Ovulation pain (Mid-cycle period cramps)
What's the scoop?
Ovulation pain, also known as Mittelschmerz which is German for "middle pain", is pain that happens in the halfway point of a woman's period cycle, or about 2 weeks until her next period is due. You may commonly hear of this as mid-cycle period cramps as well.
Ovulation pain will be one-sided in the lower tummy that happens when one of the ovaries is releasing the body's monthly egg.
The pain can either be appear as a dull ache or sharp pulses that can last anywhere from a couple minutes to a couple of days. At this same time some women might also experience a little bleeding from the vagina as well.
How can I manage my symptoms?
To control mild ovulation pain your gynae might encourage you to take an over-the-counter painkiller or other home remedies.
If the pain is more intense or troublesome, it might be a good idea to get on the birth control pill (oral ontraceptive) which stops ovulation and therefore will also stop ovulation pain in the middle of your period cycle. Women might be more susceptible to ovulation pain if they have one of the following:
- endometriosis
- scar tissue
- an STD
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to tissue that lines the walls of the uterus grows in areas where is shouldn't, such as around the ovaries and fallopian tubes .
The egg is released from the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tubes during ovulation. It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you might have endometriosis as it can affect your ability to get pregnant.
STDs
STDs such as chlamydia can also cause inflammation and swelling, but it also causes scarring around the fallopian tubes which can cause ovulation pain. Similarly, getting checked by a doctor is important because if chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause significant damage to your reproductive organs.
Scar Tissue
Lastly, women can experience ovulation pain if they have scar tissue in the surrounding areas such as surgeries for a c-section, an appendix removal, cysts, or other gynae surgies. The scar tissue can cause restriction of the ovaries during ovulation which can cause pain.
What's the scoop?
Ovulation pain, also known as Mittelschmerz which is German for "middle pain", is pain that happens in the halfway point of a woman's period cycle, or about 2 weeks until her next period is due. You may commonly hear of this as mid-cycle period cramps as well.
Ovulation pain will be one-sided in the lower tummy that happens when one of the ovaries is releasing the body's monthly egg.
The pain can either be appear as a dull ache or sharp pulses that can last anywhere from a couple minutes to a couple of days. At this same time some women might also experience a little bleeding from the vagina as well.
How can I manage my symptoms?
To control mild ovulation pain your gynae might encourage you to take an over-the-counter painkiller or other home remedies.
If the pain is more intense or troublesome, it might be a good idea to get on the birth control pill (oral ontraceptive) which stops ovulation and therefore will also stop ovulation pain in the middle of your period cycle. Women might be more susceptible to ovulation pain if they have one of the following:
- endometriosis
- scar tissue
- an STD
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to tissue that lines the walls of the uterus grows in areas where is shouldn't, such as around the ovaries and fallopian tubes .
The egg is released from the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tubes during ovulation. It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you might have endometriosis as it can affect your ability to get pregnant.
STDs
STDs such as chlamydia can also cause inflammation and swelling, but it also causes scarring around the fallopian tubes which can cause ovulation pain. Similarly, getting checked by a doctor is important because if chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause significant damage to your reproductive organs.
Scar Tissue
Lastly, women can experience ovulation pain if they have scar tissue in the surrounding areas such as surgeries for a c-section, an appendix removal, cysts, or other gynae surgies. The scar tissue can cause restriction of the ovaries during ovulation which can cause pain.
Symptom list:
Ovulation pain (Mid-cycle period cramps)
Financial support
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Emotional support
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