Ovulationis when the ovary releases an egg.
It is part of the menstrual cycle for most people with a uterus.
Ovulation pain involves pain or cramps on one side of the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
This article reviews why ovulation causes pain and the location, sensation, and timing of ovulation pain.
It also covers other ovulation symptoms and when to discuss it with a healthcare provider.
They are about the size of an almond.
Every month, the ovaries create tiny sacs called follicles, which hold immature eggs.
If an egg combines male sperm during unprotected sex, it can result in pregnancy.
Ovulation usually happens in the middle of your menstrual cycle, roughly two weeks before your next period.
When the follicle breaks, it sometimes releases fluid or blood, irritating the abdominal lining.
Ongoing or intense pain may indicate underlying medical conditions.
For example,endometriosisis a common gynecologic condition that can intensify ovulation and period pain.
It takes place if tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
The tissue reacts to hormonal changes, causing bleeding and pain.
Perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, causes fluctuating hormone levels.
These fluctuations can worsen ovulation pain and menstrual cramping.
The location is likely on the side where the ovary releases the egg.
It can alternate sides each menstrual cycle or stay on the same side for several months in a row.
But it will remain on the same side throughout ovulation.
Some people also feel it in their lower back.
Sometimes, it comes and goes, but it can also be a constant or nagging sensation.
People note that it is different from other types of pain.
Discomfort can occur the day or two before or after ovulation.
Sometimes, a warm bath orheat therapycan help.
Waiting until the pain level is high can make it more difficult to control.
Check with a healthcare provider to ensure this is a safe approach.
Can Birth Control Help?
Its essential to take birth control pills at the same time every day.
Ovulation discomfort occurs in the middle of your menstrual cycle when the ovaries release an egg.
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