Cramps usually signal the start of your period. But have you ever experienced cramps during ovulation?
If you have, you’re not alone. In fact, an estimated 20% of women experience ovulation pain and cramping.
Read on to learn what causes ovulation cramps, how to cope with the pain, and when you should see a doctor.
What Are Ovulation Cramps? Do You Cramp During Ovulation?
If you’ve ever had to Google, “Do you cramp during ovulation?” – you’ll find that the answer is yes, many women do.
Ovulation cramps occur around the time of ovulation. During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg. This process can cause some mild pain or discomfort on one side of the abdomen.
In most cases, ovulation cramping is nothing to worry about. However, in rare cases, ovulation cramps can be confused with other health concerns, such as:
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Appendicitis
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Endometriosis
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Ovarian cysts
These conditions can all cause pain in the pelvic region and lower abdomen – although the pain in these cases is typically more severe than ovulation cramping.
If you regularly experience abdominal cramping outside your period, it’s worth keeping track of your menstrual cycle and symptoms. For example, tools like the Mira App and Monitor can help you determine whether or not your cramps typically align with your day of ovulation.
Does Ovulation Cause Pain? Why Does Ovulation Hurt?
So why exactly does ovulation cause cramps? And why does ovulation hurt for some people?
Here’s a breakdown:
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Ovulation occurs when a follicle from one of the ovaries ruptures and releases an egg.
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This process is not inherently painful.
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However, it’s possible to ‘feel’ the process of ovulation as an ache, twinge, or mild pain on one side of the abdomen.
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Pain or discomfort typically only lasts a few minutes, but it may linger for a few days.
Not everyone who ovulates experiences cramping or pain during ovulation. If you’ve never experienced ovulation cramping before, that’s okay! You’re among the 80% of women who do not experience pain or cramping during ovulation.
What Causes Ovulation Cramps? When Do Ovulation Cramps Start?
While the exact cause is unknown, there are some theories on what causes ovulation cramps.
One theory is that as the follicle grows to accommodate a maturing egg, it may stretch the surface of the ovary and cause pain or a pulling feeling. The follicle swells and ruptures to release the egg along with blood and other fluids. This process may be a source of cramping during ovulation.
Sometimes, fluids can irritate the inner lining of the abdomen and pelvis. Until fluids are reabsorbed, they can cause inflammation and irritation that is felt as cramping.
Ultimately, ovulation pain is caused by the process of ovulation. But when do ovulation cramps start?
Some women experience cramps before or around ovulation, while others experience pain afterward. Typically, ovulation cramping can begin 12-24 hours before ovulation. Cramping can last a few minutes or even a few days.
Symptoms of Ovulation Cramps: What Do Ovulation Cramps Feel Like?
Cramping during ovulation differs from menstrual cramps in a few key ways, but what do ovulation cramps feel like exactly? Read on to learn about three common symptoms of ovulation cramps and what it may feel like if you experience cramps when ovulating.
Related: Is Period Flu Real? Causes and Symptoms Explained
Pain or Cramping on One Side: Cramps Before Ovulation or After?
Sometimes, the ovaries take turns releasing an egg. This means that each ovary only releases an egg every other cycle. If your body follows this pattern, you may experience cramps before ovulation (or cramping while ovulating) on the side of the abdomen where the ovary is releasing an egg. Cramping can switch from one cycle to the next, depending on which ovary is ovulating.
No matter which ovary ovulates, it’s possible to experience ovulation cramps before or after the egg is released.
Mid-Cycle Cramping: Is Cramping Mid-Cycle Normal?
Ovulation typically occurs in the middle of your cycle. If you experience cramps while ovulating, this means you’ll experience cramping mid-cycle.
For example, if your cycle is the standard 28 days, this means ovulation (and cramps while ovulating) will occur around two weeks before the start of your period.
If you are tracking your cycle and symptoms, you may be able to spot signs of cramping during ovulation week. Having an idea of what your cycle patterns look like can help you plan ahead and proactively manage any uncomfortable symptoms.
Dull, Uncomfortable, or Sharp Pain
Pain is personal, and everyone’s experience of pain is different. Sometimes ovulation cramping can feel like a dull and uncomfortable sensation in the abdomen. Other times it can feel like a sharp pain, twinge, or pull.
Ovulation pain is often described as ‘uneasy pressure’ or ‘sharp cramps’. However, it should never be severe.
If you experience abdominal pain that is:
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Abnormal
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Severe
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Interrupts your day-to-day life and/or
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Accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or heavy bleeding
Seek guidance from your healthcare provider immediately.
Factors That Influence the Intensity of Ovulation Cramps: Bad Cramps During Ovulation?
It’s perfectly normal to feel some slight pain or discomfort during ovulation. However, there are certain underlying factors that can make ovulation pain more intense. Here are just a few examples to bear in mind.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play a critical role in helping our reproductive organs function the way they’re supposed to. But when these hormones are out of balance, this can lead to a number of frustrating symptoms – including pain/cramping in the pelvic area that may intensify around the time of ovulation.
