If you’ve ever experienced a sudden ache on one side of your abdomen approximately halfway through your cycle, you may have experienced ovulation pain. Ovulation cramps or cramping during ovulation may not be the most comfortable feeling, but approximately 1 out of 5 women experience the sensation. Also referred to as mittelschmerz (from German meaning middle and pain), ovulation pain is essential to learn about for numerous reasons.
In this post we’ll cover precisely what you must know about this part of your reproductive health. We’ll look at the science behind why it happens and answer any questions you have about ovulation pain like “is it normal to cramp during ovulation” and “what do ovulation cramps feel like”. We’ll even go over ovulation pain and pregnancy success and when to see a doctor. Read on to review facts, details, and healthcare tips to see what this cycle symptom is all about.
Is it normal to cramp during ovulation?
Ovulation cramps and ovulation pain is normal. Not every person will experience it, and for those that experience this sensation it may vary from cycle to cycle. Ovulation naturally varies from cycle to cycle and research shows there is a broad range for when it happens. Many will never experience cramping during ovulation while others may have mid cycle pain every month.
What causes cramping during ovulation?
Although there is no definitive answer, current research suggests that cramping during ovulation happens as a result of the ovaries releasing an egg. The process involved sees luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rise rapidly to cause a follicle in the ovary to rupture and release an egg. This rise happens approximately 24-36 hours before ovulation and it’s believed the quick surge may cause muscles in the region to tighten and may cause some discomfort. Others have theorized that the blood and fluids released into the ovary as the follicle ruptures cause minor irritation, resulting in ovulation pain. The pain is short-lived as the fluid is quickly reabsorbed. No one knows precisely why ovulation pain occurs but healthcare experts agree that the pain is likely caused due to how ovulation occurs. It’s unpleasant yet natural to experience.
Other causes of pain in the region of your ovaries may be confused with ovulation pain. Appendicitis, an ectopic pregnancy, or ovarian cysts can also cause pain in this area, although the pain is usually much more severe and unexpected. Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away can signal a more serious condition or infection and should be checked out by your healthcare team.
What do ovulation cramps feel like
Like periods, ovulation cramps vary by individual. Many who experience this type of pain report a short-lived pain similar to a mild twinge or dull ache, while others experience more intense pain. It is typically felt in the lower abdomen in the middle or on one side where the ovary is releasing an egg. Since your ovaries take turns ovulating, the pain can switch from side to side depending on which ovary is releasing an egg that cycle.
How long does ovulation pain last?
For many women, ovulation pain usually lasts for a few seconds or minutes. It may be present for up to 1-2 days, but it shouldn’t last longer than that.
If you track your cycle, you may notice that the pain isn’t consistent. You may feel a dull ache for a day during one cycle for a few minutes the next. It may also feel like menstrual cycle cramping during one cycle, and a small twinge during future cycles.
Start tracking your cycle if you haven’t already, and you may notice patterns or symptoms of ovulation pain. If you have pain that lasts longer than two days, speak to your healthcare provider.
How to relieve ovulation cramp pain
In most instances, you can treat ovulation pain without medical intervention. Over-the-counter medications and home remedies are commonly used. Some of your treatment options include:
- NSAIDs – These are over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. They relieve swelling and general pain.
- Heating pad – A heating pad can soothe cramp-like pain and soothe your abdominal area. Apply one as needed to alleviate discomfort, but never sleep with a heating pad on.
- Hot bath – The soothing sensation of hot baths is ideal when pain lasts for several hours or 1-2 days. Use them in conjunction with other options for longer-lasting relief.
- Relaxation – During ovulation pain, don’t put extra stress on your body. Do what is possible to decrease strenuous activity. Rest may help reduce your pain.
If pain is persistent and you’re not trying to conceive, you may speak with your OBGYN about oral contraceptives. The hormones in oral contraceptives stop ovulation, so you won’t feel the associated pain.
Ovulation pain and pregnancy success
It can be tempting to think that ovulation pain and pregnancy success are correlated but there is no direct connection between the two. It is normal to cramp during ovulation and is a good sign that you are ovulating, which is necessary for pregnancy. It can be helpful to monitor and track but is an unreliable method for predicting, planning, or preventing a pregnancy.
Tracking your ovulation and the fertile window can be valuable to understand when you ovulate specifically in a menstrual cycle. You can add 8-10 days to estimate when implantation occurs. Many women have more variable cycle length and ovulation timing than they think though and it can be hard to tell the difference between ovulation pain and what might be a potential pregnancy. To precisely know your ovulation, try a fertility tracker such as Mira.
Ovulation pain vs implantation cramps
It can be challenging to tell the difference between ovulation pain and implantation cramps. Not everyone who menstruates will experience them, but approximately 30% of women will feel something called implantation cramps. These cramps are said to happen when the fertilized embryo implants in the uterus and may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms.
To differentiate between the two it is especially important to pay attention to the timing of the cramps. Implantation cramps occur most often between 6-12 DPO. Paying attention to your exact fertility hormone concentrations using the Mira Max Starter Kit can help you pinpoint hormonal changes with greater accuracy to differentiate ovulation pain from implantation cramps.
When to see a doctor for ovulation pain
Ovarian pain isn’t necessarily caused by ovulation. There are multiple reasons women experience pelvic pain in their abdominal cavity. The causes of pain include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Ovarian cysts
All of these health problems are likely to cause irritation, swelling, cramping, and more. The primary difference is that the severity of pain is worse than ovulation pain.
If your pain seems unusual, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your medical care provider. Untreated reproductive health disorders are crucial to resolve.
Ovulation pain or cramping during ovulation shouldn’t be a cause for concern and can usually be relieved with home remedies or specific pain management. If the pain persists, feels stronger than normal, or doesn’t improve with pain medication it may be time to take a closer look. This is also true if the pain is accompanied with fever, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or dizziness. It’s best to be safe and get evaluated, even if you feel unsure about your level of pain. Being proactive may help ensure healthy ovulation and fertility.
