Mittelschmerz

Mittelschmerz is pain associated with ovulation, occurring mid-cycle between roughly day 7 and day 24, typically felt on one side of the lower abdomen and ranging from dull to sharp. Its exact mechanism is unclear, but it may involve irritation from fluid released when the ovarian follicle ruptures or contractions of smooth muscle triggered by the rise in luteinizing hormone around ovulation. It affects an estimated 20 to 40 percent of women, lasts from minutes to several days, often recurs monthly and may include light spotting; it is benign, though diagnosis requires ruling out more serious causes such as appendicitis, endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy, and it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prevented with birth control pills that stop ovulation.