re likely experiencing normal ovulation discomfort. Continue to pay attention to any changes in your symptoms.

Here are some things you can do to ease the discomfort of midcycle pain:

• Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
• Ask your doctor about birth control pills to prevent ovulation.
• Apply a heating pad to the affected area, or take a hot bath.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women from ages 21 to 29 have a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer every 3 years.

ACOG also recommends women ages 30 to 65 have either a Pap smear every 3 years, or a Pap smear with an HPV test every 5 years.

Women over 65, according to ACOG, don’t need to have cervical screening unless they have a history of:

• abnormal cervical cells
• a number of abnormal Pap test results in the past
• cervical cancer

All people who menstruate should also have a yearly wellness visit with their gynecologist for a full pelvic exam and to discuss any other concerns about their gynecological health.

Yearly exams are recommended, even though you might not need a Pap smear each time. If you’re overdue for your visit or are having pain and other symptoms, call your doctor today.

For many people who menstruate, midcycle pain is simply a sign of ovulation. There are several other conditions that can cause pelvic pain, some of which are serious if left untreated.

It’s always a good idea to pay attention to your body and report anything new or different to your healthcare provider.

Read this article in Spanish.

Why ovaries hurt and what to do about it

Likbez

Health

December 24, 2022

Be careful with yourself: pain in the ovaries can lead to peritonitis.

What are the ovaries and why are they needed

Ovaries are paired glands located on both sides of the uterus. It is they who produce eggs and female sex hormones, on which the monthly cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics depend.

Given the rather heavy load, the ovaries can sometimes ache, this is a natural process. However, in some cases, pulling pain in the right or left lower abdomen is a symptom of serious illness. And it is important not to lose sight of this difference.

When to seek urgent help

Call an ambulance or see a gynecologist as soon as possible if pain in the ovary (whether right, left or both):

• sudden and severe;
• accompanied by nausea or vomiting;
• seems to you to be directly related to an increase in temperature to 38 ° C or more.

All three symptoms are a clear indication for immediate examination and possibly surgery. It is especially necessary to act quickly if, along with these signs, weakness, dizziness and sticky cold sweat appear.

But even if there are no signs that threaten health and life, you still need to listen to yourself. At a minimum, this can save you from possible problems in the future.

Why ovaries hurt

Lifehacker has collected six main reasons.

1. Ovulation

Some women experience pain in the ovaries when they release a mature egg into the fallopian tube (this process is called ovulation). As a rule, this happens around the middle of the monthly cycle.

Pain can vary. For some, it only lasts a few minutes. For some, it stretches for hours.

Doctors have not yet figured out the causes of painful ovulation (aka mittelschmerz, from the German mittelschmerz – “median pain”). It is assumed that the discomfort arises from the sensitivity of a particular woman to the rupture of the follicle – the sac that contains the egg and which she ruptures to break free.

Another theory suggests that mittelschmertz is due to the rapid growth of the egg in the ovary just before ovulation.

What to do

In general, nothing. Mittelshmertz goes away on its own and rarely lasts longer than a day. The sensations are usually bearable, and to alleviate the discomfort, it is enough to take an over-the-counter drug with an analgesic effect. For example, based on ibuprofen, if, of course, there is no allergy to it.

You can try to get rid of the Mittelschmertz altogether. To do this, contact a gynecologist and tell us about the problem. Your doctor will prescribe you a suitable contraceptive that will simply prevent the egg from maturing and causing you pain.

2. Ovarian cyst

Sometimes it happens that the egg is not released from the ovaries during ovulation, but remains inside its own membrane – the follicle. Such an intact follicle is called a cyst.

Cysts usually have no symptoms and will dissolve on their own over time.

But if the cyst is large, it can cause a dull aching pain in the area of ​​the affected ovary. Or even worse, break at some point. The rupture is accompanied by sudden acute pain and bleeding into the abdominal cavity, which can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences – up to peritonitis and death.

What to do

Analyze ovarian pain. You are likely to have a cyst if, in addition to discomfort in the right or left lower abdomen, you also complain of:

• irregular periods;
• painful intercourse or defecation;
• regular nausea or vomiting;
• fast satiety, that is, you literally need a couple of spoons of food to feel how your stomach is bursting.

These symptoms are an indication for a visit to the gynecologist. The doctor will examine you in the gynecological chair. A cyst, as a rule, can be suspected already at this stage. But for the diagnosis, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs is still prescribed.

Depending on the results of the examination and the size of the cyst found, the gynecologist will develop a treatment plan.

If the cyst is small, you will most likely be asked to wait until it resolves on its own. To observe this process, you will come to gynecological examinations at the frequency indicated by the doctor. Large cysts with a high risk of rupture are removed surgically.

