Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle that coincides with the release of the oocyte from the ovary.In most women of childbearing age, except for the periods of pregnancy and lactation, ovulation occurs once a month without causing particular physical disturbances, but only generic symptoms such as increased sexual desire or changes in the cervical mucus. . About 20% of women, on the other hand, experience a "painful ovulation, with episodic or habitual recurrence, in correspondence with each cycle.
In a normal 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulatory pain occurs approximately 2 weeks after the onset of menstruation and coincides with the rupture of the mature ovarian follicle and the consequent release of the egg cell. The disorder is typically one-sided, localized in the lower abdomen on the right or left side, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg. The pain associated with ovulation can range from a slight twinge in the side to severe discomfort; the duration extends from a few minutes to a few hours, but can sometimes persist for a day or two. In some cases, symptoms may appear along with symptoms. slight bleeding.
The discomfort associated with mittelschmerz represents a common and harmless manifestation; in most cases, painful ovulation does not require medical attention. However, severe pain can be symptomatic of other medical conditions, including endometriosis. For minor discomforts that may occur, pain relievers and some home remedies are often effective. If pain during ovulation is particularly bothersome, your doctor may prescribe an oral contraceptive.
and it is easy to distinguish them by a number of characteristic symptoms.
Mittelschmerz is manifested by the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, in a central or lateral position. The pain can be localized on one side of the abdomen, to pass to the opposite side during the next cycle, or it can be felt on the same side for several months in succession; its location, in fact, depends on which ovary is releasing the egg cell In this sense, it would be useful to keep a track of the menstrual cycles for several months, noting the period in which lower abdominal pains occur and their characteristics. The pain can appear suddenly and disappear within a few hours, although it can sometimes last. a day or two In some rare cases, symptoms can last until the next cycle.
In case of painful ovulation, the symptoms may vary from person to person: you may feel a generalized sense of heaviness, pressure or slight twinges lasting a few hours, or a sharp pain, with cramps of equal or greater intensity than those that you feel during your menstrual flow. The pain may be accompanied by light bleeding (spotting) or vaginal discharge. Some women may also experience nausea. In most cases, mittelschmerz does not require any medical intervention. However, it is advisable to contact a specialist if pelvic pain becomes severe or if symptoms are particularly intense and persistent, as some of these signs may also indicate more serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ectopic pregnancy.
Women may notice other physical symptoms during or around ovulation. The most common sign is the appearance of cervical mucus in the days leading up to ovulation, which is fundamental to natural methods of recognizing fertility.
Other secondary symptoms are:
- Mid-cycle bleeding (spotting), due to the sudden drop in estrogen that occurs just before ovulation.
- Just before ovulation, the vulva may swell, particularly on the side where ovulation will occur.
- One of the inguinal lymph nodes (on the side where ovulation will occur) may swell and be about the size of a pea.
Pain that appears at any other time in the menstrual cycle does not correspond to mittelschmerz. On the other hand, it can be traced back to disorders associated with dysmenorrhea (example: menstrual cramps), if it occurs close to menstruation, or it can depend on other abdominal problems or in the pelvic region. If the pain is very intense during ovulation or at any other time during your period, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
