Alternative names :: Ovulation pain, Midcycle pain, Mittelschmerz ovulation
What is Mittelschmerz ?
Mittelschmerz (MITT-ul-shmurz) means “”middle pain.” It strikes some women when the ovary releases an egg into the tube leading to the uterus (womb). This occurs about 2 weeks before your period. It can cause pain and cramping; but it is not serious and usually goes away after about 6 to 8 hours.
Mittelschmerz is one-sided lower-abdominal pain that occurs in women at or around the time of ovulation. In Mittelschmerz the fluid and blood released when the ovum bursts out of the ovary may cause discomfort. Blood is very irritating to the tissues lining the abdominal cavity and could be responsible for the midcycle pain.
Mittelschmerz is a mild pressure or twinge lasting a few hours. About 20% of women experience mittelschmerz, or pain associated with ovulation. The pain may occur just before, during, or after ovulation. Mittelschmerz may be felt on one side one month, then switch to the opposite side the next month, or it may be felt on the same side for several months in succession.
Mittelschmerz Causes
About 20% of women experience mittelschmerz, or pain associated with ovulation. The pain may occur just before, during, or after ovulation. There are several explanations for the cause of this pain. Some of the common causes of Mittelschmerz includes :-
- An egg being released from an ovary.
- Just prior to ovulation, follicle growth may stretch the surface of the ovary, causing pain.
- At the time of ovulation, fluid or blood is released from the ruptured egg follicle and may cause irritation of the abdominal lining.
Mittelschmerz Symptoms
Some of the Symptoms of Mittelschmerz are :-
- Lower-abdominal pain that is typically lasting minutes to a few hours, but may extend as long as 24-48 hours.
- May switch sides from month to month or from one episode to another.
- Some women feel sick to their stomach and note some spotting of blood from the vagina.
- Recurrent or with similar pain in past.
- Lower-abdominal pain that is One-sided.
Mittelschmerz Treatment
No treatment is usually necessary. Pain relievers (analgesics) may be needed in cases of prolonged or intense pain. Some the steps should be taken if pain continues for long times talk to your doctor. In the mean time some treatment can be taken.
- Try a heating pad set on low or sit in a warm bath.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Do not take any laxatives or pain killers unless ordered by your doctor.
- Rest until you feel better.
Prevention for Mittelschmerz
Hormonal forms of contraception can be taken to prevent ovulation and therefore ovulatory pain — but otherwise there is no known prevention.
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