Painful ovulation: why does it happen and what are the remedies?
Painful ovulation, often referred to in the medical field Mittelschmerz, or pain in the middle of the cycle, is a phenomenon that causes pains in the lower abdomen. It usually occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, when the follicular phase reaches its peak, before allowing the egg cell to be released, initiating the luteal phase. Before delving into the matter and understanding what the remedies are, we have an interesting video for you on the moon and menstrual cycle.
Painful ovulation: what does it consist of?
Painful ovulation is the phenomenon in which the egg cell is released and is ready for a possible fertilization. It is a phenomenon that even if it physically occurs at the level of the ovary, is actually controlled by the brain, and in particular by the hormones such as the hormone LH: when this reaches a peak, there is the final maturation of the follicle, its rupture and the escape of the egg from the ovary into the tube.
Some women are able to understand that ovulation is taking place by observing the signals sent by their body. In most cases, painful ovulation does not require any drug treatment.
In case of acute pain that causes discomfort, classic over-the-counter pain relievers can be used, always with caution and never abusing them. Even classic natural remedies, such as herbal teas, decoctions and infusions can help reduce pain and relax the muscles. In any case, you can contact your doctor who will be able to advise you in the best possible way.
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The most common causes of painful ovulation
Ovulation is a mechanical process that is also and above all based on the functioning of hormones. When ovulation is painful, usually we go to look for the main causes that lead to this phenomenon, remembering that in any case it is something temporary and it is not certain that the next ovulation will also be painful.
It is estimated that at least 20% of women of childbearing age have experienced at least one episode of Mittelschmerz in life, which can be sporadic or habitual.
In truth, the causes of the pain associated with the maturation and release of the egg are not yet completely clear. The most accredited hypotheses at the moment are:
- Shortly before the egg is released, the growth of the follicle changes the size of the ovary, dilating it and causing pain;
- Blood or follicular fluid released from the follicle during its rupture could irritate the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), causing pain.
- Inside the ovary there are particular cells, called "smooth muscle cells". When ovulation occurs, this muscle can contract, causing pain;
- The fallopian tubes can also generate contractions, causing pain.
What are the symptoms of painful ovulation?
How do you realize that painful ovulation is taking place? Obviously, the first hint is pain in the lower abdomen with sudden twinges or cramps, concentrated on the left or right side, depending on the ovary involved.
Sometimes, just in the moment of the pain, it is possible to perceive a slight dizziness as a dizziness, accompanied by nausea and hormonal changes.
A general sense of heaviness and exhaustion can also be felt. The pain may be accompanied by spotting (very little bleeding). The duration of pain during ovulation can vary from just a few minutes up to 3 days.
During ovulation, only one ovary is working: if the previous month the right ovary released the egg, the next month the left ovary could release it, and so on.
This is an indicative rule, so it is possible that for two or three consecutive months it is the same ovary that works, and then takes over with the other.
In order to monitor the functioning of the ovaries, it may be useful to note monthly (through an ovulation diary) the side where the pain was felt, the type of cervical mucus that occurs, the basal temperature, how long it lasted and etc. There are also many apps that allow you to track your menstrual cycle at 360 °.
Painful ovulation: the most effective remedies
Symptoms of painful ovulation (Mittelschmerz) are transient and tend to resolve themselves within a few hours, at most they disappear in a couple of days. Although taking medications to treat painful ovulation is usually not recommended, you should tell your doctor for advice on what to do. In case of particularly severe pain (even if it happens in rare cases) it is possible to resort to the most common painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) to relieve the discomfort.
When the pain is particularly intense and recurring every month, the problem can be solved with hormonal contraception. In this case it must be the doctor who prescribes, moreover the patient must not have a pregnancy planned, which would not arrive.
The natural remedies that we will mention below, on the other hand, are a valid help to relieve the ailments due to painful ovulation. Among these are:
- Chamomile with sedative and calming properties, relaxes the muscles and can be taken without particular contraindications.
- Mallow, lime and lemongrass can have calming and soothing effects (to be taken in the form of herbal tea or supplements).
- In addition to preferring natural substances with calming power, it would also be important to avoid foods with stimulating properties such as coffee, tea and chocolate.
Finally, we want to suggest a classic grandmother's remedy, which however is quite effective for treating painful ovulation: we are talking about the hot water bottle. Just hold it over the painful part, to ensure that the heat relaxes the muscles, reducing pain You will agree with us that this is an excellent solution and above all without contraindications!
Painful Ovulation and Conception: Can You Get Pregnant?
For some women experiencing painful ovulation may raise doubts about a future pregnancy. But when we experience pain in the lower abdomen, do you reduce the chances of conceiving? The answer is no! If you are trying to get pregnant, you can succeed regardless from the fact that ovulation is more or less painful. The presence of pain should not make you doubt your potential to become a mother, but in any case, talk to your doctor to calm yourself.
For other women, on the other hand, the exact opposite happens, that is having a painful ovulation, represents an important moment especially for those looking for a pregnancy. Having the physical perception of ovulation in progress allows you to identify the best period in which to concentrate sexual intercourse.
So in some cases the fact that ovulation is painful could be an advantage!
The fertile period of every woman, in fact, coincides precisely with the day before + the same day of ovulation. In these moments you will have the maximum possibility that the egg is fertilized and the pregnancy begins.
The 4-5 days prior to ovulation can be useful for getting pregnant; finally, you can still hope to become a mother until 1-2 days later. Knowing, therefore, that ovulation is imminent through pain can be considered a favorable factor for planning targeted intercourse.
Frequently asked questions related to ovulation
Can painful ovulation be a wake-up call for menopause?
With advancing age, the ovalation becomes rarer and as menopause occurs. Some women may experience more intense pain during their last ovulations before menopause, but be aware that there is no fixed rule. Ask your doctor to help you feel more comfortable and make sure everything is okay.
Could painful ovulation mean that I will have more or less chance of getting pregnant?
The fact that ovulation is more or less painful does not affect the chances of getting pregnant and becoming a mother. As we said in the previous paragraph, some women who are planning a pregnancy, prefer to warn when ovulation is in progress (through pain) in order to concentrate sexual intercourse and increase the probability of fertilization.
Can painful ovulation happen after having sex?
Ovulation and sexual intercourse are not closely linked. The fact of feeling pain after intercourse may be due to a position that is not suitable for your physical conformation or to a state of tension in the muscle that tends to relax afterwards. In other cases it may happen that you have had sexual intercourse just in the days of ovulation and that this is painful. It is difficult for the two to coincide, but if you want to be more relaxed, contact your gynecologist.
