What Is Ovulation Pain?

Is Ovulation Pain After Ovulation Normal?

Ovulation pain is a type of ovary pain occurs in about 20 percent of women in their childbearing years. Typically it happens about two weeks before the menstrual cycle, when one of the ovaries releases an ovum or egg.

The intensity of ovulation pain varies from one woman to another. Some women feel mild discomfort, others experience rather severe pain and cramping. Ovulation pain can last a few minutes or a few days.

Another name for ovulation pain is Mittelschmerz, which is German for "mid pain."

Ovulation pain may be a symptom of an underlying gynecological disorder (see below), but this is generally not the case. Nonetheless, severe, prolonged ovulation pain (more than 2-3 days) or heavy bleeding deserve a discussion with your doctor.

What causes of ovulation pain The exact cause of ovulation pain is not known, but researchers have made some educated guesses.

The most likely possiblities center on ovarian follicles, which are the saclike structures in which eggs develop. One theory suggests that during ovulation, the follicle bursts open, releasing the egg into the fallopian tube. It's possible that the expanding follicle stretches the membrane of the ovary, causing ovulation pain.

Another theory suggests that when the egg matures, it bursts from the follicle, causing minor internal bleeding. This bleeding may irritate the lining of the abdomen, causing ovulation pain.

Ovulation pain symptoms Once again, ovulation pain is fairly common, and in most cases it doesn't indicate any underlying diseases or conditions. However, sometimes it may be a sign of a problem or a developing disorder. Possibilities include:

Appendicitis - the pain from an inflamed appendix is similar to ovulation pain. If you experience persistent and worsening pain on the right side of the lower abdomen, along with nausea and vomiting, seek medical help right away.

Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease - Pelvic inflammatory disease is also known as PID. It refers to the inflammation of one of a woman's reproductive organs. PID is often a serious complication of diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Ectopic pregnancy - This is a pregnancy that begins to develop outside the uterus (usually in a fallopian tube). It causes cramping, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. It is a serious medical condition that calls for immediate professional care.

Endometriosis - Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, grows in other locations outside the uterus. Painful periods and discomfort during intimacy are typical symptoms of endometriosis.

Ovarian cyst - This is abnormal pocket of fluid that develops on the ovary, causing ovarian pain. See ovarian cysts and ovarian cyst pain.

Salpingitis - Inflammation of the fallopian tubes, usually due to infection. Salpingitis accounts for approximately one in every six hospital admissions that are related to female reproductive issues. 

There are disorders and conditions that can cause discomfort similar to resembles ovulation pain. These are mostly gastrointestinal problems like a perforated ulcer, gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Ovulation pain after ovulation Sometimes there could be a slight leakage of blood from the ovary during ovulation. This leakage may trigger irritation. Severity of this type of ovulation pain after ovulationj depends on how much leakage occurred and several other variables. Other problems related to the reproductive system, like fibroids or PCOS may also cause ovulation pain after ovulation. These should be discussed with your doctor.

Once again, ovulation pain is usually harmless and temporary, though it can be especially painful for some women while it lasts. It's important to know when mid-cycle pain may be a sign of something more serious. As with most disorders and diseases, an early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of a happy outcome. Related information: click on ovary pain.