What is mittelschmerz and how does it affect women. What are the symptoms of mittelschmerz and how is it diagnosed. How can mittelschmerz be treated effectively. Is mittelschmerz a cause for concern or a normal part of the menstrual cycle. How can healthcare professionals differentiate mittelschmerz from other abdominal conditions.

Understanding Mittelschmerz: Definition and Prevalence

Mittelschmerz, also known as ovulation pain, is a benign preovulatory lower abdominal pain that occurs midcycle in women. This condition affects over 40% of women of reproductive age, typically occurring between days 7 and 24 of the menstrual cycle. Interestingly, mittelschmerz does not usually begin until a few years after menarche, when true ovulatory cycles become established.

The term “mittelschmerz” is derived from German, meaning “middle pain,” which accurately describes its timing within the menstrual cycle. While it is a common occurrence, many women may not recognize that this pain is related to their ovulatory cycles.

Prevalence and Frequency

How often does mittelschmerz occur in affected women? For those who experience mittelschmerz, it often occurs almost every month. However, it’s important to note that not all women will experience it during every ovulatory cycle, and the intensity can vary from one cycle to another.

The Physiology Behind Mittelschmerz

Understanding the physiological processes underlying mittelschmerz is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. The pain associated with mittelschmerz coincides with the peak in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which occurs when the follicle is enlarging but has not yet ruptured.

Contrary to popular belief, mittelschmerz is unlikely to be caused by follicular distention. Instead, the rise in LH levels increases ovarian perifollicular smooth muscle contractility through a prostaglandin-mediated pathway. This process is believed to be the primary source of the pain experienced during mittelschmerz.

Hormonal Influence on Pain

How does the hormonal surge affect pain sensation during ovulation? The luteinizing hormone spike triggers a series of events in the ovary, leading to increased muscle contractility and potentially causing the characteristic pain of mittelschmerz. This hormonal influence explains why the pain is typically localized to one side of the lower abdomen, corresponding to the ovary releasing an egg during that cycle.

Clinical Presentation and Symptoms of Mittelschmerz

Mittelschmerz typically presents as acute lower quadrant pain, often more pronounced on the right side. The intensity of the pain can vary significantly among individuals, ranging from a mild ache to intense discomfort. Understanding the typical presentation of mittelschmerz is crucial for accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other conditions.

Key Symptoms

• Lower abdominal pain, usually on one side
• Pain duration of 3 to 12 hours
• Possible mild backache
• Pain intensity varying from mild to severe

It’s worth noting that women who have undergone ovarian surgery may experience mittelschmerz that persists until the onset of menstruation, which is a unique characteristic to be aware of in post-surgical cases.

Timing and Location of Pain

Where exactly is mittelschmerz pain felt? The pain is generally experienced near the ovaries, on the same side as the developing follicle. This localization can alternate between the left and right sides from one cycle to another, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg that month.

Diagnostic Challenges and Differential Diagnosis

One of the primary challenges in diagnosing mittelschmerz lies in its similarity to other abdominal conditions, particularly acute appendicitis. This resemblance can lead to misdiagnosis and potentially unnecessary surgical interventions. Healthcare providers must be vigilant in considering mittelschmerz as a possible cause of acute lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age.

Similarities to Appendicitis

Why is mittelschmerz often confused with appendicitis? Both conditions can present with:

• Right-sided lower abdominal pain
• Rovsing’s sign (pain in the right lower quadrant when pressure is applied and quickly released from the left lower quadrant)
• Abdominal defense
• Elevated leukocyte count
• Elevated body temperature

These similarities highlight the importance of a thorough differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

How can healthcare providers differentiate mittelschmerz from other conditions? A comprehensive approach including patient history, physical examination, and consideration of the menstrual cycle timing is crucial. In some cases, additional diagnostic tools such as ultrasound may be employed to rule out other gynecological conditions.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies

While mittelschmerz is a benign condition, the pain it causes can be distressing for some women. Fortunately, there are several treatment options and management strategies available to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

What are the first-line treatments for mittelschmerz pain? Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are often effective in managing the pain associated with mittelschmerz. These medications work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals.

Hormonal Contraceptives

Can birth control pills help with mittelschmerz? Many women find relief from mittelschmerz symptoms through the use of oral contraceptives. These hormonal treatments work by suppressing ovulation, thereby reducing or eliminating the pain associated with this process.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

Are there natural remedies for mittelschmerz? Some women find relief through non-pharmacological methods such as:

• Applying heat to the lower abdomen
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Gentle exercise
• Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle

These approaches can complement medical treatments and provide additional comfort during ovulation.

