Learning About Mittelschmerz (Pain During Ovulation)
What is mittelschmerz?

Mittelschmerz is pain a woman might feel on one side of the belly once a month while she is ovulating. The
pain is usually mild. It's a sign that she's released an egg from one of her ovaries. A woman is most
fertile—and more likely to get pregnant—when she ovulates.
Mittelschmerz can be used to plan when to have sex to try to become pregnant. But using mittelschmerz to time
sex to avoid pregnancy usually doesn't work.
What happens when you have mittelschmerz?
When you ovulate, a mature egg is released from one of your ovaries. Two things happen naturally at this time
that may cause the pain:
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The small sac (follicle) on the ovary where the egg matures grows rapidly and stretches the surface of
your ovary.
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When the follicle squeezes the egg out, the blood or fluid in the follicle may irritate the tissues around
it.
What are the symptoms?
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The pain is usually mild, like a sharp cramp on one side of your belly. It may shift from side to side
from one menstrual cycle to the next. Or it may stay on the same side for more than one cycle.
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The pain lasts from a few minutes to a few hours. It may last up to 24 to 48 hours.
How is mittelschmerz treated?
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Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or
naproxen (Aleve) if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not take two or more pain
medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is
Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
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If you are trying to get pregnant, talk with your doctor about which pain medicine is safest in early
pregnancy.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results
and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Current as of: November 27, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
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