Why Ovulation Pains Happen and When to Involve a Doctor

 

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation is a part of your menstrual cycle. It occurs when an egg is released from your ovary. When the egg is released, it may or may not be fertilized by sperm. If fertilized, the egg may travel to the uterus and implant to develop into a pregnancy. If left unfertilized, the egg disintegrates, and the uterine lining is shed during your period.

It happens typically around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle and the exact timing may very per individual but generally 4 days before or 4 days after your cycle’s midpoint.

Symptoms of Ovulation

Some known symptoms of ovulation include:

• ·       light bleeding or spotting
• ·       breast tenderness
• ·       increased sexual drive
• ·       ovary pain characterized by discomfort or pain on one side of the abdomen, also called MITTELSCHMERZ

Here is the myth breaker: “Ovulation pain doesn't necessarily occur at the exact moment the egg is released from the ovary. It may occur a few days before or after ovulation”.

Is Ovulation Pain Normal?

Research shows that up to 50% of women will experience ovulation pains at least once in their lifetime and this is generally normal. However, what’s not normal is if the pain becomes too intense and prolonged such that it prevents you from having sex or going about your daily life. Sometimes, the pains you may be having may have nothing to do with ovulation. It is important to consult medical help if this becomes the case.

What Causes Severe Ovulation Pain or Mittelschmerz?

No one is sure what causes ovulation pains but there are several other reasons why you might be experiencing severe pains during ovulation. I will touch briefly on some.

·       Infection of the fallopian tubes can lead to intense ovulation pain

·       Fibroids and ovarian cysts can cause mid-cycle aches

·       Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which usually occurs in women taking some fertility drugs, can cause severe pelvic pain

·       Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a very painful condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. Areas affected become irritated when the lining tissue responds to hormones during your cycle, causing bleeding and inflammation outside of the uterus. You may develop scar tissue or endometriosis adhesions that are particularly painful during your period. However, doctors can’t see this condition during a routine ultrasound, so a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be necessary to enable the doctors to see directly inside your uterus/pelvis and prescribe further solution.

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