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While menstruation pain is an often discussed topic, we often forget to address another important part of the menstrual cycle: ovulation. Ovulation occurs when a woman releases an egg around 2 weeks before her period, and some women experience ovulation pain during this time. Here are some causes of ovulation pain and what it might be indicating about your body!
About Ovulation pain
Also known as Mittelschmerz, some women feel ovulation pain at around day 14 of their cycle, and it can result in mild to severe discomfort for a few minutes to several hours. The pain is usually felt in the pelvis or lower abdomen, often on one side of the abdomen depending on which ovary the egg is released from.
During ovulation, an egg in the ovary, which is surrounded by follicular fluid and blood, is released into the fallopian tubes. Some women may experience pain because of irritation in the abdominal cavity due to the rupturing of the follicular cyst. After the body absorbs the fluid and blood, the pain should naturally subside.
Persistent pain
Persistent pain during ovulation might indicate that you are suffering from Ovarian cysts or endometriosis. Painful cysts can cause bloating, cramps, and nausea and potential endometriosis adhesions could be causing pain during menstruation as well.
If you think you may be facing these conditions and have symptoms such as painful urination, fever, vomiting, or long-lasting pain, it might be beneficial to ask your doctor about the next steps to take. General ovulation pain can be treated with mild painkillers and heating pads, but if you suspect you suffer from a menstrual condition, you could get diagnosed through an ultrasound, CT scan, or laparoscopy.
Treatment and Management
General ovulation pain can be managed with mild painkillers and by using heating pads to alleviate discomfort. It may also be helpful to track your menstrual cycles and ovulation using a calendar or fertility tracking apps. This can help you anticipate when ovulation is likely to occur and be prepared for any potential pain.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts or endometriosis, your healthcare provider will recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of your condition. Treatment may involve hormonal medications to regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce pain, or in some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove cysts or treat endometrial growths.
The bottom line? Pay attention to your pelvic pain and keep an eye out for how your body reacts to ovulation. Remember that slight pain can be normal, but if you are experiencing extreme discomfort and pain that interferes with your daily life, it is important to consult your doctor about what is best for you and your body. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Taking care of your reproductive health is essential for overall well-being and fertility.
Hormone University was created as an educational platform with the mission to improve hormone health through accessible knowledge and to advocate for social impact in our communities.
You’re not alone.
80% of the adult female population has experienced hormonal imbalance at one point in their life that affected not only their physical health but also their mental health. Coping with pain, infertility, anxiety, depression, body image issues, and, on top of this, judgment is the heavy load most of these women have to bear each day and an important problem we need to tackle as a society.
