Pain in ovulation, also known as mittelschmerz, is normal and is usually felt on one side of the lower abdomen, however, if the pain is very severe or if it lasts for several days, it can be a sign of diseases such as endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cysts.
This pain can occur in any woman of childbearing age during ovulation, being more frequent in women who undergo infertility treatments with drugs to induce ovulation, such as Clomid, for example. Understand the ovulation process during the menstrual cycle.
What are the signs and symptoms
Pain in ovulation occurs about 14 days before menstruation, which is when the egg is released from the ovary, and is similar to a light to moderate blow to the lower abdomen, accompanied by small bites, cramps or stronger tugs, which they can be confused with gases, and can only take a few minutes, or even 1 or 2 days.
Pain is usually felt on the left or right side, depending on the ovary where ovulation occurs, and although it is rare, it can also occur on both sides at the same time.
In addition, the pain may be accompanied by vaginal bleeding, and some women may also experience nausea, especially if the pain is severe.
Possible causes
It is not yet clear what causes pain in ovulation, but it is believed that it could be caused by the egg breaking the ovary, which releases a small amount of fluid and blood, which irritate the regions around the ovary, causing pain in the abdominal cavity.
Ovulation pain is relatively common, however, if the pain is very severe or if it lasts for a long time, it can be a sign of a medical condition such as:
- Endometriosis, which is an inflammatory disease that affects the ovaries and uterine tubes. See how to get pregnant with endometriosis; Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia for example, which can cause inflammation and scarring around the uterine tubes; Ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled pouches that form inside or around the ovary; Appendicitis, which consists of inflammation of the appendix. Learn how to identify appendicitis; Ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb.
In addition, pain in ovulation can also happen after a cesarean section or surgery to the appendix, due to the formation of scar tissue that can surround the ovaries and the surrounding structures, causing pain.
What to take
Usually the pain lasts for a maximum of 24 hours, so there is no need for treatment. However, to relieve discomfort, painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can be taken, but if the person is trying to get pregnant, they should not take these anti-inflammatory drugs because they can interfere with ovulation.
In addition, you can also apply hot compresses to the lower abdomen, or take a hot bath to help relieve discomfort, and in cases of women who often experience ovulation pain, it can be prevented with the use of the birth control pill, which can be advised by the doctor.
When to go to the doctor
Although ovulation pain is normal, you should go to the doctor if you experience fever, painful urination, redness or burning of the skin near the site of the pain, vomiting or pain in the middle of the cycle lasting more than 1 day.
The doctor can use a variety of diagnostic methods to determine when ovulation pain is normal, or caused by a disease, by evaluating medical history, performing physical examinations and blood tests, evaluating samples of vaginal mucus, or performing an abdominal or vaginal ultrasound.