Clinical Significance and Fertility Implications

While mittelschmerz can be uncomfortable, it also holds clinical significance, particularly in the realm of fertility awareness. Understanding the connection between mittelschmerz and ovulation can be valuable for women trying to conceive or those practicing natural family planning methods.

Fertility Awareness

How can mittelschmerz aid in family planning? The knowledge that mittelschmerz coincides with peak luteinizing hormone (LH) levels can help identify the most fertile days of the ovulatory cycle. This information can be particularly useful for couples trying to conceive, as it provides a natural indicator of ovulation.

Tracking Ovulation

Can mittelschmerz be used as a reliable ovulation predictor? While mittelschmerz can be a helpful indicator, it should not be relied upon as the sole method of tracking ovulation. Combining this symptom with other fertility awareness methods, such as basal body temperature charting and cervical mucus observations, can provide a more accurate picture of the fertile window.

Role of Healthcare Providers and Interprofessional Team

Effective management of mittelschmerz requires a collaborative approach involving various healthcare professionals. From primary care physicians to gynecologists and nurses, each team member plays a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and educating patients about this condition.

Importance of Awareness and Education

Why is interprofessional awareness of mittelschmerz crucial? All healthcare team members who work with women of childbearing age should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of mittelschmerz. This knowledge enables them to:

• Accurately diagnose the condition
• Differentiate it from more serious abdominal issues
• Provide appropriate patient education and counseling
• Offer suitable treatment options

Patient Education and Support

How can healthcare providers effectively educate patients about mittelschmerz? Nurses often serve as a primary point of contact for patient concerns and questions. They can provide valuable information about:

• The nature of mittelschmerz and its relationship to ovulation
• Self-management techniques for pain relief
• When to seek further medical attention
• The potential use of mittelschmerz in fertility awareness

This education empowers patients to better understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Future Research and Unanswered Questions

While our understanding of mittelschmerz has improved over the years, there are still aspects of this condition that warrant further investigation. Ongoing research aims to shed light on some of the unanswered questions surrounding mittelschmerz.

Potential Areas for Future Study

What are some key areas for future research on mittelschmerz? Some potential topics include:

• The exact mechanism of pain production during ovulation
• Genetic factors that may predispose some women to experience mittelschmerz
• The relationship between mittelschmerz intensity and fertility
• Development of more targeted treatments for severe cases
• Long-term effects of recurrent mittelschmerz on reproductive health

Improving Diagnostic Accuracy

How can diagnostic techniques for mittelschmerz be improved? Future research may focus on developing more accurate diagnostic tools to differentiate mittelschmerz from other abdominal conditions. This could potentially include:

• Advanced imaging techniques
• Biomarker identification
• Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic algorithms

Such advancements could significantly reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.

In conclusion, mittelschmerz, while often a benign condition, plays a significant role in women’s reproductive health. Its proper understanding, diagnosis, and management are crucial for healthcare providers across various disciplines. As research continues to evolve, we can expect to gain deeper insights into this common yet sometimes overlooked aspect of the female reproductive cycle. By staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining open communication with patients, healthcare professionals can ensure optimal care and support for women experiencing mittelschmerz.

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Definition/Introduction

Mittelschmerz—or ovulation pain, as it is commonly known today—is a benign preovulatory lower abdominal pain that occurs midcycle (between days 7 and 24) in women. Mittelschmerz may affect over 40% of women of reproductive age, and it occurs almost every month in these patients. It generally does not begin until a few years following menarche, when the true ovulatory cycles become established. Pain varies in severity from a mild ache to agonizing pain and is generally felt near the ovaries on the same side as the developing follicle. Mittelschmerz has been found to coincide with the peak in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when the follicle is enlarging and has not yet ruptured; however, mittelschmerz is unlikely due to follicular distention. Rather, the LH rise increases ovarian perifollicular smooth muscle contractility via a prostaglandin-mediated pathway, potentially producing pain.[1][2][3][4]

