Pain during ovulation

Why does ovulation hurt?

Firstly, not every woman has pain during ovulation, and secondly, there is no particular reason for the discomfort that occurs at this time. During phase I of the menstrual cycle, among other things, the Graafian follicle grows. During ovulation, the follicle bursts and the egg is released from it. For about 24 hours it "waits" for fertilization.

Pain during ovulation can have several causes. It may be due to rupture of a blood vessel next to Graff's follicle and irritation of the peritoneum with blood, contractions of the fallopian tube carrying the egg, or stretching due to maximum volume of Graff's follicle. Interestingly, many women have pain during ovulation, but not in every cycle. Besides, it can change its character after childbirth.

Other symptoms of ovulation

Some women notice breast tenderness, increased libido or increased vaginal discharge during ovulation. After ovulation, the woman's body temperature also rises, which is accompanied by an increase in progesterone. If in doubt, ovulation tests are available from pharmacies, but they vary in sensitivity and are not recommended as a contraceptive method. They detect the concentration of luteinizing hormone and estrogens in a woman's urine and help to estimate the day of ovulation and the fertile days.

Dealing with pain during ovulation

Usually, abdominal pain during ovulation is not severe. However, it can be bothersome and make a woman's daily life difficult. Warm baths and the use of a heating pad may help. If this does not help, diastolic medications or herbs with similar effects can be used. If the discomfort is severe, a doctor should be consulted, because similarly localized pain may be a symptom of ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst torsion or appendicitis.

Syndrome of ovarian hyperstimulation

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one of the complications of ovulation stimulation in infertility treatment. One of the most common symptoms is pain in the lower abdominal region. However, most often it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Ascites
• Bloating
• Rare: Anuria, embolic complications