Ovulation pain is related to the rupture of the Graaf follicle in the ovary, which is manifested by pain in the lower abdomen. It may also be associated with other symptoms such as nausea. However, not all mid-cycle pain is ovulatory pain. Find out how to recognize ovulatory pain, how long it lasts and what there are ways to relieve ovarian pain during ovulation.
Ovulation painis one of the symptoms of ovulation. It is associated with the rupture of the Graaf follicle in the ovary, the pouring out of the follicular fluid and blood into the peritoneal cavity and its irritation, which is manifested by pains in the ovary. Some doctors believe that it is the blood that collects in the peritoneal cavity that can cause abdominal mucosa irritation and discomfort.
How to recognize ovulatory pain?
Ovulation pain is a pain of moderate intensity that occurs only on one side of the lower abdomen (it can also radiate to the pelvic and back areas). It occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, i.e. 14 days before your expected period (with a 28-day cycle length). It should be remembered that, depending on the length of the cycle, the moment of ovulation occurring is earlier or later, respectively.
Pain in the ovaries may also be associated with other ailments such as vaginal discharge stained with blood, fatigue and a feeling of unwell or nausea (especially when the pain is severe).
It is worth knowing that ovulatory pains may appear after any physical activity, also after intercourse.
To make sure you have ovulatory pain, you can do a cervical mucus observation method called the Billings Method. Based on the consistency of the mucus, the current "fertility state" is assessed. Fertile mucus, indicative of ovulatory pains, should look like raw egg white. You can also have an ovulation test that you can buy at any pharmacy or drugstore.
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Not all ovarian pain is related to ovulation
If, two weeks after starting your cycle, you have a stabbing pain in the ovary that turns into dull pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis (maybepain in the course of appendicitis), you should see a doctor. The doctor should exclude other ailments that cause ovarian pain, e.g. endometriosis or ovarian cysts.
To determine if pain is related to ovulation, your doctor may ask you to chart your menstrual cycles (including the start date of each menstrual period and the date of the lower abdominal pain during the cycle), and ask for the location of the pain (ovulation pain occurs). usually alternating one side or the other side of the abdomen, but this is not always the case). You should also see your doctor if you feel pain as usual and you missed your last period.
You should see a doctor as soon as possible, when ovulatory pains are accompanied by:
- fever
- pain when urinating
- redness or burning of the skin at the site of pain
- vomiting
You should also see a doctor if the pain lasts longer than 2-3 days.
How long does ovulation pain last?
Ovulation pain usually lasts from a few minutes to several or several hours (usually 6-8), although sometimes it can last even 2-3 days - until the body absorbs the released fluids. It's good to know that painful ovulation does not always occur every month - it usually occurs in every third or fourth cycle.
How to relieve ovulatory pains?
Ovulatory pain usually subsides within 24 hours, therefore specific treatment is not required. Traditional medications containing paracetamol or ibuprofen are usually effective in relieving ovarian pain. You can put a thermal pillow on the sore spot or take a warm bath.
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.
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