BLOG: Ovulation Pain Can Be Useful - Really!

By Margie Wilson-Mars

For some women, ovulation pain can be a serious issue. Often, the first experience with it is as a teenager. I must have been about 13-years old when I walked into the nurse's office at my junior high school complaining of a sharp, stabbing pain in my lower right abdomen.

I told her that I wanted a heating pad because it was probably just "mittelschmerz". The nurse looked at me like I was nuts! Ignoring what I said, she told me to lay down and started poking at my belly. Again, I said, "It's no biggie, just mittelschmerz!" Finally, she asked me, "Okay, I give, what's mittelschmerz?" My honest (but lame) answer? "Umm, I'm not really sure. Something about eggs and periods and stuff. Call my mom, she'll explain it."

I don't remember if she actually called her, but at some point, my mother, born and raised in Germany, explained to me that mittelschmerz was German for "middle-pain", and that it was more commonly referred to as ovulation pain.

Mittelschmerz happens when the ovary follicle ruptures each month to release an egg and a small amount of follicle fluid and blood. It typically happens about two weeks after the first day of your period. In a "normal" 28-day-cycle, this is usually around the 14th day. In my case, I was used to feeling a quick stab followed by a few hours of mild pressure. But my daughter, 23, has had severe pain from ovulation that has lasted several hours. At times it's brought tears to her eyes, and she's needed to treat the pain with heat and sometimes over-the-counter pain relievers.

Some women have an increase in pain after their first pregnancy. My doctor said that it was just because most women become more aware of feeling in the area of their uterus after a baby. Knowing I wanted a large family, he assured me it wouldn't get worse with each pregnancy. Good thing, because with seven more pregnancies, that would have really sucked! He confirmed what I had read, that most women who get mittelschmerz find it decreases as they reach their 30s.

As uncomfortable as it can be, it can also be used as a tool to aid in becoming pregnant. Several "Honey, you need to come home now" calls were made over the next few years when I felt that familiar pain! Whether you're trying to get pregnant, using it as an aid in birth control, or just keeping better track of your periods, listening to your body is always an important part of taking care of your health.

Some signs to look for to determine if you are experiencing it are:

-Lower abdominal pain, in the center or off to one side.

-The pain switches sides month-to-month.

-The pain is sudden and sharp.

Of course, if you experience pain that increases over time, see your doctor right away!

Can you tell when you are ovulating? Tell us below in the comments section!