Issues of Concern

Mittelschmerz most often presents as an acute lower quadrant (usually right-sided) pain ranging from a mild ache to intense pain. Along with several other gynecologic pathologies, mittelschmerz may present similarly to acute appendicitis, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery. Mittelschmerz merits consideration before diagnosing appendicitis in young women of reproductive age. Mittelschmerz should also be given adequate attention from all medical providers so that it can be easily recognized and diagnosed. Interprofessional communication and awareness can help improve patient outcomes and reduce patient harm.[5][6][7]

Clinical Significance

Women who experience mittelschmerz may not experience it every month, and they may not recognize that it is related to their ovulatory cycles. Mittelschmerz can present as pain in either iliac fossa, and it will generally be on the same side as the developing follicle.[8] The pain usually ceases within three to twelve hours, although patients who have undergone ovarian surgery may experience mittelschmerz that persists until the onset of menstruation. The patient may also report mild backache.[5] Mittelschmerz may improve with oral contraceptive use.[9][10] The knowledge that mittelschmerz coincides with peak luteinizing hormone (LH) levels may be useful in identifying the most fertile days of the ovulatory cycle and potentially aid in family planning.[3] 

In female patients of reproductive age, gynecological pathologies can often be mistaken for acute appendicitis. Gynecologic pathologies and acute appendicitis can both present with Rovsing’s sign, defense, elevated leukocyte count, and elevated temperature in a statistically significant number of cases. When working with this population, healthcare teams need to consider the probability of gynecological pathologies when working up a case of acute abdominal pain—doing so can improve patient outcomes and reduce patient harm. [6] [Level 1]

Nursing, Allied Health, and Interprofessional Team Interventions

All interprofessional healthcare team members who work with women of child-bearing age should be familiar with Rovsing’s sign. Clinicians need to be able to differentiate the possible causes of this pain from conditions that mimic it, and nurses can provide patient counsel and act as a primary contact point for patient concerns and questions.

Review Questions

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• Comment on this article.

References

1.

Durai R, Ng PC. Mittelschmerz mimicking appendicitis. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2009 Jul;70(7):419. [PubMed: 19584789]

2.

Martin P, Carriere C, Dozier C, Quatannens B, Mirabel MA, Vandenbunder B, Stehelin D, Saule S. Characterization of a paired box- and homeobox-containing quail gene (Pax-QNR) expressed in the neuroretina. Oncogene. 1992 Sep;7(9):1721-8. [PubMed: 1354346]

3.

O’Herlihy C, Robinson HP, de Crespigny LJ. Mittelschmerz is a preovulatory symptom. Br Med J. 1980 Apr 05;280(6219):986. [PMC free article: PMC1601114] [PubMed: 7417773]

4.

Won HR, Abbott J. Optimal management of chronic cyclical pelvic pain: an evidence-based and pragmatic approach. Int J Womens Health. 2010 Aug 20;2:263-77. [PMC free article: PMC2990894] [PubMed: 21151732]

5.

CHARLEWOOD GP. Mittelschmerz or ovulation pain. S Afr Med J. 1958 Mar 08;32(10):261-2. [PubMed: 13543465]

6.

Hatipoglu S, Hatipoglu F, Abdullayev R. Acute right lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age: clinical clues. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Apr 14;20(14):4043-9. [PMC free article: PMC3983461] [PubMed: 24744594]

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Clark JF, Stephens BE. Gynecological problems causing acute abdominal symptoms in adolescent girls. J Natl Med Assoc. 1976 Mar;68(2):117-9. [PMC free article: PMC2609479] [PubMed: 1263271]

8.

Marinho AO, Sallam HN, Goessens L, Collins WP, Campbell S. Ovulation side and occurrence of mittelschmerz in spontaneous and induced ovarian cycles. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1982 Feb 27;284(6316):632. [PMC free article: PMC1496249] [PubMed: 6802266]

9.

Jensen JT, Speroff L. Health benefits of oral contraceptives. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2000 Dec;27(4):705-21. [PubMed: 11091985]

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Premenstrual symptoms. Br Med J. 1973 Mar 24;1(5855):689-90. [PMC free article: PMC1588849] [PubMed: 4735136]

Disclosure: Nathan Brott declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Jacqueline Le declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

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Mittelschmerz Information | Mount Sinai

Ovulation pain; Midcycle pain

Mittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain that affects some women. It occurs at or around the time when an egg is released from the ovaries (ovulation).

The female reproductive organs are located in the lower abdomen.

Causes

One in five women have pain around the time of ovulation. This is called mittelschmerz. The pain may occur just before, during, or after ovulation.

