Nausea During Ovulation: Unraveling the Causes and Management
Nausea during ovulation is a common complaint among females.
The hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can play a big role in causing occasional nausea.
It can be a temporary discomfort that goes away in a while, but sometimes it can mean pregnancy.
So, how do you know if it is ovulation nausea, and what are the options available to deal with it?
Read this article to explore the causes of nausea during ovulation and learn how to ease the discomfort.
Can ovulation cause nausea
The answer is yes. Nausea is a common complaint during ovulation.
It is normal to feel like vomiting or sick during this period.
However, it is important to note that nausea can also occur after ovulation.
This is called Premenstrual nausea, a symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
It occurs a week or two before the periods begin.
PMS symptoms also include headache, bloating, and mood changes.
The best way to determine if it’s ovulation nausea or PMS nausea is to keep track of the menstrual cycle.
If the symptoms appear around the middle of the cycle, it is related to ovulation.
On the other hand, signs that appear after the middle, i.e., after the second week of the menstrual cycle, are due to PMS.
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Causes of nausea during ovulation
There can be several direct factors or indirect factors that can cause nausea during ovulation.
Some of them include:
Hormones
As the hormones keep changing throughout the menstrual cycle, they can cause discomfort.
Hormonal changes like increased levels of Estrogen and Luteinizing hormones occur during ovulation.
It can cause nausea in some women around ovulation.
Sometimes, the increased digestive juices due to hormonal fluctuations can also cause nausea.
Mittelschmerz
Some women experience ovulation pain, which is called Mittelschmerz.
Along with severe cramping during ovulation, a woman may also experience nausea due to the high-intensity pain.
Certain foods
Some types of food can make you nauseous or worsen it.
Fatty, greasy, and fried foods must be avoided if nausea or vomiting is a common issue for you.
Spicy foods and those rich in sugar, like desserts and candies, can also contribute to feeling nauseous.
During ovulation, the hormonal balance is already disrupted, and such foods can make it worse.
Fertility medications
Certain drugs used to treat infertility and induce ovulation can also increase the risk of nausea.
A review by S G Derman suggested that some short-lived consequences of fertility drugs like Bromocriptine include nausea.
Digestive issues
If problems related to digestion persist alongside ovulation, they might be the cause of nausea.
Some such problems are food allergies, food poisoning, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
How long does ovulation nausea last
Ovulation can last from 16 to 32 hours.
So, its symptoms should also go away after this time period.
If the nausea lasts for too long or you are facing other difficulties, you must contact a doctor to help find out the reason behind it.
How to stop nausea during ovulation
There are certain ways to get rid of nausea faster, like medications and improving lifestyle.
Medications
There are certain medications available to help alleviate nausea.
Some of them are Dimenhydrinate, Metoclopramide, Doxylamine, and Promethazine.
Vitamin B6 is also helpful in controlling nausea, so its supplements can be beneficial.
Before taking any of these medications, always consult a doctor for safety and guidance.
Quitting alcohol and smoking
Smoking has been linked to numerous health concerns, and nausea is no different.
The use of cigarettes or e-cigarettes can cause nausea along with headache or dizziness.
A 2023 study concluded that active and passive smoking was also related to increased vomiting and nausea during pregnancy.
This might also occur during ovulation as the hormone fluctuations and several symptoms of pregnancy are alike.
Alcohol is another factor that can cause nausea as it disturbs the stomach lining, resulting in excessive acid.
So, quitting smoking and drinking can help with improving nausea during ovulation.
Changing food habits
As sugary, oily, greasy, and spicy foods cause nausea, avoiding them during ovulation can help.
During this time, drinking cool beverages like clear soup and eating salty, low-fat foods should be preferred.
Does feeling sick during ovulation mean pregnancy
Nausea is more commonly associated with pregnancy than with the menstrual cycle.
If you are trying to conceive and experience nausea around or after ovulation, it might be a sign of pregnancy.
According to a 2021 study, 67 percent of women experience nausea and vomiting within 11 to 20 days of ovulation.
Other symptoms of ovulation
During ovulation, the cervical mucus appears clear and stretchy, along with a lot of wet discharge.
Additionally, the basal body temperature (body temperature at rest) is slightly higher.
Along with nausea, some other secondary symptoms are also noticed during ovulation. They are:
- Abdominal bloating
- Light spotting
- Cramping or pain on one side of the pelvis
- Breast tenderness
- Increased libido
- An increased sense of smell, taste, or vision
How to know that ovulation is over
Keeping track of your cycle and the signs discussed above can help you determine if you have ovulated.
After ovulation, the cervical mucus thickens, and Progesterone levels also begin to rise.
To confirm, a doctor can conduct a blood test to check for Progesterone, or you can use at-home test kits.
Conclusion
Nausea during ovulation is a common issue that can go away by itself in some time.
It can occur due to hormonal changes, pain, eating habits, and digestive problems.
Some other ovulation symptoms experienced besides nausea are breast tenderness, light bleeding, abdominal pain, and high libido.
Keeping track of the menstrual cycle is essential to determine the starting and ending of ovulation since PMS and Pregnancy can also cause nausea.
To ease the discomfort, you can take medicines like Doxylamine and Dimenhydrinate after consulting a doctor.
You must quit smoking, alcohol, and foods that are greasy, sweet, or spicy during ovulation to manage the symptoms on your end effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nausea during ovulation normal?
Yes, nausea during ovulation is normal. It can occur with other symptoms like breast tenderness, abdominal pain, or light bleeding. These symptoms usually go away on their own in a day or two.
How many days after ovulation does nausea start?
Nausea can start around or after ovulation for different reasons. During ovulation, the Estrogen and Luteinizing hormone increase, which can cause nausea. If nausea occurs after ovulation, it can be due to Premenstrual Syndrome or pregnancy.
Why do you feel nauseous during ovulation?
The main reason for feeling nauseous during ovulation is due to an increase in Estrogen and Luteinizing hormone levels. Other factors like the use of fertility drugs such as Bromocriptine, digestive problems, sweet or fatty foods, and ovulation pain can also cause nausea.
What helps with ovulation nausea?
Certain medicines like Metoclopramide and Doxylamine can help to treat nausea. However, they must be used after consulting a doctor. On an individual level, you can quit smoking, alcohol, and foods that are oily and sweet to manage nausea.
Is nausea a sign of ovulation?
Nausea is a sign of ovulation. It can occur due to the hormonal changes or pain that occurs during this period. It is important to keep track of your menstrual cycle to determine if you are ovulating since PMS and pregnancy also cause nausea.
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