Ovulation Cramps: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Women may notice mild or moderate pain or cramps around ovulation, also called Mittelschmerz.
Mittelschmerz may affect up to 40% of women of reproductive age with cramps in the lower abdomen.
The hormonal fluctuations during ovulation are the main cause of intense ovulation cramps.
However, some medical conditions, such as Endometriosis and Fibroids, can be the other cause of cramps during ovulation and may also elevate the pain.
This comprehensive article aims to elaborate on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and management of cramps during ovulation.
What are ovulation cramps
The ovulation cramps, pain, or Mittelschmerz, are preovulatory lower abdominal pain during the middle of the menstrual cycle between days 7 and 24.
Ovulation is one of the phases of the menstrual cycle.
It occurs fourteen days before the bleeding phase on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle.
Therefore, cramps during ovulation may be seen as similar to period cramps. However, they occur at different times of the menstrual cycle.
The process involves the release of a mature ovum, or egg, by rupturing the mature follicles.
How long do ovulation cramps last
The cramps during ovulation may range from mild to moderate to intense and sharp pain in women.
The cramps usually last until ovulation and may go away on their own.
According to the Better Health Channel, the pain can last from a few minutes to 48 hours in women.
However, the intensity and duration of cramps during ovulation may differ from woman to woman.
Further, the phase may even pass in some women without being noticed.
What are the symptoms of ovulation cramps
The ovulation may cause some painful symptoms, such as pain in the abdominal region or ovaries.
An egg is released every month from one side of the ovary, and the pain may depend on which side of the ovary is releasing an egg.
However, some women may have persistent pain during ovulation, irrespective of which side of the ovary is releasing an egg.
If you are facing such painful symptoms during ovulation, consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical attention.
Ovulation can also show other symptoms. Some symptoms are as follows:
- Changes in body temperature
- Mucus secretions
- Light spotting or discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
- Less appetite
- Breast tenderness and pain
- Abdominal bloating
What causes cramps during ovulation week
The main causes of cramps during ovulation week include:
Midcycle hormonal changes
A study by Nathan R. Brott and Jacqueline K. Le found the reason behind pain during ovulation.
According to them, ovulation pain coincides with the Leutenizing Hormone (LH) surge when follicles enlarge without rupturing.
Further, LH surge causes ovarian perifollicular contractibility through a Prostaglandin pathway, which can result in pain.
In addition to their essential role in bodily function, such as blood clotting at the site of injury, Prostaglandin has a significant role in reproductive functions. Prostaglandin plays a role in conception, luteolysis (degradation of corpus luteum), menstruation, and parturition (childbirth).
Other causes
Certain medical conditions may also cause cramps or pain during ovulation, such as:
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis around the ovaries or fallopian tubes may elevate the pain during ovulation
- Adhesion: Endometriosis can cause the sticking of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or bowels to each other, called Adhesion, and causes painful cramps
- Ectopic pregnancy: According to The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, many women reported that they are aware of the pain during ovulation after an Ectopic pregnancy
- Fibroid: As per the Fibroid Specialist of University Vascular, abnormal pain during ovulation or during and after periods can indicate Uterine Fibroids
- Scar tissue: Scars in tissues during surgery, such as caesarian section, can also lead to cramps or pain during ovulation in women
How are ovulation cramps diagnosed
A healthcare practitioner may diagnose ovulation pain depending on the time of pain.
However, if the condition persists, it may be caused by other medical conditions, such as Endometriosis, and needs prompt medical attention.
In that case, the healthcare practitioner can examine the abdominal or pelvic region to find the underlying cause of the pain.
These examinations are important to distinguish between regular ovulation pain and pain caused by Fibroids or Endometriosis.
Further, a swab test may also be performed to check the cervix and test for infections.
Treatment and management of cramps during ovulation
The cramps during ovulation may go away independently after ovulation.
However, to relieve cramps, you can take the following steps:
- Over-the-counter medications, such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen
- Hormonal contraceptives to stop ovulation
- Take a hot bath
- Apply a heating pad to relieve cramps
- Do stretching exercises to alleviate pain or cramps
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It is necessary to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek medical treatment in the following cases:
- Intense regular pain in the ovaries
- The pain intensifies on either ovary
- A history of medical conditions, such as Endometriosis, Fibroids
- A history of Ectopic pregnancy case
Further, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women between 21 and 29 must take mandatory to detect Cervical Cancer.
Therefore, it is necessary to consult a healthcare practitioner to diagnose any medical conditions early for prompt treatment and management.
Conclusion
Many women experience ovulation cramps every month during the menstrual cycle.
Ovulation may cause some symptoms, such as pain in the ovaries. Further, other symptoms include light spotting and breast tenderness.
Ovulation cramps are caused by a peak in LH when follicles are enlarging, causing contraction in the ovaries and, therefore, causing cramps.
Moreover, some medical conditions can also cause pain during ovulation. These medical conditions include Endometriosis and Fibroid.
Further, Ectopic pregnancy and scar tissue can also cause ovulation cramps in some cases.
Thus, it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner and get a diagnosis of the condition, depending on the time of pain.
Further, seek medical help, such as medications, to alleviate the cramps during ovulation with anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.
The cramps during ovulation are normal and many women experience them.
However, if the pain in severely affecting daily activities, consult a healthcare practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cramps a sign of ovulation?
Cramps during the fourteenth day of the menstrual cycle are signs of cramps due to ovulation. Further, cramps in the lower abdominal region, including ovaries, are caused by the release of a mature egg and can go away within 48 hours.
What causes midcycle ovulation cramps?
Hormonal changes cause midcycle ovulation cramps. Ovulation occurs when peak Estrogen levels cause a surge in the level of Luteinizing Hormone. It results in ovarian perifollicular contraction and releases a mature egg.
What causes cramps during ovulation?
The cramps during ovulation can be caused by rupturing follicles and releasing a mature egg. Further, certain medical conditions, such as Endometriosis and Fibroids, can cause cramps. Ectopic pregnancy, and scars, can also elevate the risk of cramps in some women.
How do you stop ovulation cramps?
You can relieve cramps during ovulation with medications such as Acetaminophen. Further, you can take prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. Consult a healthcare practitioner and seek hormonal birth control to stop ovulation.
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