Have you ever asked this question to yourself? Why do I have cramps about a week or two before I get my period? If so, you have come to the right place to find out what you need to know. Ovulation pain is the name for the pain you feel. Around the time of ovulation, some women feel a light pain or cramp in the lower abdomen. It is usually not too bad, and rest or over-the-counter medicines can help. If it is bad, it could be a sign of a disease. Read the post below to learn more about ovulation pain and how to treat it.
Ovulation
A mature egg or ovum is released from a woman’s ovary during ovulation. The mature egg is received by the Fallopian tube after it has been let go. Now, the egg goes into the Fallopian tube, where it can stay for up to 12 to 24 hours, waiting for sperm from the male partner to fertilise it when the woman has a sexual encounter. When the egg and sperm join, the female becomes pregnant.
As you have seen, ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary. But before the mature egg is released, it goes through a Follicle Cystic stage. So, for the mature egg to get out, this follicle has to break when the levels of Luteinizing hormone (LH) reach their highest point in the middle of the cycle.
Ovulation Pain Causes
A small number of women have cramp-like pain when they ovulate. These are called “ovulation pain” or “middle pain,” which is what the German word Mittelschmerz means. Most of the time, ovulation happens in the middle of a woman’s cycle, like around the 14th day of a 28-day cycle. Abdominal cramps during menstruation or periods are quite common among females. But menstrual cramps are not the same as the pain in the lower abdomen after ovulation. If you have cramps when you don’t have your period, it could be because you are ovulating. Only a small number of women have lower abdominal pain or cramps after ovulation.
Several things can cause ovulation pain:
- After the follicle bursts, the fluid and blood that leak into the abdomen can irritate the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). This is a common cause of cramps or pain in the abdomen after ovulation.
- The growing ovum can stretch the ovary’s coverings in the follicle stage. This happens before the mature egg is released. Stretching starts an inflammation process, making a chemical called prostaglandins appear. These things tighten the ovarian muscles around the growing follicles, which is a sign of ovulation pain. This is a big reason why women feel pain during or even before ovulation.
Ovulation Pain Symptoms
This is how you can know about ovulation symptoms:
- Usually happens about two weeks before you get your period.
- The worst symptoms happen 24 to 32 hours before ovulation.
- Most of the time, it’s a dull pain, but sometimes it can be sharp.
- Often felt on the sides of the lower abdomen.
- It can be linked to spotting or discharge from the uterus.
- It can cause tenderness in the breasts.
- If the pain is bad enough, the person can even feel sick.
- Most women say ovulation pain lasts between 6 and 12 hours and is no longer. If the pain lasts longer than a day or two, it’s important to see a doctor.