Why Does Ovulation Hurt?
Period pain is one thing, but have you ever experienced similar cramps during the middle of your cycle too? Chances are, you’re experiencing ovulation pain - and you’re not alone. According to Clue app, around one in five women suffer with cramps during ovulation, lasting for anywhere between a few minutes and 48 hours. So what causes ovulation pain, and what can we do to ease discomfort? We spoke to expert, Miss Mez Aref-Adib, a consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology to find out.
What causes ovulation pain?
First lets understand what happens during ovulation. Miss Mez Aref-Adib told us,
“Ovulation is a critical phase in the female menstrual cycle where an egg is released from one of the ovaries. After release, the egg travels through the fallopian tube, making it available for fertilisation by sperm. If fertilisation doesn't happen, the egg disintegrates, and the uterine lining is shed during menstruation.”
So far so good.
“Ovulation is a key event for pregnancy, and multiple eggs may occasionally be released during this process, potentially leading to the conception of more than one baby,” our expert continued.
“Ovulation usually lasts only about 12-24 hours, happening around the 14th day of a 28-day cycle. If the cycle is longer, ovulation can occur later. The egg is usually released 2 weeks before the onset of menstruation. (i.e., day 16 in a 30-day cycle).”
So what exactly are we feeling, when we experience ovulation pain?
“Ovulation pain, also known as Mittelschmerz, is a sensation of mild to moderate discomfort that some women experience during ovulation. It typically manifests as a dull ache, a sharp twinge, or a cramp in the lower abdomen, often on one side. This pain arises as a result of several factors, including the growth and stretching of the ovarian follicle and the release of the egg. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes, such as increased oestrogen and prostaglandin levels, are believed to play a role.”
Is ovulation pain normal?
Now we know what causes the pain we might experience during ovulation, how do we know if what we’re feeling is normal, or a sign that something could be wrong?
Miss Mez Aref-Adib explained,
“For most women, ovulation pain is a transient and manageable discomfort that doesn't require treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate the pain, and rest or a heating pad may provide relief. There are other options including TENs machines that can be used. In addition, contraceptives that prevent ovulation can help, and these are available in various forms. Some nutritional changes such as avoiding sugar and dairy can help these symptoms too.”
When to see a doctor about ovulation pain
So while some mild to moderate pain or discomfort is normal, it might be helpful to track your cycle closely so you can understand more about your pain and what might be causing it. Keep a note of when the pain starts, how long it lasts for and how severe it is. It's also a good idea to note down which side you feel the pain, and whether or not there are some months where you don’t feel pain at all.
Miss Mel Aref-Adib agrees, adding:
“Tracking your menstrual cycle and noting when ovulation pain occurs can be beneficial for anticipating it in the future.
However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or significantly disrupts your daily life, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can assess the pain, rule out other potential causes, and recommend appropriate measures. Seeking medical care is also important if the pain is accompanied by concerning symptoms like fever, vomiting, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection.”
Natural remedies to ease ovulation pain
The good news is the ovulation pain is likely to be short lived - and there are a few home remedies that you can try to ease your discomfort too.
Heat therapy for ovulation pain
Applying heat to your abdomen can be really helpful when it comes to easing pain. The warmth of a hot water bottle or heat patch helps to stimulate blood flow, which helps muscles to relax and creates a soothing sensation.
We recommend our wearable hot water bottle which can be tied around the waist, or our natural Heat Patches, which provide instant heat for up to 12 hours. Apply the patch over your underwear wherever the pain is present. Patches are available in packs of 4, which is handy if your ovulation pain is present for more than 12 hours.
Gentle exercise for ovulation pain
Exercise also helps to get the blood flowing, and also causes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Exercise is also known to boost the mood, and helps us to feel more relaxed too, so although it might feel like the last thing you want to do, moving your body might be just the distraction you need.
We recommend walking, swimming or yoga - all are great for stretching the body and keeping muscles supple.
Mindful breathing and meditation to ease ovulation pain
You might find mindful breathing or meditation an effective way to manage ovulation pain. If you’re new to meditation, it can be hard to focus at first, but there are lots of great apps out there to help. We love Headspace and Balance, but do your own research to find one that works for you.
The bottom line on ovulation pain
Some mild to moderate pain during ovulation is normal, but speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about it. Tracking your cycle can help you to understand what’s happening during ovulation, and can be handy if you do need to make an appointment to see a doctor. There are natural remedies that can help with ovulation pain; find a treatment that works for you, and remember that ovulation pain is usually very short-lived.
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