Your body will change throughout the menstrual cycle. While many women are familiar with premenstrual symptoms like bloating and cramps, there is another period of the month when you may experience pain and other ovulation signs. Ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, derives from the German words for "middle" and "pain." This is all you need to know about this joint event.

When Does Ovulation Happen?
Ovulation is the stage of your menstrual cycle in which an ovary produces an egg. It usually happens about midway between your periods, which for most women is around 14 days into their cycle. However, this can vary so that you may ovulate before or after the 14-day mark.

Why Does Ovulation Cause Pain?
An egg develops in your ovary and expands, surrounded by follicular fluid. When you ovulate, your ovary releases an egg containing fluid and blood. Ovulation discomfort may be caused by the follicle expanding within your ovary just before ovulation begins.

In some circumstances, pelvic pain may be caused by a ruptured follicle. When the egg is mature, it breaks out of the follicle, causing blood or fluid to appear. This may irritate your abdomen's lining and create pain. Although it may sound scary, it is a perfectly normal aspect of the menstrual cycle.

What Does Ovulation Pain Feel Like?
Ovulation discomfort is a very personal sensation, although, for many women, it appears as cramps or twinging. It can last anywhere between a few minutes and several hours. Other ovulation signs like discharge or light vaginal bleeding could also accompany it. Ovulation pain can feel similar to the agony you get before your period, although it occurs about two weeks prior.

You may feel ovulation pain in your pelvis or lower abdomen. Although it may feel like it's in the center of your body, many people describe sensations on the side of their body where the ovary is releasing an egg that month. Most women's ovaries ovulate alternately, releasing an egg every other month. As a result, if your right ovary releases the egg this month, you will experience discomfort on that side; however, the pain will most likely shift to the left side during your next cycle.

How Common is Ovulation Pain?
Although it receives less attention than premenstrual syndrome, ovulation pain is highly prevalent, affecting more than 40% of women who ovulate throughout the reproductive years. 

The majority of women who describe ovulation pain experience it every month. Nonetheless, many women will never experience pain during ovulation. Ovulation pain is not unusual and is usually not cause for concern.

How Is Ovulation Pain Treated?
Most women do not require treatment for ovulation pain, which typically resolves on its own within a day. If your pain is interfering with your everyday activities, you can use over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, a heating pad, or a hot bath to get relief.

If your ovulation discomfort is severe, consult your gynecologist about taking birth control pills. Because hormonal birth control drugs inhibit ovulation, you will not have ovulation pain every month. Of course, this is not an ideal choice for anyone who plans to become pregnant shortly.

When Should I Be Concerned About Ovulation Pain?
If your ovulation discomfort is bearable and happens around the time of the month, you would anticipate ovulating based on when you get your period; there is usually no need to be concerned.

However, if you are experiencing severe discomfort, see your gynecologist to rule out a more serious illness, such as endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, a sexually transmitted disease, or an abdominal ailment. Your doctor may perform a pelvic or abdominal exam to rule out these illnesses. In some circumstances, an ultrasound may also be necessary.

Keep track of when the pain occurs during your menstrual cycle, where you feel it, and how long it lasts to assist your doctor in better understanding your symptoms.