Ovulation is a stage of the female menstruation, which includes the release of an egg (ovum) from one of the ovaries. For the majority of women, ovulation takes place about as soon as monthly until menopause, apart from episodes of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is a Sharp Pain During Ovulation Normal?
About one in five women experience discomfort and pain throughout ovulation. The duration of the sharp pain varies from one woman to the next, however varies from a couple of minutes to 48 hours. In many cases, ovulation pain doesn’t indicate that anything is incorrect. Nevertheless, severe pain may sometimes be symptomatic of gynaecological conditions including endometriosis. See your doctor if your ovulation pain lasts longer than three days or is associated with other unusual menstrual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding. Ovulation pain is likewise known as mid-cycle pain and mittelschmerz (German for ‘middle pain’).
Symptoms
The symptoms of ovulation pain can include:
- Pain in the lower abdominal area, simply inside the hip bone.
- The pain usually happens about two weeks before the menstrual period is due.
- The pain is felt on the right or left side, depending upon which ovary is launching an egg.
- The pain might switch from one side to the other from one cycle to the next, or continue to be on one side for a couple of cycles.
- The pain feeling varies between individuals – for example, it might feel like uncomfortable pressure, twinges, sharp pains or cramps.
- The duration of pain ranges anywhere from minutes to 2 Days.
Causes of Sharp Pain During Ovulation on Left or Right Side
The exact reason for ovulation pain is not clear, however theories consist of:
- Emerging roots – hormonal agents prompt the ovaries to produce around 20 follicles. Each roots consists of an immature egg (ovum) however just one roots typically survives to maturity. It is expected that ovulation pain is caused by the broadening roots extending the membrane of the ovary.
- Ruptured hair follicle – when the egg is fully grown, it bursts from the hair follicle. This might cause small bleeding. The peritoneum (abdominal lining) might be irritated by the blood or fluids from the ruptured roots, and this may trigger the sharp pain.
Underlying medical issues
In many cases, ovulation pain is harmless. However, severe and extended ovulation pain, or other pains felt in the lower abdominal area, can be symptomatic of numerous medical conditions including:
- Salpingitis – swelling of the fallopian tubes following an infection.
- Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease – inflammation following an infection.
- Endometriosis – the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows in other locations, such as the bowel. Other symptoms consist of uncomfortable durations and unpleasant sex.
- Ovarian cyst – an unusual pocket of fluid that establishes on the ovary.
- Ectopic pregnancy – a pregnancy that develops outside of the womb, many frequently in one of the fallopian tubes. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Seek urgent medical aid.
- Appendicitis – inflammation of the appendix can in some cases be confused with ovulation pain. Seek urgent medical assistance if the pain is on the right side of your abdomen and you are experiencing queasiness and vomiting.
- Other gastrointestinal issues – lower abdominal pain can be symptomatic of a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including perforated ulcer, gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Diagnosis techniques
Tests that assist determine whether ovulation pain is safe or brought on by infection or disease might include:
- Case history
- Physical examination, including an internal pelvic assessment
- Blood tests
- Cervical cultures
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Vaginal ultrasound
- Exploratory surgery (laparoscopy or ‘keyhole’ surgery).
Looking after yourself
Speak with your doctor to make sure that your sharp ovulation pain isn’t really triggered by any hidden medical issue. Suggestions on caring for benign ovulation pain yourself consist of:
- Unwind. If the pain is especially bothersome, rest in bed whenever you can.
- Usage pain-killing medication.
- Warmth on the lower abdomen might assist. Use heat loads, hot water bottles or warm baths.
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs. See your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.
- The Pill and other forms of hormonal contraceptive can avoid ovulation pain due to the fact that they stop ovulation. Talk over this choice with your doctor.
- See your doctor if you experience ovulation pain that lasts longer than three days, or if you have other symptoms such as heavy bleeding or discharge.
Family preparation
Chances of conception are high if a couple make love in the days before, throughout and after ovulation. Some women rely on ovulation pain to help them plan a pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is unwise to rely on ovulation pain alone if you’re aiming to prevent pregnancy. Constantly make use of other techniques of contraception.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Gynaecologist
- Women’s health center
Things to remember
- About one in 5 women experience pain throughout ovulation that can last from a few minutes to 48 hours.
- Ovulation pain is generally harmless, but can in some cases suggest various medical conditions such as endometriosis.
- See your doctor if your ovulation pain lasts longer than three days or is connected with other uncommon menstrual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding.
