Why is it normal to have an ovulation cramp?

An ovulation cramp may indicate your ovary is releasing an egg. It’s a common symptom of ovulation, which happens  around the midpoint of their menstrual cycle.

Cramping during ovulation, also in medical terms known as mittelschmerz, is sometimes accompanied by spotting or vaginal discharge. The pain will go away after a few minutes or hours, although it can last for several days. A warm bath and over-the-counter pain reliever medications can help to alleviate the pain.

What is ovulation pain?

Ovulation pain is a pain resulting from the release of egg when you are ovulating.

The pain can be described as a small cramp, like a period cramp. It can be on one side or on both sides of your lower abdomen. Some women might have a sharp and sudden pain.

The ovulation cramps typically occur towards the midpoint of your menstrual cycle, around day 14 if you have a 28-day cycle. If you have an irregular period cycle, the ovulation cramp is a sign that you are ovulating.

Ovulation cramp is completely normal during ovulation. Hence, nothing to worry about.

If you’re attempting to conceive, ovulation pain is  a useful sign to know that you are in your most fertile period. Therefore, you should begin timing for sexual intercourse within 24 hours to boost your chance to get pregnant.

What does ovulation cramp feels like?

Ovulation cramp can feel like a minor period cramp or mild discomfort at your lower abdomen. The pain can be mild and uncomfortable or acute, sharp and sudden. Severe pain is rare.

Depending on which ovary releasing the egg, the pain can be on either side of your lower abdomen. If your left ovary is releasing an egg, the pain is on the left side.

The pain can switch sides from month to month. Some women have ovulation pain every month, while others experience it very occasionally.

Ovulation cramps are often the most severe for the first time. The pain from the cramp would normally go away after a few minutes or hours, but the discomfort might last for two days.

A severe pain might be accompanied with nausea. If you are experiencing a severe ovulation cramp, please see a doctor to identify underlying conditions.

What are the causes of ovulation cramp?

Ovulation cramp is caused by irritation of the abdominal cavity after the egg follicle sac ruptures when releasing a mature egg. The fallopian tube may contract after the egg release in order to help the sperm cells to move forward to fertilize the egg.

The blood and fluid from ruptured follicles may contribute to the spotting you see on your underwear whenever you are ovulating.

If you’re using any contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices (IUD) or contraceptive pills, you won’t have ovulation cramps as you are not ovulating. This is because contraceptives prevent ovulation from occurring.

Does ovulation cramp happen before or after the egg release?

The timing of ovulation pain varies from woman to woman.

Some women experience the pain before, during or after ovulation.

If the ovulation cramp interrupts your quality of life, you may need to spare pain reliever medication such as Panadol or ibuprofen next to you whenever you are about to ovulate.

You can record whenever you are having the pain in a calendar. This information is useful by your doctor to identify any fertility issues.

Ovulation cramp & timing for pregnancy

Ovulation cramps can be useful information to tell you when is the best time to have sexual intercourse. It tells that you are in your most fertile time.

The ovulation cramp should be followed by signs of ovulation such as egg white discharge from your vagina, elevated basal body temperature and tender breast.

Tracking when you are having ovulation cramps every month will help you to understand your menstrual cycle and determine when you’re most fertile.

If you’re attempting to avoid pregnancy, ovulation cramp alone isn’t enough to prevent pregnancy. You should not have sexual intercourse several days before or after ovulation.  Sperm cells can survive up to seven days after previous sexual intercourse. Hence, the chance to get pregnant is still high if you have sex several days close to ovulation period.

How to relieve your ovulation cramp?

To alleviate ovulation cramp, you can try:

• Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Applying a heating pad to the painful area
• Taking a warm bath

If your pain is severe, consult your doctor about  treatment options.

Contraceptives or birth control devices that prevent ovulation, such as contraceptive pills or IUDs, are some of the ways to eliminate ovulation cramps.

When to see your doctor about ovulation cramp?

Get treatment as soon as possible if you have any of these signs:

• An ovulation pain is severe or lasts for more than three days
• A fever with a temperature of more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Urinary pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Red skin accompanied by pain at lower abdomen area
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Early pregnancy symptoms or a positive pregnancy test
• Missed periods
• Smelly vagina discharge

Pain at lower abdomen that is severe or does not go away may indicate one of the following health conditions:

• Ectopic pregnancy :  a condition when a fertilized egg implanted outside uterus
• Ovarian cyst: a condition where sacs filled with fluid in ovary
• Endometriosis : a condition in which uterine tissues that normally lines the uterus grows outside of uterus
• Appendicitis:  an inflammation of appendix, a tiny organ located at the top of the large intestine
• STI infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID, or upper genital tract infection)
• Scar tissue development from previous surgery