This pain can be explained in several ways. Just before the ovulation, the growth of the follicle where the egg develops may stretch the surface of the ovary. This can cause pain. At the time of ovulation, fluid or blood is released from the ruptured egg follicle. This may irritate the lining of the abdomen.

Symptoms

Mittelschmerz may be felt on one side of the body during one month and then switch to the other side during the next month. It may also occur on the same side for many months in a row.

Symptoms include lower-abdominal pain that:

• Occurs only on one side.
• Goes on for minutes to a few hours. It can last up to 24 to 48 hours.
• Feels like a sharp, cramping pain unlike other pain.
• Is severe (rare).
• May switch sides from month to month.
• Begins midway through the menstrual cycle.

Exams and Tests

A pelvic exam shows no problems. Other tests (such as an abdominal ultrasound or transvaginal pelvic ultrasound) may be done to look for other causes of ovarian or pelvic pain. These tests may be done if the pain is ongoing. In some cases, the ultrasound may show a collapsed ovarian follicle. This finding helps support for the diagnosis.

Treatment

Most of the time, treatment is not needed. Pain relievers may be needed if the pain is intense or lasts a long time. In patients with Mittelschmerz-related symptoms that interfere with their normal activities, the use of an oral contraceptive may be used to control symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Mittelschmerz can be painful, but it is not harmful. It is not a sign of disease. It may help women to be aware of the time in the menstrual cycle when the egg is released. It is important for you to discuss any pain you are having with your health care provider. There are other conditions that can cause similar pain that are much more serious and require treatment.

Possible Complications

Most of the time, there are no complications.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• Ovulation pain seems to change.
• Pain lasts longer than usual.
• Pain occurs with vaginal bleeding.

Prevention

Birth control pills can be taken to prevent ovulation. This can help reduce pain that is linked to ovulation.

Chen JH. Acute and chronic pelvic pain. In: Mularz A, Dalati S, Pedigo R, eds. Ob/Gyn Secrets. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 16.

Harken AH. Priorities in evaluation of the acute abdomen. In: Harken AH, Moore EE, eds. Abernathy’s Surgical Secrets. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 12.

Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG. First week of human development. In: Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG, eds. The Developing Human. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.

Yazdani A. Pelvic pain. In: Cameron P, Little M, Mitra B, Deasy C, eds. Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.1.

Last reviewed on: 4/1/2023

Reviewed by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Intermenstrual pain syndrome. What is Intermenstrual Pain Syndrome?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Intermenstrual pain syndrome is a type of chronic pelvic pain in which pain in the pelvic area occurs during and is associated with ovulation. It is manifested by pain of varying intensity that occurs in the lower abdomen in the middle of the ovulatory cycle, accompanied by psychovegetative disorders. To make a diagnosis, use the method of measuring basal temperature, folliculometry, ovulation tests. Symptomatic treatment with the use of antispasmodics, analgesics, sedatives is prescribed only for severe symptoms. According to the indications, it is possible to suppress the maturation of follicles with the help of oral contraceptives.

• Causes
• Pathogenesis
• Symptoms
• Complications
• Diagnostics
• Treatment of intermenstrual pain syndrome
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

General

The presence of an intermenstrual pain syndrome in a patient (median pain syndrome, ovulatory pain, Mittelshmerz syndrome) is said to be when an organic basis for the occurrence of uncomfortable sensations is not detected or the clinical manifestations of the detected diseases can cause or intensify painful ovulation. Pulling soreness in the lower abdomen during ovulation at least once in a lifetime was experienced by at least 45-50% of women, in approximately 20% of patients, intermenstrual pain occurs regularly. In adolescent girls and girls under 20 years of age, the disorder is usually functional, in patients from 20 to 35 years old it is often associated with inflammation, in women over 35 years of age, adhesive processes and dyshormonal conditions become the leading causes.

