Pain around ovulation

Ovulation pain, sometimes called mittelschmerz, may be felt on one side of the lower abdomen as a cramp, twinge, or dull ache. It can happen as an ovary releases an egg and nearby tissue becomes irritated. The timing may shift between cycles, and some people notice a small amount of spotting or discharge at the same time. Pain that is unrelated to the cycle, steadily worsening, or associated with pain during sex may have another cause, such as endometriosis or an ovarian cyst.

Track the date, side, severity, duration, bleeding, and other symptoms for several cycles. Gentle heat, rest, and light activity may help; choose pain relief only if it is safe for your health and possible pregnancy. Book a medical appointment if the pain keeps returning, affects work or sleep, or does not improve with simple measures. An assessment may include a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, infection testing, or ultrasound.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, faintness, heavy bleeding, fever, repeated vomiting, a rigid or very tender abdomen, or pain with a positive pregnancy test. Do not assume that intense pain is ovulation pain simply because it occurs mid-cycle.

Does my timing and pain pattern fit ovulation? Could an ovarian cyst or endometriosis explain it? What changes should lead me to urgent care?