Mittelschmerz
| Mittelschmerz | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Ovulation pain, mid-cycle pain |
| Approximate location of abdominal pain based on potential causes | |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | One sided lower abdominal pain, spotting |
| Usual onset | Mid menstrual cycle |
| Duration | Minutes to days |
| Causes | Related to ovulation but mechanism unclear |
| Diagnostic method | After ruling out other potential causes |
| Differential diagnosis | Appendicitis, endometriosis, ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections |
| Prevention | Birth control pills |
| Treatment | Paracetamol, ibuprofen |
| Prognosis | None serious |
| Frequency | 40% of women |
Mittelschmerz (German: [ˈmɪtl̩ʃmɛʁt͡s] ⓘ) is a term for pain due to ovulation. It occurs mid-cycle (between days 7 and 24) and can last minutes to up to several days. The pain affects one side of the lower abdomen and may be dull or sharp in nature. Other symptoms may include spotting. Often it occurs monthly and may alternate sides.
The underlying mechanism is unclear but may involve irritation due to release of blood and fluid from the follicle or high blood levels of luteinizing hormone causing contraction of smooth muscle. Diagnosis involves ruling out other potential causes such as appendicitis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment may involve paracetamol or ibuprofen. Birth control pills may be used for prevention. It is not serious, though may reoccur. Mittelschmerz affects about 20 to 40% of women. The term is from the German for "middle pain". Its presence has been used to manage fertility.