What should you know about having pain during ovulation?

Ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, may feel like a cramp, ache or sharp twinge on one side. It can last briefly or continue for part of the day, and the side may vary between cycles. Pain can also come from an ovarian cyst, endometriosis, bowel or bladder problems, infection, or pregnancy-related conditions, so timing alone cannot confirm the cause.

Note the side, intensity, duration, bleeding, discharge, fever, bowel or urinary symptoms, and where you are in your cycle. These details help separate a familiar mid-cycle pattern from pain that needs investigation.

Rest, use gentle heat, drink fluids and consider an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever if you can take it safely. Avoid medication that is unsuitable for pregnancy or your health conditions. If pain recurs, disrupts activities, or is becoming stronger, arrange a gynaecological review rather than repeatedly self-treating.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fever, vomiting, or pain with a positive pregnancy test. Arrange prompt assessment for pain that persists, returns frequently, occurs after sex, or comes with unusual discharge, painful urination or marked abdominal swelling.

Ask whether the timing and examination fit ovulation pain, whether a pregnancy test or ultrasound is appropriate, and whether endometriosis or an ovarian cyst could explain the pattern. Discuss safe pain relief and what change should trigger urgent review.