What this pain is
When an ovary releases an egg, some people feel it; it's called ovulation pain. It's usually a dull ache or a sudden sharp twinge that affects only one side of your tummy at a time, and it may switch sides from month to month — depending on which ovary released the egg. It lasts from a few minutes to 1 or 2 days.
What helps
-
1
Warmth and a simple painkiller. If you need one; a pharmacist can say which and how much.
-
2
Note the date. If it comes back around the same time every month, it's a useful sign of when you ovulate.
When this isn't ovulation pain
If you could be pregnant — because you've had sex without contraception since your last period, or your period is late, or you've had a positive test — and you have one-sided pain, this is no longer ovulation pain. Especially with dizziness, fainting, shoulder-tip pain or spotting: get urgent help now, don't wait for morning.
It's just as urgent if:
- the pain is sudden and severe, especially with nausea or vomiting
- the pain doesn't ease with painkillers
- the pain keeps coming back and won't stop
Sources
Health information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For your own symptoms, talk to a doctor.
Your cycle, honestly.
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