Typical ovulation pain occurs around the middle of your cycle—day 14 in a 28-day cycle—and lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days.
It is most often felt low in the pelvis to one side, which may change each month, depending on which side the egg is released. Some people also experience nausea.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ovulation pain include:
Mild to more intense pain that may be on one side Nausea Light bleeding or spotting Vaginal discharge
The pain from ovulation is often described as dull and achy, but can also be sharp. It may grow gradually or be suddenly painful. Very rarely is the pain severe. If you experience pain around ovulation, be sure to keep a record of:
When you felt itA description of the painAny other symptoms you have
Your healthcare provider can use these records to help determine the cause of your pain and possible treatment options.
Risks
Generally, ovulation pain is not a risk and is part of a regular cycle. It doesn’t affect your ability to become pregnant and may indicate to you when ovulation is occurring.
Your healthcare provider may perform tests such as:
Pelvic examUltrasoundBlood testUrine test
Signs of something more severe that require medical attention include:
Fever greater than 100. 4 FSevere pain mid-cycle lasting more than one day or occurs monthlyMissed periodsIntense nausea or vomitingPain upon urination or sexBurning sensation or redness where the pain is feltPain that is not responding to over-the-counter pain relief medications
Causes
The causes of ovulation pain are still unclear, but there are a few theories:
Swelling or rupturing of a follicle on the ovary releases some extra fluid, which may lead to a dull ache. The egg bursting out of the follicle can cause the sharp, sudden pain some people feel. The pain is the result of spasms of the fallopian tubes or uterus as ovulation approaches.
Other pain around the time you think you are ovulating may point to other conditions, including:
Implantation Ectopic pregnancy
It can be difficult to distinguish between implantation and ovulation pain. To do so, take note of the timing of your pain.
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