Pain during ovulation: is it normal?

Ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz or mid-cycle pain, may feel like a brief ache or sharp twinge on one side of the lower abdomen. It can happen as an ovary releases an egg and may switch sides in different cycles. Keeping a cycle and symptom diary can show whether the timing is consistent.

Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain that follows a cycle but is not limited to ovulation. Ovarian cysts can also cause one-sided discomfort, particularly when pain is new, stronger or unrelated to the usual cycle pattern.

Rest, use gentle heat on the lower abdomen and record when the pain begins, how long it lasts and which side is affected. Simple pain relief may be suitable for some people, but check the label and ask a pharmacist if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, taking other medicines or have a health condition. Do not rely on a familiar pattern if this episode feels different.

Arrange a review if pain recurs outside the middle of the cycle, interferes with normal activities, lasts longer than expected or comes with painful sex, heavy bleeding or difficulty becoming pregnant. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, fainting, fever, vomiting, shoulder-tip pain or possible pregnancy with abdominal pain or bleeding.

Ask whether your timing and symptoms fit ovulation pain, whether pregnancy testing or an ultrasound is needed, and how endometriosis or an ovarian cyst would be checked. Bring your symptom diary and medicine list.