Ovulation pain is pelvic pain that some women experience during ovulation. Ovulation is a process of the menstrual cycle in which the ovary releases an egg. Ovulation usually occurs around the middle of each menstrual cycle. Ovulation pain is also called “mittelschmerz”. The term comes from the German words for “environment” and “pain.” The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen and pelvis, in the middle or on one side. It most often appears on the side from which the ovary releases an egg. In most women, the ovaries alternate with ovulation. Each ovary releases an egg every month. Many women never experience ovulation pain. Others have mid-cycle pain every month. These women can often tell by the pain that they are ovulating. Is ovulation pain the same as period pain? Ovulation pain can feel similar to menstrual pain – like cramps. But ovulation pain occurs about two weeks before menstruation itself. How common is ovulation pain? Mitelschmertz can affect more than 40% of women who ovulate during their reproductive years and can affect them almost every month. What causes pain during ovulation? The ovum develops in the ovary. As it grows, follicular fluid surrounds it. During ovulation, the ovary releases the egg and fluid, along with some blood. Painful ovulation can be observed due to the increase of the egg in the ovary just before ovulation. The pain can also be due to a ruptured follicle. The egg is released from the follicle when it is mature. Discharge may cause some bleeding. Blood and fluid from the ruptured follicle can irritate the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), causing pain. This is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Most women do not need specific treatment. The pain usually goes away within a day. You can take over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to relieve pain. In case of severe pain during ovulation, a consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist is necessary regarding the use of contraceptive medications. What is the outlook for women suffering from painful ovulation? Ovulation pain is normal. It is not dangerous or a sign of a serious health condition. Ovulation pain does not affect fertility and even help with a planned pregnancy. Is the condition cause for concern? Ovulation pain itself is not due to a serious health problem. But consultation with an OB-GYN is recommended, as it could be due to a different, more serious condition, including: Endometriosis, an inflammatory condition affecting the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Adhesion caused by surgical interventions in the abdomen and pelvis. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, which can cause inflammation that leads to painful ovulation. Ovarian cyst, sac of fluid,which develops on the ovary. An ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus, often on one of the fallopian tubes. Appendicitis. Source: my.clevelandclinic.org