What should you know about sudden ovulation pain?

Ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, may happen when an ovary releases an egg. You might feel it on one side of the lower abdomen, with the location changing from one cycle to another. It can be a dull ache, cramp, or sharper twinge and may occur with a small amount of spotting or discharge.

Pain that keeps returning, becomes stronger, or occurs outside the middle of your cycle can have another cause. Endometriosis and ovarian cysts are examples of conditions a clinician may consider. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Note when the pain began, which side it affects, how long it lasts, and whether bleeding, nausea, fever, urinary symptoms, or pregnancy is possible. Rest, gentle heat, and usual over-the-counter pain relief may help if these options are suitable for you. Avoid taking medication that you have been told not to use.

Arrange a medical review if episodes are new, disruptive, recurrent, or not settling. A clinician may ask about your cycle and examine your abdomen or pelvis before deciding whether further tests are needed.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe pain, faintness, heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting, fever, a rigid or very tender abdomen, or pain when pregnancy is possible. These features can signal a problem that needs prompt treatment and should not be explained away as ovulation pain.

Could this pattern fit ovulation pain, and what other causes should we check? What symptoms would mean I should seek urgent help? Would a pregnancy test, examination, or scan be useful? How can I track the pain between visits?