Ovulation is accompanied by various symptoms in many women, though this does not mean that every woman experiences all symptoms in every cycle.

The main symptoms of ovulation are changes in cervical mucus, a rise in body temperature, increased sexual desire, mild breast tenderness during ovulation, and pain in the lower back or abdomen. Ovulation pain in particular is a common symptom, but one that requires attention.

This is because it may be linked to other health conditions, so it’s important to recognize it and understand when it is concerning.

Let’s look below at everything you need to pay attention to in the days before and after ovulation—regarding pain, as well as other symptoms.

 

What is ovulation and how long does it last?

Ovulation is the release of the mature follicle from the ovary so that the egg can travel through the fallopian tube, where it may meet the sperm.

Ovulation occurs when luteinizing hormone (LH) rises—when the pituitary gland triggers the ovary to release the egg through a sudden LH surge.

Because LH levels rise 24–36 hours before ovulation, it is very easy to know when you are ovulating by using a simple ovulation test that detects this rise in your urine.

See here all the ovulation tests from HomeTest that can effectively help you conceive.

After the egg is released into the fallopian tube, it survives for about one day, waiting for the sperm that will fertilize it.

 

What is ovulation pain?

Ovulation pain (also known as Mittelschmerz) is a mild discomfort in the lower abdomen caused by the stretching of the ovarian wall before and during the release of the egg.

This pain is focused on one side of the abdomen—on the side where the ovary is releasing the egg that month. So, you may experience ovulation and pain on the left side one month and on the right side the next month.

 

See the ovulation tests

 

What does ovulation pain feel like?

For many women, ovulation and ovarian pain go hand in hand—but what exactly does this pain feel like? Although not identical for everyone, a dull, manageable pain low in the abdomen during ovulation is a classic sign, while for some women lower back pain during ovulation is the main symptom.

However, this pain is not widespread across the abdomen, unlike menstrual pain, which can sometimes feel like twinges in the ovary before the period.

Ovulation and stomach pain, for example, do not go together—nor do ovulation and intestinal pain. In such cases, as we’ll see below, something else is happening that you should discuss with your doctor.

 

How long does ovulation pain last?

Ovulation pain, which may feel like twinges in the right or left ovary before your period, lasts for a few hours or days and disappears once ovulation is complete. This is also the main way to identify whether the pain is indeed ovulation pain. Otherwise, if the pain lasts for days, you should consult your gynecologist.

 

Ovulation pain or a health condition?

It’s important to know when you are ovulating so you can correctly interpret this specific pain. You can determine this either with an ovulation test or by tracking your cycle days, as ovulation typically occurs in the middle of the cycle (or 14 days before the next period).

Generally, remember the following signs that indicate the pain is not ovulation-related but may be due to another health condition:

  • The abdominal pain is diffuse rather than focused on one side.
  • It is sharp rather than mild.
  • It occurs for several days or at a time far before or after ovulation.
  • It is accompanied by other symptoms, such as intestinal pain, bleeding, fever, discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, etc.


Symptoms of problematic ovulation

One condition that can easily confuse you is painful ovulation, which may in some cases indicate an underlying issue.

This refers to ovulation accompanied by intense pain on the left or right side of the abdomen that does not go away with typical pain relievers. Although ovulation pain can be very noticeable in some women, if it doesn’t improve after 1–2 days, it may suggest an ovulatory dysfunction.

Rarely, the follicle may fail to rupture, forming an ovarian cyst. In most cases, this cyst is naturally absorbed and disappears with the next period, but medication or even surgery may be required.

It is very important to contact your gynecologist immediately if you experience intense pain. Do not rely on forums for painful ovulation nor assume that ovulation pain is linked to pregnancy—this is not true. A simple ultrasound allows your doctor to quickly check whether everything is normal.

 

Pain and bleeding during ovulation

It is not uncommon to experience bleeding along with ovulation pain. The cause of mid-cycle bleeding is hormonal and is usually not concerning.

This, however, applies only if the bleeding is just a few drops. If there is heavier flow, you should speak with your doctor.

 

How to manage ovulation pain

As mentioned, ovulation pain should not be intense but rather milder and duller than menstrual pain. If this discomfort bothers you and lasts a while, you can relieve it with simple paracetamol pain relievers.

Often, however, pain relief medication isn’t even necessary—applying heat (e.g., a warm bath or heating pad) is usually enough to help you feel better.

 

Period-like cramps after ovulation

As we said, any pain that persists after ovulation should concern you if it is sharp.

However, it is not uncommon for many women to experience period-like cramps after ovulation. If these pains occur 5–7 days after ovulation, they may indicate embryo implantation in the uterine lining and early pregnancy.

If this is the case, 3–4 days later you will be able to confirm pregnancy with an early detection pregnancy test from HomeTest.

However, it is also common for pre-period cramps to begin even a week earlier.

In any case, every woman knows her body and recognizes signs that something may be wrong. If something feels unusual for your cycle, it’s best to consult your gynecologist promptly.