How long ovulation pain

It may be difficult to identify the cause of the pain, especially if ovulation cramps do not occur every month. The primary symptom of ovulation cramping is pain on one side of the abdomen, and this typically lasts 3—12 hours. However, a person who has had ovarian surgery may experience the pain until menstruation.

Ovulation pain occurs right before, during, or right after the release of an egg, which is also when a female is most likely to become pregnant. As a result, the sensation may help with recognizing fertility. However, people who do not want to conceive should not use ovulation cramps to determine when it is safe to have unprotected sex — this method is not accurate, the University of California note, and could result in unintended pregnancy.

Some people who menstruate do not experience any discomfort during ovulation. A person might also recognize that they are ovulating by the following signs:. Ovulation cramps occur when one ovary releases an egg. If sperm do not fertilize the egg, the menstrual cycle continues: the egg breaks and the uterus sheds its lining. If sperm do fertilize the egg, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.

Implantation can cause cramping. It can also cause a small amount of bleeding or spotting, which can occur 3—14 days after fertilization. Implantation bleeding is typically brownish and the flow is light. Various health conditions cause abdominal cramps, which may happen to occur in the middle of the menstrual cycle and resemble ovarian cramping. Symptoms of ovulation pain The pain can be a dull cramp or a sharp and sudden twinge.

Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP if:. Treatments for painful ovulation Painful ovulation can usually be eased by soaking in a hot bath or taking an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol.

If you're in a lot of discomfort, talk to your GP about other treatment options. Causes of ovulation pain The cause of ovulation pain is not fully known. Some of the underlying causes can result in fertility problems. These include: Endometriosis Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Scar tissue If you've had surgery, scar tissue can cause ovulation pain by restricting the ovaries and surrounding areas.

Sexually transmitted infections STIs STIs like chlamydia can cause inflammation and scarring around the fallopian tubes, leading to ovulation pain. Pain on one side of the body late in the cycle, especially if a period is late, could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

If the pain gets worse over several days or fever develops, see a doctor immediately. Most ovarian cysts go away on their own. Sometimes, however, they rupture or damage the ovary. An ovarian torsion happens when the ovary twists around the fallopian tube. It can cause dangerous bleeding and possibly cause the ovary to die. A ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion is a medical emergency. The pain is intense and unrelenting and can happen at any time during the menstrual cycle.

Many stomach and intestinal problems can cause pain, including pain on one side of the body. Problems with the pancreas or liver often cause pain in the upper right stomach. Other gastrointestinal problems, such as diverticulitis , an infection, or another serious problem with the intestines, can also cause stomach pain.

Ovulation pain is usually mild and does not require treatment. Those who find the pain too intense can try one of the following home remedies:.

These mild remedies are suitable for people who do not have any health issues or concerns. Anyone in any doubt that their pain is not due to mittelschmerz should talk to a doctor. Ovulation pain is common and not a sign of any specific problem. Many people are not sure when they ovulate, making it easy to confuse mittelschmerz with other types of pain.

A visit to a doctor can help with diagnosing the cause, in addition to offering reassurance to those with concerns that ovulation pain might signal a serious problem. Menstrual cramps are a natural occurrence, but severe cramps can affect a person's quality of life. Here, learn how to manage them and when to see a…. A variety of factors and underlying conditions can cause cramps outside of a person's regular period.

Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Sharing our experiences of pregnancy and infant loss can help us heal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

The basics Other causes Treatement When to seek help Takeaway Ovulation is a critical part of reproduction. The basics of ovulation pain. Other causes of pain during your cycle. Ovulation pain-relief methods. When to seek help for ovulation pain.

Parenthood Pregnancy Getting Pregnant. Does Perimenopause Cause Ovary Pain? Read this next. What Are the Symptoms of Ovulation? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, MD. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD.