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The Mysteries of Ovulation Pain

The release of an egg, despite being a routine biological process, is a dramatic physical event...

That mysterious twinge on one side of your lower abdomen that isn’t occurring alongside your period? The one that keeps coming back, every month and roughly in the middle of your menstrual cycle? That sensation is most likely pain associated with ovulation, or, as it’s known in the medical world, mittelschmerz (the German term for “middle pain”).

It’s difficult to pin down just how prevalent ovulation pain is because, in most cases, it’s so mild that women don’t report it, said Dr. Jenna Turocy, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University.

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My story isn’t one of my pain being ignored, but rather one about a doctor’s lesser familiarity with the female body almost having enormous consequences for my health.

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What You Should Know About Mittelschmerz, aka Annoying Ovulation Pain

Apparently periods aren't bad enough on their own.

Here's What Could Be Causing the Cramps You Get Halfway Through Your Menstrual Cycle

So what exactly causes this crampy feeling during ovulation? As Dr. Mouanness explained, the main culprit is the leakage of fluid from inside the ruptured follicle, which causes irritation to the abdomen and the surrounding tissue.

Let's Talk About Ovulation Pain

When I was 16, I went to the ER because of a sharp pain in my lower right side. I thought my appendix was bursting. And so did the nurse. Except she was confused about why I didn't have other telltale signs of appendicitis. I had no fever and I wasn't throwing up. Though, I did feel nauseated.

Pain During Ovulation: Is It Normal?

Ovulation pain, aka Mittelschmerz, is actually quite common. Up to 40% of women experience this pain before, during, or after ovulation—around halfway through their cycle. But you don't need to grin and bear it or mask pain with hormonal contraceptives that disrupt your body's natural cycle.

What is ovulation pain and how do I know if I’m having it?

Up to 40% of people with cycles feel pain around the time an egg is released from their ovary. Here's how to identify it.

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StatPearls

Mittelschmerz—or ovulation pain, as it is commonly known today—is a benign preovulatory lower abdominal pain that occurs midcycle (between days 7 and 24) in women. Mittelschmerz may affect over 40% of women of reproductive age, and it occurs almost every month in these patients.