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Mittelschmerz is ovulation-related one-sided lower abdomen pain. Mittelschmerz, which translates as "middle pain," happens roughly 14 days before your next menstrual period, in the midst of the menstrual cycle.
Most occurrences of mittelschmerz do not necessitate medical intervention. Over-the-counter pain medications and home treatments are frequently beneficial for modest mittelschmerz discomfort. If your mittelschmerz pain is severe, your doctor may recommend an oral contraceptive to avoid ovulation and midcycle pain.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MITTELSCHMERZ?
Mittelschmerz pain often lasts a few minutes to a few hours, although it might last for a day or two. Mittelschmerz pain can appear:
- On one side of your lower abdomen
- Dull and achy, like menstrual cramps
- abrupt and sharp
- accompanied by little vaginal bleeding or discharge
- In rare cases, severe
The pain is felt on the side of the ovary that is releasing an egg (ovulating). The pain may alternate sides every two months, or it may remain on the same side for several months.
Observe your menstrual cycle for several months and take note of any lower abdomen pain. If it happens in the middle of the cycle and resolves without therapy, it is most certainly mittelschmerz.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MITTELSCHMERZ?
Mittelschmerz rarely necessitates medical attention. However, if a new pelvic pain gets severe, is accompanied by nausea or fever, or persists, this could signal a more dangerous problem than mittelschmerz, such as appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even an ectopic pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MITTELSCHMERZ?
Mittelschmerz happens during ovulation, when the follicle ruptures and the egg is released. Some women have mittelschmerz on a monthly basis, while others experience it just sporadically.
The actual etiology of mittelschmerz is unknown, but suspected causes include the following:
- Follicle expansion stretches the surface of your ovary just before an egg is released with ovulation, producing pain.
- The ruptured follicle's blood or fluid irritates the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum), causing pain.
Pain at any other time throughout your menstrual cycle is not considered mittelschmerz. If it happens during your period, it could be typical monthly cramping (dysmenorrhea), or it could be caused by another stomach or pelvic condition. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing significant pain.
HOW IS MITTELSCHERZ DIAGNOSED?
To diagnose mittelschmerz, your doctor will first ask you questions about your medical history, particularly about your menstrual cycles. Your doctor may also perform a physical assessment, including a pelvic exam, to look for evidence of an underlying problem that is causing the pain.
WHAT ARE THE TREATEMENTS OF MITTELSCHMERZ?
Among the therapies for mittelschmerz are:
Pain relievers: For mittelschmerz alleviation, consider an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.), or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives): If your mittelschmerz is severe or occurs on a regular basis, consult your doctor about taking birth control tablets. Some birth control drugs suppress ovulation, which may help relieve ovulation pain while you're on them.
HOME REMEDIES FOR MITTELSCHMERZ
Try some home treatments to relieve mittelschmerz discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes. Because heat improves blood flow, relaxes stiff muscles, and relieves cramping, you may wish to:
- Take a hot bath.
- Apply a heating pad to the area of pain.
CONCLUSION
Mittelschmerz is unpleasant, although it is not hazardous. It is not a symptom of illness. It may assist women in recognizing when the egg is released during the menstrual cycle. It is critical that you share any pain you are experiencing with your health care practitioner. Other illnesses that might produce similar pain are far more dangerous and necessitate treatment.