Ovulatiepijn: Een Prikkelend Signaal van je Eigen Lichaam

That stitch in your lower abdomen, do you recognize it? It could be ovulation pain! About one in five women feel this during the ovulation. But what exactly is it, and what can you do about it? Let's find out together. As a midwifery practice in Kampen, we at Midwives PuurBegin are always ready to answer your questions and support you at every step of your life, from menstruation to pregnancy. So if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here for you!

What is ovulation pain?

Ovulation pain, also known as *mittelschmerz* (German for “middle pain”), is pain that some women experience around the time of ovulation, usually about halfway through their menstrual cycle. This pain can range from a mild cramp to a sharp twinge, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. It’s important to know that while ovulation pain is usually harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition.

What does ovulation pain feel like?

The sensation of ovulation pain can vary from woman to woman. Some experience it as a sharp, sudden stabbing pain, while others describe it as more of a dull cramp. Typically, you’ll feel the pain on one side of your lower abdomen, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg that month. It can occur on either the left or right side, and some women even experience it on both sides alternately.

Sharp stabbing pain: A sudden, intense pain that comes and goes quickly.
Dull cramp: A nagging pain that is more continuous.
Unilateral: Usually felt on one side of the lower abdomen.
Variable: Can be left one month and right the next.

What causes ovulation pain?

The exact cause of ovulation pain is not completely understood, but there are a few possible explanations. One of these is the growth of the follicle, the sac that contains the egg. As the follicle grows, it can put pressure on the ovary, causing pain. Another possible cause is when the follicle bursts to release the egg. This can release a small amount of fluid or blood, which can irritate the peritoneum and cause pain. A small amount of bleeding can also occur during ovulation.

How long does ovulation pain last?

The duration of ovulation pain varies greatly. Some women only feel it for a few minutes, while others experience it for a few hours or even two days. The intensity of the pain can also vary from cycle to cycle. So it is quite possible that one month you hardly feel anything, while the next month you experience more pain.

Ovulation pain or something else?

Although ovulation pain is usually harmless, it is important to know when to worry. Severe pain that interferes with your daily life is always a reason to contact your doctor. Sometimes ovulation pain can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, scar tissue, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or fibroids. If you have any doubts, please contact us at Verloskundigen PuurBegin, located in Kampen. We are happy to help you!

When should you worry?

There are certain signals where it is important to be alert and seek medical attention if necessary:

Severe pain that hinders your daily life.
Pain that lasts longer than three days.
Pain in combination with other symptoms such as fever, nausea or vomiting.
Pain in combination with unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.

If you are worried about your ovulation pain, do not hesitate to contact your GP or midwife. Together you can find out the cause of the pain and find a suitable treatment.

What can you do yourself about ovulation pain?

Fortunately, there are several things you can do yourself to relieve the pain:

Pain relief: Paracetamol can help to reduce the pain. Preferably take it with some food or milk.
Heat: A hot water bottle or a warm bath can relax the muscles and relieve pain.
Exercise: Physical activity such as to play sports, swimming or walking can improve blood circulation and release endorphins, which have a pain-relieving effect.
Relaxation: Meditation en ademhalingsoefeningen kunnen helpen om te ontspannen en de pijn te verminderen.
Chamomile tea or ginger tea: These types of tea have an anti-inflammatory effect and can relieve pain.

Ovulation Pain and Getting Pregnant

Ovulation pain can be a useful signal for some women to identify their fertile days. If you are trying to conceive, it can be helpful to pay attention to when you feel the pain. Ovulation is likely to occur during or shortly after the pain, and this is when you are most fertile. However, tracking ovulation pain is not an accurate way to identify fertile days. Ovulation tests are more accurate for this.

Midwives PuurBegin: Your care partner in women's health

Bee Midwives PuurBegin in Kampen we understand that every woman is unique and has her own experiences. We are here to support you with all aspects of your women’s health, from menstruation to pregnancy and childbirth. We offer personal guidance and advice, and are always available to answer your questions. Feel free to contact us for an appointment or more information. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Kampen!

Know that you are not alone with your questions and possible insecurities. Together we can look at what you need to feel good in your own body. And that is what we do it for at Verloskundigen PuurBegin.

Underlying conditions

In some cases, severe ovulation pain can be a sign of an underlying condition. This includes:

Endometriosis: Tissue that resembles endometrium grows outside the womb.
Scar tissue: Scar tissue from previous surgeries can restrict the ovaries.
STD: A sexually transmitted disease that can cause inflammation and scarring around the fallopian tubes.
Cysts: A cyst is a small sac that contains fluid. They can develop when something goes wrong during ovulation. A large cyst in the ovary can cause abdominal pain.

It is therefore important to be alert to other signals from your body and, if in doubt, always consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Ovulation pain is a common phenomenon that many women experience around ovulation. Although it can sometimes be annoying, it is usually harmless. By listening to your body and taking the right measures, you can often relieve the pain yourself. If you are still worried, we at Verloskundigen PuurBegin in Kampen are always there for you. Together we ensure that you feel comfortable and secure, in every phase of your life.

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