Mittelschmerz is a term used to designate pain during the middle of the menstrual cycle, specifically in the ovulatory phase. The pain is concentrated in the lower abdominal area and in the lower pelvic area.
About 20% of women suffer from this pain, which usually appears suddenly and rarely lasts until the next cycle ; the normal thing is that it ends during the first hours or, at the most, it lasts two to three days. The pain can occur randomly on one side of the abdomen or the other or always stay on the same side.
Mittelschmerz symptoms
- In addition to pelvic and abdominal pain, other symptoms may accompany it:
- Nausea
- vomiting blood
- Dizziness and vertigo
- fertile cervical mucus
- High fever
- Abdominal swelling
- Pain when urinating or having sex
Causes of Mittelschmerz
It is not known for sure what causes this pain, but we can talk about several possible causes:
- Inflammation of the ovarian follicles just before the ovulatory phase.
- During ovulation, the egg breaks through the wall of the ovary.
- Contractions in the fallopian tubes after ovulation.
- Irritation in the abdominal lining due to the fluid released by the rupture of the follicle.
- Contractions of the muscle cells and ligaments of the ovary, caused by rising prostaglandin levels.
Treatment of the Mittelschmerz
- There is no specific treatment for this type of pain, but taking pain relievers will help us calm it down if it is strong and intense.
- Put heat on the abdomen with a cushion or electric blanket.
- Drink plenty of water.
- That our gynecologist prescribes a contraceptive hormonal treatment.
