Ovulation pain

Some women get ovulation pain.

It can affect anyone who ovulates, which is when an egg is released as part of your menstrual cycle.

Ovulation pain often:

• feels like a dull pain or sharp sudden twinges
• lasts from a few minutes to 1 or 2 days
• happens about 14 days before a period
• only affects 1 side of your tummy at a time
• switches sides each time, depending on which ovary releases an egg

You may also have a little vaginal bleeding or discharge during ovulation.

Ovulation pain is caused by the ovary releasing the egg.

There are some conditions that may cause a similar pain.

These include:

• conditions that affect the womb or ovaries, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts
• some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia
• scar tissue (adhesions) from surgery you've had near the ovaries, such as a caesarean section
• an ectopic pregnancy

You should always get medical advice for tummy pain that does not get better after taking painkillers or keeps coming back.

You have tummy pain and:

• the pain is severe and painkillers have not helped
• the pain keeps coming back
• you think you may be pregnant

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

If ovulation is the only cause of your pain and it's not severe, a warm bath or painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, may be all you need.

A GP may advise contraception to stop you from ovulating, such as the contraceptive pill or a contraceptive implant.

If a GP thinks something else is causing the pain, they may refer you for tests or to see a specialist. Treatment will depend on what the cause is.

Ovulation pain happens when an ovary releases an egg. Some conditions may also cause similar pain, such as endometriosis.

Ovulation pain ranges from dull cramps to sharp or sudden twinges, which can last from a few minutes to 1 or 2 days.

Always get medical advice for tummy pain that does not get better after taking painkillers or keeps coming back.

A GP may advise treatment for ovulation pain, such as painkillers, or contraception to stop you ovulating, if the pain is severe.