Ovulation is the process by which a woman’s body releases a mature egg from the ovary, allowing it to travel down the fallopian tube and potentially be fertilized by sperm.
Most women ovulate once a month, around day 14 of their 28-day menstrual cycle, but this can be different for each woman.
Do You Feel Ovulation Pain? What to Know About Mittelschmerz Symptoms
Do you ever experience an aching or sharp pain near your lower abdomen in the middle of your menstrual cycle? It could be ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz.
Around 1 in 3 Clue users report pain, which is caused by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).
The intensity of this pain can range from mild to severe and can be felt on the same side as the ovary that is releasing the egg. Learn the top things to know about mittelschmerz symptoms and what to do if you are experiencing ovulation pain.
The agony of ovulating
This pain, which is felt on one side of the lower abdomen, can range from a mild discomfort to a sharp, cramping sensation and can last from a few minutes to several hours.
While pain is a common and normal symptom, many women wonder how long after the pain the egg is actually released.
According to a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, ovulation typically occurs 12 to 36 hours after the onset of ovulation pain (1). This means that the egg is released from the ovary and begins its journey down the fallopian tube during this time frame.
Another study that was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that, on average, ovulation happens 14.6 hours after ovulation pain starts (2).
This study also found that the length of pain has nothing to do with when ovulation happens. This means that a woman can have pain during ovulation for a longer or shorter amount of time and it won’t change when ovulation happens.
Pain is not a reliable sign
It is important to note that while pain can be a helpful indicator of ovulation, it is not always a reliable sign.
Not all women experience ovulation pain, and some women may experience pain at other times during their menstrual cycle.
Other signs of ovulation
Other signs of ovulation include a slight increase in basal body temperature, a change in cervical mucus, and a noticeable increase in cervical position.
In conclusion, ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz, is a common and normal symptom of ovulation.
However, it is important to note that not all women experience pain and other signs such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical position can also indicate ovulation.
#reproductivehealth
References:
- “Timing of ovulation and pain associated with ovulation.” Journal of Reproductive Medicine, vol. 45, no. 1, 2000, pp. 19-22.
- “Timing of ovulation in relation to midcycle pain.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 108, no. 4, 2006, pp. 817-819.