Intermenstrual pain syndrome

Causes

Ovulatory pain is a consequence of the physiological changes that occur in the female body at the time the egg is released from the ovary. In 85% of cases, it periodically or constantly appears in gynecologically healthy women, in 14% of patients it indicates diseases of the reproductive organs. In 1% of clinical situations, sudden pain during ovulation is accompanied by extragenital pathology. The immediate causes of the syndrome of intermenstrual pain are:

• Low pain threshold. Normally, the release of the egg should not be felt. However, with a decrease in the pain threshold, nerve impulses resulting from the reaction of the tissues of the ovary, fallopian tubes and pelvic peritoneum to the release of the egg are perceived by the brain as pathological, painful. This cause plays a leading role in impressionable or stressed patients.
• Inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs. Painful ovulation in women with chronic oophoritis, salpingitis, adnexitis is associated with possible tissue edema, limited organ mobility and the action of inflammatory mediators that reduce the nociceptive threshold. The rupture of the follicle of the inflamed ovary is felt more painful due to the compaction of the organ capsule.
• Extragenital and external genital endometriosis. The cells of endometriotic lesions that develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic peritoneum change cyclically in response to the action of sex hormones. An intermenstrual drop in the level of estrogen against the background of a low concentration of progesterone causes a menstrual-like effect in the areas of endometriosis with irritation of the surrounding tissues.
• Adhesions in the pelvis. When involved in the adhesive process of the uterine appendages, their mobility is significantly limited. After the rupture of the follicle, peristaltic movements of the fallopian tubes occur, the smooth muscle fibers of the ligaments that support the ovary are reduced. As a result, the adhesions that surround these organs are tightened, and pathological pain impulses are transmitted to the brain.
• Injuries of the pelvis. The syndrome of intermenstrual pain is observed in 51.8% of women who have suffered traumatic injuries of the pelvic bones, especially the sacrococcygeal zone. The appearance of pain during ovulation in such patients is associated with a violation of the innervation of the pelvic organs, a decrease in the threshold of pain, post-traumatic neuroendocrine disorders.

Pathogenesis

The development of the Mittelshmertz syndrome is based on the natural physiological processes that occur during ovulation. There are five components of ovulation that are theoretically capable of provoking pain: tension of the ovarian capsule during follicle maturation, its rupture for the release of the egg, irritation of the peritoneum by the outflow of follicular contents, peristalsis of the fallopian tubes that capture the oocyte, contraction of smooth muscle elements in the ligaments of the ovary.

Normally, afferent impulsation during all these processes takes place at a subthreshold level. Intermenstrual pain becomes noticeable with congenital or acquired disorders in the antinociceptive system, when the threshold of pain sensitivity is reduced due to functional disorders (increased excitability of the cerebral cortex, post-traumatic changes in nerve fibers) or there is an organic basis for the formation of pathological sensations (inflammation, pathological secretion, adhesive process) .

Symptoms

The key manifestation of ovulatory pain is considered to be soreness and discomfort in the lower abdomen 13-15 days before the start of the next menstruation. The intensity of the pain syndrome can be different – from pulling diffuse discomfort to acute stabbing pain. Possible irradiation of sensations in the coccyx, sacrum, lower back, inguinal region, rarely – in the inner surface of the thigh. Usually intermenstrual pain is one-sided, localized on the side of the ovary from which the egg came out. Only when two oocytes are maturing is it felt from both sides. Pain during ovulation is usually accompanied by liquid transparent vaginal discharge, increased sexual desire, mastodynia, in some patients – fever up to 37.0-37.4 ° C, nausea, short-term headache, dizziness, mood swings. There may be a few drops of blood on the linen. The duration of clinical manifestations in Mittelshmertz syndrome usually does not exceed 1-2 days.

Complications

There is no danger to a woman’s health with pain intermenstrual syndrome, but severe symptoms worsen the patient’s quality of life, leading to a decrease in productivity and performance. Impressible patients may develop hypochondria, depressive neurosis, carcinophobia. More serious are the consequences of untimely diagnosis of diseases, against which there is intermenstrual pain. In the absence of adequate treatment, pathological processes become chronic, complicated by impaired reproductive and endocrine functions, and the formation of neoplasia.

Diagnostics

The tasks of the diagnostic stage of suspected intermenstrual pain syndrome are to confirm the connection of sensations with ovulation, to identify possible pathological causes of the disorder, to exclude other genital and extragenital diseases accompanied by pain in the pelvic region. When making a diagnosis, the most effective:

• Basal temperature measurement. A simple free method available for self-control at home. On the day of the release of the egg, rectal or vaginal temperature, measured after a night’s sleep, decreases by approximately 0.3 ° C, after which it rises to 37 ° C and above.
• Ultrasonic folliculometry. Sonographic monitoring of the growth and development of the dominant follicle allows you to accurately determine the day of release of a mature oocyte. Transvaginal examination is carried out daily in the first half of the monthly cycle, starting from 5-10 days after menstruation.
• Ovulation test. The technique is based on the determination of the level of luteinizing hormone in the urine and is adapted for simple independent use. The LH level rises until the follicle ruptures, reaches a peak when a mature egg leaves the ovary, after which it begins to decline.

