Ovulation Pain

Where does ovulation pain occur?

You typically feel the pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis, in the middle or on one side. You may feel it on the side where the ovary is releasing an egg. (For most people, the ovaries take turns ovulating. Each ovary releases an egg every other month.)

So if the ovary on the right side is releasing the egg, that’s where you’ll feel the pain. Some people find that the pain switches sides from one cycle to the next.

Read Premenstrual Syndrome & Craving By Sreejata Mukherjee

What causes ovulation pain?

The egg develops in the ovary. As it grows, follicular fluid surrounds it. During ovulation, the ovary releases the egg and fluid, along with some blood. Mittelschmerz may happen because of the egg enlarging in the ovary just before ovulation.

The pain may also be due to a ruptured follicle. The egg bursts from the follicle when it’s ready. The burst may cause some bleeding. The blood and fluid from the ruptured follicle may irritate the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), causing pain.

This is a normal part of the menstrual cycle.

What are the symptoms of ovulation pain?

The pain may feel like a mild twinge, or you might have severe discomfort. It often hurts on just one side. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours. You may also experience:

• Light vaginal bleeding.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Nausea, if the pain is bad.

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