3. Neoplasms in the ovaries

Not only large cysts, but also tumors can cause pain. This is not necessarily about cancer: neoplasms in the ovaries are also benign. It is possible to assume that a certain foreign object has appeared in the ovaries by the following symptoms:

• there is often an unpleasant sensation in the lower abdomen;
• you have an increased urge to urinate;
• diarrhea or constipation regularly and seemingly without cause;
• you lose your appetite or feel full after just a few bites;
• you are losing weight, although you have not changed your diet and exercise.

What to do

Go to the gynecologist. He will analyze your symptoms, prescribe additional examinations. First, an ultrasound. Then you may need a computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

Depending on the test results, you will be given the most effective treatment.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is said to be when the tissue that lines the walls of the uterus (endometrium) for some reason begins to spread beyond the uterus itself. Sometimes it affects the ovaries and other pelvic organs.

The problem is that the endometrium is a hormone-sensitive tissue.

When the period of menstruation comes, it is rejected. And at the same time it causes inflammation and swelling of the organ on which it has grown. In our case, the ovaries.

You can assume endometriosis of the ovaries if, in addition to aching pain in the ovaries, you observe the following signs:

• prolonged and painful periods;
• pain during intercourse and defecation.

What to do

Again, go to the gynecologist. Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, but a qualified doctor will tell you how you can cope with the pain. So, taking anti-inflammatory drugs or hormone therapy is effective. In some cases (if the pain is too severe or the cyst is large), surgery may be required. After it, hormone therapy can also be prescribed if pregnancy is not planned.

5. Inflammation of the ovaries

Possibly infected. Most often this happens with sexually transmitted diseases. But the causes of inflammation may be different – for example, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disruptions.

Sometimes inflammation of the ovaries proceeds almost asymptomatically – except for drawing pains. But, as a rule, other signs are still present:

• pain during sex;
• vaginal discharge, often foul-smelling;
• fever;
• weakness;
• painful urination.

What to do

Go to the gynecologist again. Depending on the results of the examination, the doctor will offer you to undergo additional examinations (blood test, flora and STI examination, ultrasound) and prescribe treatment.

6. Referred pain

There are many other organs near the ovaries. Perhaps they are the ones who hurt. Here are a few common conditions that can be confused with ovarian pain:

• constipation;
• bloating;
• pregnancy;
• urinary tract infections;
• kidney stones;
• developing appendicitis.

What to do

If your ovarian pain continues for a couple of days or more and you can’t relate it to ovulation, make an appointment with your gynecologist or therapist. It is important.

Read also 🤕🤒😓

• Why does my head hurt and what to do about it
• Why the lower abdomen hurts and what to do about it
• Why the lower back hurts and what to do about it
• What to do if the stomach hurts
• Why your chest hurts: 11 harmless and scary reasons

Ovulatory syndrome | Moscow

In order to understand ovulation in more detail, you first need to understand the menstrual cycle. These are cyclically repeated changes in a woman’s body, the clinical manifestation of which is blood discharge from the genital tract (menstruation). The first day of menstruation is conventionally considered the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

These cyclical changes in a woman’s body are aimed at the possibility of reproductive function and are two-phase in nature:

Phase 1 (follicular) – maturation and growth of the follicle and egg in the ovary take place here; after which the follicle ruptures and the egg is released from it – this process is called ovulation. With a regular menstrual cycle (28 days), it occurs approximately on the 12-14th day of the cycle.

2nd phase (luteal) – associated with the formation of the corpus luteum and changes in the endometrium, which, in the absence of fertilization of the egg, lead to blood discharge. And then a new cycle starts.

Of course, every young girl is concerned about the question: does my egg mature? Is ovulation taking place? And how can I feel it?

In order to determine whether ovulation occurs, there are many methods of research, and all of them have different degrees of reliability: from examination by a gynecologist on a chair to ultrasound markers. And sometimes ovulation can be determined by a set of symptoms (ovulatory syndrome), but if you have not previously found them in yourself, in no case should you be upset, since not every woman encounters them, many ovulation is asymptomatic. Therefore, if you have questions or doubts, consult your gynecologist, do not hesitate to ask such questions at the appointment.

Ovulatory syndrome

And of course, speaking of ovulation, it is impossible not to mention ovulatory syndrome. This is a set of symptoms that occur in a woman during the release of the egg from the follicle. What symptoms does the woman experience?

• Pain in the lower abdomen or on one side. The pain can be aggravated by physical exertion, a sudden change in position and sexual intercourse, as well as radiate to the lumbar region. This sign is the most common and, as a rule, is the reason for a woman to visit a gynecologist.
• Scanty bleeding from the genital tract, general weakness, nausea, headache (more rare signs)

There are several reasons for the above complaints

When the follicle ruptures and the egg is released, the ovary wall is damaged, which in turn leads to pain.