Have you ever experienced a sudden sharp pain arising on either side of your abdomen around the middle of your menstruation cycle? Do you know what it is? What do you do to get relief from it? Is it serious or natural for women to experience the pain? This article will answer all your queries.
What Is Ovulation Pain?
This pain is called ovulation pain. Yes, you heard it right. Many women experience pain during ovulation. “Ovulation pain occurs in the mid of period cycle and is associated with the rupture of your follicle to release the egg from your ovary,” said Dr Tanushree Pandey Padgaonkar, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist (OBGYN).
Dr Akanksha Agnihotri, MBBS and General Physician, says, “Ovulation pain is usually one-sided. It occurs in the lower abdomen or pelvis around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle.” It is also called Mittleschmerz or Mittleschmerz syndrome. Hence, if you are experiencing pain on the right side, it means the right ovary is releasing the egg.
Do All Women Experience Ovulation Pain?
No, some women experience it, while some do not. Dr Padgaonkar says that some women experience pre-menstrual syndrome, and some do not. Some women have painful cramps during periods, while some do not. Similar is the case with ovulation pain.
Dr Padgaonkar shared that the intensity of pain differs from pain to pain. It also depends on the amount of hormone secretion. In many cases, the egg that has ruptured could be large. It leads to stretching and pain. Sometimes the egg has been stimulated to achieve pregnancy, in the case of IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation). This causes fluid to release into the peritoneal cavity. It irritates the abdomen and causes pain.
How Does Ovulation Pain Differ From Period Pain?
Dr Padgaonkar says, “Period pain happens during your menstruation cycle, which is when you bleed, wherein the ovulation pain will happen 14 days before or after the menstruation cycle.” Both the pains exist at the different parts of the menstrual cycle - one is in the ovulatory phase, and the other is at the follicular menstruation phase.
What Are The Symptoms Of Ovulation Pain?
If the pain is in the lower abdomen and occurs in the middle of your menstruation cycle, it is ovulation pain. According to Cleveland Clinic Organisation, some women experience light bleeding, nausea and vaginal discharge during ovulation.
How Can You Treat Ovulation Pain?
Both Dr Padgaonkar and Dr Agnihotri say that if it is confirmed that a woman is experiencing ovulation pain, it can subside in a few hours. If the pain is severe, it can be managed with the prescribed pain killers. However, if the pain is unbearable, both doctors suggest a woman must consult a gynaecologist to be sure.
How Much Time Does It Take For Ovulation Pain To Subside?
Dr Akanksha has observed that ovulation pain can last for about 6 hours to 12 hours. Dr Tanushree says, “In certain cases where ovulation is triggered using some injections or oral tablets to induce ovulation, in case of IUI and IVF. In such a case, the pain may last for one or two days because multiple follicles are facilitated to rupture.”
Both doctors believe that in natural cases, the pain should subside in about four to six hours. Only in a few cases, it can last for about 12 hours.
Can You Plan Pregnancy Around Ovulation Pain?
Dr Padgaonkar believes that ovulation is a vague symptom to plan pregnancy and intercourse around it. Both Dr Padgaonkar and Dr Agnihotri suggest women use an ovulation kit or get a follicular ultrasound study done by a doctor. These methods will tell you about your most fertile days during the menstruation cycle.
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Can Women Confuse Ovulation Pain With Anything Else?
Yes, Dr Agnihotri says, “Women suffering from fibroids, PCOS and endometriosis can confuse the abdomen cramps with ovulation pain.”
“However, if a women experience pain every month, and it is unbearable, “ adding Dr Padgaonkar says, “It could be endometriosis or something else. One can require proper medication and extensive treatment under the guidance of a gynaecologist.”
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She added, “If you are experiencing excessive abdominal pain and excessive breast tenderness, you must get yourself examined once to ensure that it is nothing but ovulation pain. If it is not ovulation pain, you will get treatment for another disease earlier than later.”
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