Painful Ovulation

Many women notice discomfort in the lower abdomen around the middle of the menstrual cycle; when that pain coincides with the release of the egg it is known as painful ovulation or mittelschmerz. It is usually felt on one side and goes away in a short time.

Common symptoms: brief, localized pelvic pain, sometimes accompanied by light bleeding or a pulling sensation on one side.

When should it be checked? If the discomfort is severe, lasts a long time, recurs strongly every month, or comes with fever, it is worth evaluating, since other pelvic conditions can look similar.

Which specialist treats it? The gynecologist, the obstetrician-gynecologist or, at a first visit, the general practitioner can provide guidance on the source of the pain. The most sensible thing is to discuss the pattern of your cycles with a professional who can evaluate you individually.