How to get rid of ovulation pain

Ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, is discomfort linked with the release of an egg. It may be a cramp or sharp ache on one side of the lower abdomen and can occur around the middle of a cycle. It may last from a short time to a couple of days and can switch sides between cycles.

Pain that is new, worsening, present outside the mid-cycle pattern or accompanied by other symptoms may have another cause, such as an ovarian cyst, pelvic infection, pregnancy-related problem or endometriosis.

Try a warm bath or a heat pack wrapped in cloth over the lower abdomen. Gentle movement, rest and fluids may help. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether paracetamol or another pain medicine is appropriate, especially if you could be pregnant, have stomach or kidney problems, or take other medicines.

Record the date, side, intensity and duration of the pain, plus bleeding or discharge. This pattern can help a clinician decide whether it matches ovulation and whether contraception or another treatment could reduce repeated episodes.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fever, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or pain when you may be pregnant. Arrange an appointment for recurring pain that interferes with daily life, pain during sex, unusual discharge or pain that does not settle.

Ask whether your timing and symptoms fit ovulation pain, whether you need a pregnancy test or ultrasound, and how to manage episodes safely. Ask how conditions such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis would be checked if the pain continues.