Ovulation-type pain before your period

Ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, can feel like a brief ache or sharper twinge on one side of the lower abdomen. It may occur around the time an ovary releases an egg and can switch sides between cycles. Discomfort shortly before bleeding could instead relate to period cramps, endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, bowel symptoms, urinary problems or pregnancy-related concerns. A symptom does not identify its cause on its own.

Record when the pain starts, which side hurts, how long it lasts, how intense it feels and whether bleeding, discharge, fever, nausea or bowel and urinary changes occur. Gentle heat and rest may help mild discomfort. Use pain medicine only if it is suitable for you; check with a pharmacist if you may be pregnant, have stomach or kidney problems, or take other medicines. Arrange a clinical review if the pattern keeps returning, affects daily activities or is different from your usual cycle.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden or severe pelvic pain, fainting, marked dizziness, heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, repeated vomiting, shoulder-tip pain or pain with a positive pregnancy test. Prompt assessment is also sensible when pain steadily worsens or continues beyond the expected cycle. These warning signs can occur with problems that need timely examination, including an ectopic pregnancy or a complicated ovarian cyst.

Ask whether the timing fits ovulation, period-related pain or another pelvic condition; whether an examination, pregnancy test or ultrasound is appropriate; and which pain-relief options are safe for you. You can also ask how to track symptoms and what change should trigger urgent review.