For some, ovulation comes and goes without a peep, but for others, it can feel like a sharp pinch or an aching cramp. Is this normal? Should ovulation be painful, or is your body trying to tell you something more?
While mild discomfort during ovulation is common, understanding the difference between typical twinges and something worth investigating is essential for your health.
Ready to decode your body’s signals? Here’s the lowdown on ovulation pain and when it’s time to consult a doctor.
The Better Health publication explains ovulation as a monthly process in the female menstrual cycle, of releasing a mature egg.
“Some women do not ovulate regularly. This is common when you first start getting your period. It can also happen during perimenopause (the lead-up to menopause). Hormone conditions can also affect ovulation, for example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).”
The above source further explains that ovulation pain, causing discomfort, twinges, and cramps, can last from minutes to days and may be caused by swelling of the ovary surface or the release of a mature egg.
According to Healthline, ovulation pain is a common symptom during menstruation, but it can indicate other health conditions like cysts or endometriosis that may require medical attention.
Ovulation is said to involve swelling and rupturing a follicular cyst to release the egg, which may irritate it. The publication continues to state that sensation can range from a dull ache to sharp twinges and may be accompanied by spotting or discharge.
If the pain becomes severe or occurs at other points in the cycle, you are advised to consult a doctor. Other causes of pain during a cycle include ovarian cysts, which can cause symptoms like cramping, nausea, and bloating, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause infertility, the above source adds.