To identify diseases that enhance the clinic of ovulatory pain syndrome, ultrasound of the small pelvis, CT and MRI of the reproductive organs, diagnostic laparoscopy, determination of the level of sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH), pharmacological hormonal tests, and other methods are prescribed. Differential diagnosis of intermenstrual pain is carried out with a follicular cyst, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian apoplexy, torsion of the legs of its cyst, acute salpingo-oophoritis, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with drugs. A gynecologist-endocrinologist, an abdominal surgeon may be involved in the diagnosis.

Treatment of intermenstrual pain syndrome

Specialists in the field of obstetrics and gynecology do not consider ovulatory pain a pathological phenomenon and usually do not prescribe any special therapy for minor or moderate pain. In such cases, exclusion of physical activity, additional rest, and refusal to have sexual contacts during the ovulation period are sufficient if the woman does not plan pregnancy. With an intense pain syndrome or its occurrence on a pathological basis, treatment is recommended aimed at:

• Pain management. On the days of ovulation, the use of antispasmodics and analgesics is possible. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used, which reduce the level of inflammatory mediators, effectively affect peripheral and central nociceptive mechanisms, increasing the pain threshold and reducing the intensity of pathological impulses.
• Reduction of psychovegetative disorders. In most cases, the prescription of herbal sedatives is sufficient to correct the emotional disturbances associated with ovulation. In the event of neurosis against the background of intermenstrual pain, mild antidepressants, autosuggestion, and psychotherapeutic techniques are effective.
• Ovulation suppression. Oral contraceptives are used to temporarily eliminate the effect of factors that cause pain between menstrual syndrome. When they are taken, the maturation of the follicles stops, the cycle becomes anovulatory. Subsequently, after the restoration of a normal menstrual cycle, the intensity of symptoms often decreases.
• Treatment of genital and extragenital pathology. A specific therapeutic regimen is selected taking into account the leading disease that provokes or intensifies the median pain syndrome. For treatment, antibiotics, hormonal drugs, immunomodulators, eubiotics can be used. In some cases, in the presence of volumetric formations, surgical interventions are indicated.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis of pain intermenstrual syndrome is favorable, lifestyle correction and reasonable prescribing of drugs can reduce or completely eliminate pain, improve the quality of life of a woman. An important role in the prognostic plan is played by the timely determination of the causes of the disorder and the adequate treatment of the identified organic pathology. To prevent the negative manifestations of intermenstrual pain, the patient is recommended to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist at least twice a year, monitor the monthly cycle, so that on the days of the expected release of the egg, eliminate excessive stress and observe sexual rest.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of intermenstrual pain syndrome.

Sources

1. self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

   Ovarian Pain: The 7 Most Common Causes

   The ovaries are two small glands located on either side of the lower pelvis. They play a vital reproductive role, the menstrual cycle and, in general, the development of women’s sexual characteristics depend on their condition.

   Every month there is a process known as ovulation, when the rupture of a mature follicle in the ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube. For most women, this happens regularly from puberty to menopause.

   Here are the seven most common causes of pain in the ovarian region:

   1. Ovulation

   Painful ovulation is called mittelschmerz, which means “median pain” in German.

   Ovulation is the process of the release of an egg from the ovary and occurs on or about day 14 of the average menstrual cycle. Most women experience no discomfort during ovulation, but some may experience severe discomfort or pain during this period for several minutes, hours, or even days.

   Mittelschmertz can be felt on one or both sides of the body and is sometimes accompanied by nausea, bleeding, or profuse vaginal discharge.

   Mittelshmerz does not require treatment. However, be aware that some serious conditions, such as appendicitis and ectopic pregnancy, can mimic the pain of ovulation. A woman should see a doctor if any of these conditions could be the cause of her pain.

   2. Pelvic inflammatory disease

   Pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by an infection that has spread to the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. In most cases, the bacteria that cause inflammation are sexually transmitted.

   A possible cause of pelvic inflammatory disease may be infection during childbirth, IUD insertion, miscarriage, abortion, or any other invasive procedure.

