Is ovulation pain normal?
Dear Dr Mitchell,
Is it normal to have painful ovulation? I use an app to track my cycle and every time I’m ovulating I’m immobile for hours because of the sharp pain. Could it be a symptom of something? I don’t have PCOS or endometriosis, and have had a pretty unremarkable health and sex history. I am 22 years old.
Pain at the middle of the menstrual cycle is usually due to the rupture of the outer lining of the covering of the ovary to release the egg during ovulation. The pain tends to be experienced shortly after the release of the egg. This pain tends to be present for a few minutes to a few hours and does not last longer than a day or two days. This tends to be a dull ache and is usually mild. It is usually present on one side in keeping with the side that the egg is released from.
Severe pelvic pain that is intense and disabling should be investigated to rule out an underlying cause. Endometriosis tends to cause severe pelvic pain that starts before the menstrual period and continues throughout and sometimes lasts for a few days after the menstrual period.
The nature and severity of the pain may vary, and in some women endometriosis can be present without the classic presentation. Other causes of pelvic pain during ovulation could include an ovarian cyst and pelvic infection with scarring and adhesions. A pelvic ultrasound can help to detect an ovarian cyst but might not show any signs of endometriosis. The ideal method for diagnosing endometriosis is to do a minor operation called a laparoscopy. This involves looking directly at the pelvic organs for deposits of the endometriosis to confirm the presence of the condition. This will then help to plan specific treatment to suppress the endometriosis.
The use of a low dose birth control pill can help to reduce the mid cycle pain and suppress the endometriosis.
In the absence of endometriosis the use of a low dose oral contraceptive will definitely help to stop the pain while providing effective contraception without the side effects.
You should consult your doctor to have a screening test done for sexually transmitted infections and to do a Pap smear. A pelvic ultrasound should also be done and the need for a diagnostic laparoscopy can also be discussed.
Best regards.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5 or fax to 876-968-2025. All responses are published. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
