Mittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain that occurs in women at or around the time of an egg is released from the ovaries (ovulation).About 20% of women experience mittelschmerz, or pain associated with ovulation.
Cause:
Just prior to ovulation, follicle growth may stretch the surface of the ovary, causing pain.
At the time of ovulation, fluid or blood is released from the ruptured egg follicle and may cause irritation of the abdominal lining.
Mittelschmerz may be felt on one side one month, then switch to the opposite side the next month, or it may be felt on the same side for several months in succession.
The pain is not harmful and does not signify the presence of disease. In fact, women may be at an advantage when planning or trying to avoid pregnancy.
Symptoms:
Lower-abdominal pain that is:
- One-sided
- Recurrent or with similar pain in past
- Typically lasting minutes to a few hours, possibly as long as 24-48 hours
- Usually sharp, cramping, distinctive pain
- Severe (rare)
- May switch sides from month to month or from one episode to another
- Begins midway through the menstrual cycle
Exams and Tests:
A pelvic examination shows no abnormalities.
Treatment:
No treatment is usually necessary. Pain relievers (analgesics) may be needed in cases of prolonged or intense pain.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/001503.htm