   Treatment

   In pelvic inflammatory disease, the underlying infection is treated first with antibiotics. Mild inflammation can be treated with just one injection, while more severe inflammation may require hospital treatment with intravenous antibiotics.

   3. Ovarian torsion

   Ovarian torsion is a severe adnexal pathology that develops as a result of torsion of the ligaments that fix the ovary, clamping of its vessels and ischemia of the organ.

   In most cases, ovarian torsion develops with an increase in its volume and mass due to various formations – large cysts and tumors, often benign

   Treatment

   Ovarian torsion causes severe pain and requires urgent medical intervention. Emergency treatment measures are carried out only in a hospital and the only effective method is surgical intervention.

   Late diagnosis due to rapidly developing complications can lead to the most unfavorable consequences.

   4. Endometriosis

   Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the growth of cells of the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterine cavity, on its surface, as well as in the tissues of other organs.

   Since the endometrioid tissue has hormone receptors, the same changes occur in it as in the normal endometrium, manifested by monthly bleeding. These small bleedings lead to inflammation in the surrounding tissues and cause the main manifestations of the disease: pain, an increase in the volume of the organ, and infertility.

   Treatment

   Depending on the severity of the disease, the treatment of endometriosis can be both surgical and hormonal. In most cases, combined treatment is used. Surgical treatment includes various methods, ranging from excision of individual areas of endometriosis during laparoscopy, ending with complete removal of the uterus in complicated cases.

   5. Ovarian cyst

   An ovarian cyst in women is a fluid-filled protrusion that forms on the surface of one or both of a woman’s ovaries, usually from a follicle. An ovarian cyst is a very common disease and in most cases does not cause any symptoms.

   In very rare cases, the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as:

   • pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes very severe and acute;
   • heaviness, pressure in the pelvic region;
   • lingering pain during menstruation;
   • irregular monthly cycle;
   • nausea, vomiting after intense exercise or sexual intercourse;
   • pressure during bladder or rectal emptying;
   • pain in the vagina, accompanied by bloody discharge.

   You should consult a doctor if you experience symptoms that may indicate a rupture of the cyst:

   • temperature over 38 degrees;
   • weakness and dizziness;
   • copious discharge during menstruation;
   • increase in the volume of the abdomen;
   • intense thirst with copious urination;
   • abnormal blood pressure;
   • uncontrolled weight loss;
   • palpable lump in the abdomen;

   In most cases, an ovarian cyst is a neoplasm of a benign nature, in extremely rare cases it can take a malignant form.

   Treatment

   With a functional nature and uncomplicated course of ovarian cysts, both expectant management and conservative treatment with contraceptives are possible.

   In the absence of a positive effect from conservative therapy or with an increase in the size of the ovarian cyst, surgical intervention is indicated – removal of the formation within healthy ovarian tissues and its histological examination.

   6. Ovarian remnant syndrome

   Ovarian remnant syndrome occurs in women only after surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. If any ovarian tissue remains in the pelvic area, it continues to produce hormones and may grow into a cyst.

   This process causes pain, which may be constant or paroxysmal. Women with ovarian remnant syndrome may also experience pain during sex and when urinating.

   Treatment

   Ovarian remnant syndrome requires treatment to destroy as much of the remaining ovarian tissue as possible. This will reduce the release of hormones produced by the remaining tissue.

   7. Referral pain

   Pain in the ovaries can actually be caused by problems with other organs. So, ovarian pain mimics appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, kidney stones, or constipation.

   Treatment

   The doctor must determine what exactly is causing the pain, then an appropriate course of treatment is prescribed. For the above reasons, it is surgery to remove the appendix, termination of an ectopic pregnancy, pain relief and removal of stones from the kidneys, taking laxatives to relieve constipation.

   When to see a doctor

   Women should see a doctor if they experience any pain in the pelvic area. Only a specialist who has the necessary diagnostic tools in his arsenal is able to find out the cause of the pain.

   Depending on the cause of the pain, the consequences of late diagnosis can be long-term health problems and even death of the patient.

   As a reminder, ovarian pain combined with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fever, vaginal bleeding is a medical emergency.

   The staff of the Professor’s Clinic consists of highly qualified gynecologists who have all the necessary tools for instrumental and laboratory diagnostics. You can get additional information, make an appointment by calling a single phone number in Perm 206-07-67 or using the “Make an Appointment” service on our website.