2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Female reproductive anatomy
Female reproductive anatomy

Mittelschmerz
Definition:
One-sided lower abdominal pain that occurs in women at or around the time of ovulation.

Alternative Names:
Ovulation pain; Midcycle pain

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are several explanations for the cause of ovulation pain. The pain may occur just before, during, or after ovulation. Just prior to ovulation, follicle growth may stretch the surface of the ovary causing pain. At the time of ovulation, fluid or blood is released from the ruptured egg follicle and may cause irritation of the abdominal lining. About 20% of women experience ovulation pain. It may be felt on one side one month, then switch to the opposite side, or it may be felt on the same side for several months in succession.
Symptoms:
  • Lower abdominal pain
    • One-sided
    • Recurrent or with similar pain in past
    • Duration is typically minutes to a few hours, but may extend as long as 24 to 48 hours
    • Usually sharp, cramping, distinctive pain
    • Rarely pain can be severe
    • Pain may switch sides from month to month or from one episode to another
    • Pain onset midway in the menstrual cycle
Signs and tests:

A pelvic examination shows no abnormalities. Other diagnostic procedures (such as an abdominal ultrasound) may be performed to rule out other causes of ovarian pain if ovulatory pain is prolonged.
Treatment:

No treatment is usually necessary. Pain relievers (analgesics) may be needed in cases of prolonged or intense pain.
Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be excellent.
Complications:

There are usually no complications.
Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if midcycle ovulation pain seems to change or become unusually prolonged.
Prevention:

Hormonal forms of contraception can be taken to prevent ovulation and therefore ovulatory pain, otherwise there is no known prevention.
Review Date: 6/15/2001
Reviewed By: Catherine S. Bradley, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com