Other symptoms of hormone imbalance include:
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Acne
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Hair loss
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Missed periods
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Spotting
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Unwanted hair growth
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Weight gain
Previous Pelvic Infections
Sometimes pelvic infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause scarring in the pelvic area. When this scarring is exposed to fluid from an ovulating follicle, it can become inflamed. This can lead to recurring feelings of pain and cramps during ovulation week.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. For example, endometrial tissue can implant itself on or around the ovaries as well as the fallopian tubes. The presence of this excess tissue can then cause some pain and even bad cramps during ovulation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects hormone balance and ovarian functioning. In some cases, PCOS causes tiny fluid-filled sacs (follicles) to appear in the ovaries. The presence of these follicles can increase the risk of experiencing cramping during ovulation.
Trauma and Stress
Any type of surgery in the abdomen or pelvic area (such as a cesarean section, appendix surgery, or surgery for endometriosis) can leave behind scar tissue. This scar tissue can become inflamed during ovulation, which may lead to pain or cramping.
Additionally, if your body is under stress due to physical or emotional factors, you may also be more susceptible to experiencing pain during ovulation. This is because stress can lead to an imbalance of neurotransmitters. This, in turn, can impact your perception of pain.
How to Relieve Ovulation Cramps: Cramping With Ovulation Treatment
It is not always possible to prevent cramping with ovulation. However, you may be able to catch some relief with the following practical tips.
Apply Heat
Heat not only helps your muscles relax, but it can also help to promote blood flow and increase circulation. If you start to feel a cramp during ovulation, try taking a warm bath or placing a heating pad on your abdomen. This can help provide some instant pain relief.
Take Over-the-counter Pain Relievers
Basic over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs can help relieve general pain and swelling during ovulation.
Stay Active
Staying active is a great way to relieve tension and boost happy hormones (such as dopamine and serotonin). Exercise can also be a good distraction from the discomfort of ovulation.
If you experience cramping during your fertile window, you may not be up for your normal exercise routine or gym session. That’s okay. Your body can still benefit from gentle exercises – such as walking, stretching, yoga, and swimming.
Eat Healthy
The food we eat can influence our hormones and the way we feel. In fact, a balanced diet (one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats) can promote hormone balance and help regulate ovulation.
To reduce pain during ovulation, it’s also a good idea to stay away from foods that may cause inflammation. This includes:
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Foods high in added sugar
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Fried foods
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Processed foods
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Red meat
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Trans fats
Try Supplements and Alternative Therapies
Certain herbal remedies and supplements can help reduce inflammation, which in turn can help relieve ovulation pain and cramping.
Commonly recommended supplements to reduce inflammation include:
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Fish oil
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Curcumin (turmeric)
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Green tea
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Magnesium
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Calcium
Mira’s own PCOS Supplements can also help reduce inflammation and promote hormone balance.
Other alternative treatments that may help with pain management during ovulation include:
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Acupuncture
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Breathing techniques
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Guided meditation
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Massage therapy
Other Possible Causes for Cramps Around Ovulation
Sometimes, cramps around ovulation or cramps during ovulation may not actually have anything to do with ovulation at all. In some cases, abdominal pain or cramping may be a sign that something more serious is going on, such as:
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Ectopic pregnancy
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Endometriosis
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Ovarian cysts
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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Urinary tract infections
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Uterine fibroids
All of these conditions can cause abdominal pain or cramping, which may be confused with cramps during ovulation.
When to See a Doctor for Severe Ovulation Pain
Do you get cramps during ovulation? If you do, it probably isn’t something to be concerned about.
However, if you experience what feels like intense period cramps during ovulation, you should speak with your doctor if your pain:
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Feels out of the ordinary
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Becomes worse over time
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Interrupts your daily life
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Is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, or heavy bleeding
These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical concern in need of immediate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of ovulation cramps?
Ovulation cramps can last from a few minutes to a few days.
Can ovulation cramps indicate fertility?
There is no connection between ovulation cramps and fertility. If you do not experience ovulation cramps, this does not mean you are any less ‘fertile’ than someone who does.
If you do experience ovulation cramps, cramping can be a sign that ovulation is happening (or will happen soon); indicating that you are at peak fertility and conception is possible.
Are ovulation cramps the same as menstrual cramps?
No. Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus sheds its lining. Ovulation cramps occur when an egg is released by an ovary.
Can ovulation cramps be a sign of pregnancy?
No. Ovulation cramps are not a sign of pregnancy. However, implantation may cause cramping in some cases, which can be confused with ovulation cramping.
Are there any natural remedies for ovulation cramps?
Some natural remedies and supplements can help reduce inflammation, which may ease ovulation cramping. Commonly recommended natural treatments include:
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Acupuncture
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Breathing techniques
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Curcumin (turmeric) and
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Fish oil
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Green tea
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Guided meditation
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Massage therapy
Can stress make ovulation cramps worse?
Yes. Stress can lead to an imbalance in hormones, which may increase the risk of experiencing ovulation cramping.
Is it normal to have severe ovulation pain?
No. Ovulation pain should not be severe. If ovulation pain feels intense, out of the ordinary, and/or interrupts your day-to-day life, seek guidance from your healthcare provider immediately.
Can birth control pills help alleviate ovulation cramps?
Yes. Birth control pills that stop ovulation can help alleviate ovulation pain and cramping.
Should I be concerned if I experience no ovulation pain?
No. 80% of women do not experience ovulation pain.
Does cramping during ovulation mean pregnancy?
No. Cramping during ovulation is not a sign of pregnancy. However, implantation may cause cramping in some cases, which can be confused with ovulation cramping.
Do you get cramps during ovulation?
An estimated 20% of women experience mild to moderate cramping during ovulation.
