The uterus is an integral part of the female reproductive system. A uterus has various organs that cumulatively make it complete. To brief it, there are two ovaries, and two Fallopian tubes extending on either side of the uterus. Ovaries participate in the formation of the ovum or egg, which carries a very important entity for female fertility, and the Fallopian tubes the egg safely in the process of fertilization. Read more about ovulation pain.
Ovulation is a process in which the ovaries release an egg or ovum, which travels through the Fallopian tubes to reach the uterus. Ovulation occurs during the mid-month of your menstrual cycle. Some women experience very mild aches in their lower abdomen or the pelvic area during ovulation. This is called ovulation pain or Mittelschmerz and resembles period pain. This article gives a brief gist about ovulation pain, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
In This Article
- What is Ovulation Pain?
- What Causes Ovulation Pain?
- Symptoms Of Ovulation Pain
- Diagnosis of Ovulation Pain
- How Long Does Ovulation Pain Last?
- How Can Ovulation Pain Be Treated?
- FAQs
What Is Ovulation Pain?
Ovulation is a process in which the ovaries release an egg or ovum. An egg or ovum is released only when they are matured enough and is ready for fertilization. This process occurs during the mid-month of the menstrual cycle. The matured egg or ovum ruptures from the follicle of the ovary causing mild pelvic pain. Since the egg ruptures along with some fluid and a small amount of blood, it can cause mild to a moderate sensation of lower abdominal pain. The pain can sometimes be sharp and twitching on just one side of the abdomen.
Ovulation pain can typically last up to 2 to 3 days and not more than that. It is sometimes accompanied by a small amount of vaginal spotting and discharge. Consult your doctor if the pain is severe and lasts for more than a week and if it is accompanied by heavy vaginal bleeding.
This pain is not serious and it generally goes away on its own. But, it is always important to consult your doctor if you experience severe pelvic or abdominal pain. Doctors may suggest an ultrasound that helps in ruling out other conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cysts which are known to cause similar pain in the pelvic area.
What Causes Ovulation Pain?
The cause of ovulation pain could be an expanding follicle that holds an egg or ovum in the ovary. When the hormones trigger the ovary to release the matured egg, the follicle expands, stretches, and ruptures along with some fluid and a small amount of blood. This can irritate the uterine lining, leading to mild to moderate pelvic pain.
It can occur on either one side or both sides of the pelvic area. Since one ovary releases an egg every month, some women experience pain on the side of the ovary that is working. Based on the pain, women can predict that they are ovulating. This can also be caused along with some vaginal bleeding since the process can irritate the uterine lining.
Symptoms Of Ovulation Pain
Various symptoms of this ovulation pain vary from person to person. Some women may never experience ovulation pain. Hence, it is vital to understand that this pain is not the deciding factor for female fertility.
- The pain can occur on either one or both sides of the lower abdomen.
- A very light vaginal spotting with a dull ache in the pelvic area during the mid-month of your menstrual cycle.
- It can feel like a mild cramp in the lower abdomen, lasting for about a few hours.
- The pain may feel like a mild to moderate discomfort in the pelvic area.
- For some women, the pain can be sharp and lead to nausea and fatigue.
- The pain can sometimes shift from right to left, as each ovary releases an egg alternatively.
- One can feel the pain on the same side of the abdomen for several months.
- Women experience the pain during the mid-time of their menstrual cycle (12-14 days)
Diagnosis of Ovulation Pain
If you experience the same kind of ache every month during the mid-month of your menstrual cycle, it can be ovulation pain. Ovulation pain typically lasts for about 48 hours to 3 days. The pain is usually moderate and severe in only rare cases.
If the pain is severe on one or either side of the abdomen, consult your doctor immediately. It is important to rule out other causes like endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, and other cervical infections.
Doctors may suggest
- A physical examination
- Blood tests
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Vaginal ultrasound
Doctors may also suggest a small keyhole surgery called laparoscopy, which helps in diagnosing the reason behind severe pelvic pain.
How Long Does Ovulation Pain Last?
Ovulation pain occurs when the ovaries are triggered to release a mature egg or ovum from its follicles. A small amount of blood and fluid is released that can irritate the uterine lining when the follicle ruptures. Ovulation pain typically lasts for about 2 to 3 days or even less than that.
Consult your physician immediately if there is pain that feels severe and lasts more than a week and is accompanied by heavy vaginal bleeding and cramping. It can help the doctor rule out other causes like ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, and an ovarian cyst.
How Can Ovulation Pain Be Treated?
This pain is typically not so severe and goes away in a maximum of 2 to 3 days. Here are a few ways to deal with the pain.
Take anti-inflammatory medicines under the guidance of a doctor to reduce the irritation caused to the uterine lining.
An ample amount of rest can help reduce the pain. Usage of hot water bags can help relieve the pain to some extent.
Conclusion
Ovulation pain is very normal and does not require any medical attention. It is an indication of a ruptured follicle from one of the ovaries. This is typically a moderate discomfort around the pelvic area or on one side of the abdomen. It lasts for 2 to 3 days and goes away on its own. But, if the pain is unusually severe and occurs with heavy vaginal bleeding and cramps, it is always better to consult your doctor. Doctors may prescribe further tests to diagnose and rule out other serious factors like ectopic pregnancy. Do not worry, it can be treated easily with certain anti-inflammatory medications that doctors prescribe.
FAQs
1. Does Ovulation Pain Mean More Fertile?
Ovulation pain indicates that an ovary is releasing an egg. This can be the best time to plan for conception. However, not all women experience this pain, and relying on this for anything may not be correct.
2. What Does Ovarian Cyst Pain Feel Like?
Small ovarian cysts do not lead to any pain, but if the cyst is large it may cause some discomfort and heaviness in the abdomen. Some ovarian cysts grow larger to become follicular cysts and may rupture leading to sharp and severe pain on one or either side of the abdomen.
