Ovulation usually occurs about two weeks after the first day of your last period. Mittelschmerz occurs during ovulation when an egg is released by the ovaries into the fallopian tube. For about twenty percent of women this causes severe pain and cramps on one side of the lower abdomen. Although the pain may feel like something serious is wrong, midcycle pain or cramps -- Mittelschmerz is rarely serious.
Occasionally, in addition to midcycle pain and cramping, some women may experience nausea, and/or light menstrual spotting. Mittelschmerz lasts for 6 to 8 hours in most women; however, occasionally it can last as long as twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Taking Care Of Yourself
- Rest.
- Drink at
least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Use a
heating pad (try
making a homemade tube sock heating
pad),
or take warm baths to ease the pain.
- Use OTC
anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen or naproxen
sodium.
- Check your
temperature several times a day to be sure you are not developing
an infection.
- Call your doctor is the pain is severe and these self-help tips do not ease your midcylce pain.
If you experience midcycle ovulation pain that lasts longer than 2 or 3 days, experience heavy bleeding, or have any unusual vaginal discharge call your health care provider.
Signs You Need Emergency Care
- Vomiting
blood.
- Blood in
stool.
- Increased
pain.
- Faintness or
dizziness.
- High
fever.
- Difficult or
painful urination.
- Swollen
abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing.
