The sensation of ovulation is often described as a dull or sharp abdominal pain that can last just a few minutes or a few days. Light bleeding may also occur. Generally, ovulation happens about two weeks from the start of your last period. The process is painless for most people, but others will experience what’s known as “mittelschmerz”—a German term meaning “middle pain.” Mittelschmerz can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen but is rarely cause for concern. It’s also totally normal not to feel anything at all. So, don’t worry if you don’t feel when ovulation happens—or if you experience a bit of discomfort. When ovulation happens is important to know if you’re trying to conceive, or if you’re trying not to, because there is only a small window of time when the egg can be fertilized once it’s released. If you don’t feel it, there are other (more accurate) ways to monitor when you ovulate. Learn more about how ovulation feels, how to know when you’re most fertile, and when to contact a doctor.
What Does Ovulation Pain Feel Like?
Approximately half of women will experience ovulation pain during their lives, with about 20% reporting discomfort on a monthly basis. If you have monthly ovulation pain, you may have noticed you feel it more often on a certain side of your body which is normal. A common misconception is that the ovaries “take turns” releasing an egg each month. However, women may ovulate more frequently from one side. Ovulation pain is usually mild, though it can be quite painful in women with underlying health conditions. You may experience ovulation pain a few days before or after you ovulate.
Why Does Ovulation Pain Occur?
It’s unclear why only some women experience ovulation pain, or why exactly it happens. Some theories include:
Spasming of the uterus or fallopian tubes as ovulation draws nearer The sensation of the egg itself bursting from its follicle, causing sharp pain Swelling of the follicle on the ovary that can cause a dull, achy feeling
Occasionally, a small amount of blood will be expelled from the ruptured ovarian follicle. The blood and fluid from the follicle are released into your pelvis during ovulation which can irritate the lining of your abdomen and cause discomfort.
Is Severe Ovulation Pain Normal?
The pain women experience during ovulation should be manageable and short-lived. If you’re feeling extreme discomfort during your cycle, you may have a more serious condition known as endometriosis. This condition can cause pelvic pain at any time, but it is typically more severe around ovulation and menstruation. Endometriosis can also cause discomfort during sex, making it difficult for women who are timing intercourse to try to conceive. While a common culprit, endometriosis isn’t the sole cause of ovulation pain. Other possibilities include:
Ovarian cysts or fibroids Fertility drugs, which can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) An infection of the fallopian tubes PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) Pelvic scar tissue
Call your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, or pain for more than a few days around ovulation, as this may signify a more serious condition.
Ovulation and Pregnancy Planning
Tracking ovulation is essential when trying to conceive. While you may have heard ovulation occurs on day 14 of your cycle, this is an approximation. Every woman ovulates on their own schedule—including those with a “textbook” 28-day cycle. Ovulation generally happens between days 11 and 21, which is a wide range. A woman’s fertile window lasts from the days leading up to and just after ovulation, as sperm can live up to five days inside the female body. While ovulation pain is not the only symptom to be on the lookout for when trying to conceive, paying attention to your body’s cues is important when timing intercourse. Research suggests ovulation pain can be felt on the same day the luteinizing hormone (LH) peaks. This is the hormone ovulation kits use to detect your most fertile days, with levels surging just before you ovulate. Ovulation pain is one way to determine your body is gearing up to release an egg, but your body has other ways of telling you ovulation is near. Women should also pay attention to their changes in their cervical mucus, libido, and basal body temperature (BBT) to help determine their most fertile days.
Tips for Relieving Ovulation Pain
Fortunately, there are several options available for relieving mid-cycle pain. These include:
Use NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen, may help lessen discomfort.Apply heat: Use a heating pad or warm cloth on your abdomen to help relieve the pain. You can try taking a warm bath too.Rest: Getting off your feet and relaxing can be useful in alleviating discomfort. Try lying in bed to lessen symptoms.Consider birth control: These pills can suppress ovulation.
While over-the-counter pain relievers are effective in relieving ovulation pain, some studies have suggested NSAIDs may negatively impact fertility. That said, women with endometriosis are more likely to experience severe ovulation pain, so it’s unclear in these cases whether it’s the health conditions or medications that are impacting fertility.
When to Call Your Doctor
Ovulation pain should diminish on its own after a few days. If you’re experiencing mid-cycle pain that doesn’t go away after a few days or is severe, you should notify your healthcare provider to see if further testing is recommended. Birth control pills that prevent ovulation can be an effective solution for women who are not trying to conceive. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during ovulation:
Severe vomiting or diarrheaTrouble breathingHeavy bleeding during ovulationDifficult or painful urinationA high fever
You should also contact your provider if you have any period-related issues that are new, worsening, or feel abnormal.
A Word From Verywell
More than half of women will experience ovulation pain at some point in their lifetime with 1 in 5 women reporting mid-cycle discomfort each month. These symptoms are usually mild and can be relieved with at-home treatments. If you’re experiencing severe pain at any point during your cycle, contact your doctor to schedule an appointment. Ovulation pain should not be severe enough to disrupt your day-to-day life. Extreme symptoms may signify a more serious condition that requires a diagnosis from your healthcare provider.
