Description

Mittelschmerz is one-sided abdominal pain associated with ovulation. German for "middle pain," mittelschmerz occurs midway through a menstrual cycle — approximately 14 days before your next menstrual period.

In most cases, mittelschmerz do not require medical attention. For children under mittelschmerz discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers and home remedies are often effective. If your mittelschmerz pain is troublesome, your doctor may prescribe an oral contraceptive to stop ovulation and prevent midcycle pain.

Symptoms

Mittelschmerz pain usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, but may last a day or two. The pain of mittelschmerz may be:

  • In one of the sides of the lower part of the abdomen
  • Bored and with pain similar to menstrual cramps
  • Sharp and sudden
  • Accompanied by a slight vaginal discharge or bleeding
  • Rarely, severe

Mittelschmerz pain occurs on the side of the ovary is releasing an egg (ovulation). The pain may switch sides, every two months, or you may feel pain in the same side for several months.

Keep track of your menstrual cycle for several months and note when you feel pain in the lower belly. If it occurs midcycle and goes away without treatment, the more likely it is that mittelschmerz.

When to see a doctor

Mittelschmerz rarely requires medical intervention. However, contact your health care provider if a new pelvic pain becomes severe, if it is accompanied by nausea or fever, or if there is any of which could indicate that you have a more serious condition that mittelschmerz, such as appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease or even an ectopic pregnancy.

Causes

Mittelschmerz occurs during ovulation, when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg. Some women have mittelschmerz each month; others, only once in a while.

The exact cause of mittelschmerz is unknown, but the possible reasons for the pain are these:

  • Just before an egg is released at ovulation, the growth of the follicle extends from the surface of the ovary, causing pain.
  • The blood or the fluid released from the ruptured follicle irritates the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), causing pain.

Pain in any other point in their menstrual cycle is not mittelschmerz. It may be normal for menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) if it occurs during your period, or it can be of other abdominal or pelvic problems. If you have severe pain, see your doctor.

Risk factors

Mittelschmerz is not clear on the risk factors. But it may be more likely to occur between the ages of 15 and 25 years.

Complications

Mittelschmerz doesn't lead to other health problems, also called complications. The pain will go away on its own, or with medications or home remedies.

Prevention

Mittelschmerz can't be prevented. This related to the natural changes in the body that occur during the menstrual cycle.

Diagnosis

To diagnose mittelschmerz, your doctor will begin by asking questions to get a clear idea of your medical history, especially about your menstrual cycle. Your doctor may also perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam to see if there are signs of an underlying disease that could be contributing to the pain.

Treatment

Possible treatments for mittelschmerz, which include:

  • Pain relievers. For the relief of the discomfort of mittelschmerz, try an over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
  • Birth control pills (oral contraceptives). If mittelschmerz makes a lot of discomfort or occurs monthly, ask your doctor about taking birth control pills. Some types of birth control pills suppress ovulation, which could help to relieve the pain of ovulation, while you're taking.

Lifestyle and home remedies

To facilitate mittelschmerz discomfort that lasts more than a couple of minutes, try some home remedies. Because the heat increases blood flow, relaxes tense muscles and relieves cramps, you might want to:

  • Soaking in a hot bath
  • Use a heating pad, where the pain is

Preparing for your appointment

In most cases, you do not need to see a doctor for mittelschmerz. However, if the pain is particularly problematic, you can make an appointment to confirm a diagnosis of mittelschmerz or to explore treatment options.

What you can do

You can write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of its symptoms
  • The dates in their last two menstrual periods began
  • The information about the medical problems that you have had
  • Information about the health problems of your parents or siblings
  • All of the medications and supplements you take
  • Questions to ask the doctor

Prepare a list of questions for your doctor will help you make the most of your time together. For mittelschmerz, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • There are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • Are my symptoms can change over time?
  • Need proof?
  • What treatments or home remedies can help?
  • Do you have brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • How many days apart are your menstrual periods, and how long they last?
  • How would you describe your symptoms?
  • Where is the pain?
  • How long have you been experiencing this pain? It is constant or does not go away after a couple of minutes or of hours.
  • On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is your pain?
  • How long before or after your period does the pain occur?
  • Do you have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, back pain, dizziness, or headache?
Symptoms and treatment of Mittelschmerz