Have you ever felt a twinge of pain or cramping in your lower abdomen around the middle of your menstrual cycle? If so, this could be what is called ovulation pain, aka mittelschmerz. For many women it’s just a normal part of their monthly routine, but how do you know if it’s normal or if you should seek medical attention? Let’s break it down for you.
What causes ovulation pain?
Ovulation pain occurs when your ovary releases an egg, which usually happens around 10-15 days before your period starts. The way women describe the sensation really varies, from a mild ache to a stabbing pain to a sudden cramping on one side of the lower abdomen. Experts aren’t sure if it’s caused by the stretching of the follicle before it pops the egg out, or from irritation of the inside of the belly from fluid or blood that gets released with the egg. Whatever the cause, it tends to be a normal part of the cycle.
What does ovulation pain feel like?
Women describe the pain in many different ways, including:
- Sharp
- Stabbing
- Cramping
- Dull ache
This usually occurs on just one side of the abdomen and can be accompanied by some spotting or cervical mucus discharge.
When should you seek medical help for ovulation pain?
If you are experiencing mild pain that doesn’t affect your ability to do daily activities, then you are probably ok. But if your symptoms are severe or get in the way of your daily life, then it’s time to get some professional advice. Here are some red flags that you should see a doctor asap:
- Severe pain: If your pain is severe, you should get it checked out.
- Pain lasting more than a couple of days: If your pain persists for days, then it’s time to see a doctor.
- Fever: If your pain is associated with a fever, you may have an infection or ovarian torsion which is a medical emergency.
- Nausea or vomiting: If the pain is associated with nausea or vomiting, it could be a sign of something more serious.
- Pain during or after sex: If the pain is made worse by sex, it could be a sign of an infection or other medical issue.
- Heavy or irregular bleeding: Light spotting might be normal during ovulation, but bleeding or heavy bleeding shouldn’t be.
Ovulation pain is nothing to worry about for most women, but if it is severe, lasts a long time, or comes with other symptoms then you need to get checked out right away. Trust your instincts, if you are feeling anything that seems out of the ordinary you are probably right.