Ovulation Symptoms and Consulting a Physician: Recognizing and Addressing Signs, Medical Attention Required
Pelvic pain can be a distressing and confusing issue for many women, often causing concern and discomfort. While ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz pain, is a common experience for some, it's important to understand that pelvic pain can stem from a variety of conditions, many of which are unrelated to ovulation.
Ovulation pain is a sudden, sharp pain that can last from a few hours to a few days, occurring when a follicle in an ovary ruptures, releasing an egg. However, symptoms of ovulation pain include sudden pain, pain in the middle of a cycle, pain on one side of the body, sharp or dull pain, and a stabbing sensation or cramp. If the pain is severe, lasts for several days, or is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, pain following an injury, swelling or bloating, vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, it might be a sign that the pain is due to something other than ovulation.
One such condition is endometriosis, which affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. This condition involves tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and chronic pelvic pain. Other common causes of pelvic pain include adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, musculoskeletal conditions, pelvic congestion syndrome, and haemorrhoids.
Gastrointestinal problems can also cause pain that is sometimes hard to distinguish from pelvic pain. Problems with the pancreas or liver often cause pain in the upper right stomach. Constipation can cause a range of painful or unusual sensations in the stomach or pelvis.
It's crucial to remember that if the pain is unbearable, occurs in a pregnant woman, results from a blow to the stomach, sexual assault, or other potential injuries to the pelvic organs, emergency room care is necessary. A ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion is a medical emergency, and the pain is intense and unrelenting and can happen at any time during the menstrual cycle. Similarly, a person who experiences pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, which travels from the middle of the stomach over several hours and becomes very intense, may be suffering from appendicitis.
For those experiencing pelvic or ovulation pain, home remedies such as taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, at the first sign of pain, doing gentle stretches, and applying a hot pack to the area for 20 minutes at a time can provide relief. Women who chart their cycles may be able to predict the day of ovulation and might consider taking an NSAID before the pain begins.
A visit to a doctor can help diagnose the cause of pelvic or ovulation pain and offer reassurance to those with concerns about the pain's significance. If you're experiencing pelvic pain, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
[1] Endometriosis UK. (2021). Endometriosis. Retrieved from https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/about-endometriosis/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/ovulation/art-20046230 [3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Chronic pelvic pain. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/chronic-pelvic-pain [4] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Pelvic congestion syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-congestion-syndrome/
- The pain, sometimes mistaken for ovulation pain, could be a sign of endometriosis, a condition that affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
- Retargeting home-and-wellness ads is not suitable for women currently suffering from pelvic pain, as the context may exacerbate their anxiety and concerns about their condition.
- Pregnancy complications can also cause pelvic pain, emphasizing the importance of seeking healthcare during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
- Healthcare providers may recommend pelvic pain management strategies, such as taking contextual and contemporaneous NSAIDs like ibuprofen, gentle stretches, and heat therapy, depending on the specific health and mental-health needs of each patient.
- Adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, interstitial cystitis, musculoskeletal conditions, pelvic congestion syndrome, and haemorrhoids are additional causes of pelvic pain that may require medical intervention.
- Paxlovid, a Pfizer antiviral treatment, has shown effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 complications, but will not help with pelvic or ovulation pain management.
- Deep breathing exercises, mental health counseling, and relaxation techniques can help alleviate pelvic pain, and improve the overall women's health and wellness.
