Ovulation pain is also known as Mittelschmerz. It is the pelvic and lower abdominal pain that women experience during ovulation.  This  pain can range from mild to severe and usually last from a few minutes to hours. Its usually felt on one side of the abdomen or pelvic and may vary each month. It all depends on which ovary is releasing the egg during that cycle. Vaginal discharge or bleeding may occur with the pain in some cases. Some women may even experience nausea if pain is severe.

Most women do not experience this pain. However some do get it every month and they can determine by the pain that they are ovulating.

How do i know its ovulation pain ?

It usually occurs after the first day of each menstruation so the timing makes it easy to recognize the pain. This pain usually happens on one side of the lower abdomen. If you are unsure what pain it is, contact your doctor. He will perform a pelvic and abdominal  exam to rule out other causes. If there are any irregularities with the exam, the doctor will order blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound to help determine the cause of the pain.

How is ovulation pain treated ?

This pain usually goes away within 24 hours without any treatment.  You can also use over the counter pain  medications such as Aleve and Ibuprofen to relieve pain. You can  apply heating pad or take a warm bath to ease the discomfort .

Women with severe pain may take birth control pills  which prevents ovulation.

When should i call my doctor ?

You need to call your doctor is the pain is associated with the following symptoms .

• fever
• pain with urination
• vomiting
• redness or burning of the skin at the site of pain
• mid cycle pain lasting longer than a day

You should also contact your doctor if you missed your last period.
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