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Mittelschmerz

Mittelschmerz: A Sign of Ovulation

Mittelschmerz (in German, literally, "middle pain") is also known as midcycle pain. Mittelschmerz is a lower-abdominal pain that typically takes place around CD14 or so, near the time when a woman ovulates.

Not every woman will experience mittelschmerz, but is is something to look for as a natural fertility sign when you are charting. If you experience mittelschmerz, note it on your fertility chart. Only 20% - 30% of of women will have mittelschmerz or ovulation pains - and please note that mittelschmerz may occur before, during, or even after ovulation.

What causes ovulation pains?

The source of mittelschmerz pain may have a few possible causes. It could be follicle growth stretching the surface of the ovary around the time of ovulation. Also, the pain may be traced to irritation of the abdominal lining caused by fluids that escape when the egg is released from the follicle. Mittelschmerz pains can take place on one side or the other - and the the pain can alternate sides, or stay on one side. Different women experience different pains.

Though mittelschmerz is not an entirely reliable symptom of ovulation, as it may take place before or after ovulation, it is a natural fertility sign that should be recorded in your fertility chart. If you have questions regarding mittelschmerz - or if your are concerned that the cause of pains may be other than ovulation - do consult with your doctor.

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Hi. I am not on b/c. Went off a couple months ago and started using condoms instead so my body can prepare for pregnancy. According to online ovulation calculators, I was suppose to ovulate on July 23. We had intercourse, around midnight the start of July 24, without a condom for a few minutes, but then put a condom on before he finished. 2 days ago (26th) my ovary area on my right side felt achey. Then yesterday, out of nowhere/suddenly, in my stomache area below my belly button, an intense cramp came on (felt like a contraction/hardcore menstrual pain). It started light, got extremely intense (to where I couldn't stand up/and it made me feel a little breathless). Lasted maybe 3-5 minutes then faded and went away. There was lower back pain associated with it too. I am not and have not bleed at all. My period is due Aug 5/6.

Just a side note, I have issues with my right side before...not just in my ovary area but on my right side in general. Used to have excrutiating pain once a month in the ovary area a few years ago. Don't have that anymore but the ache on the 26th in that area felt like the beginning/start of the pain I use to have. Didn't get that intense though. Plus, my side under my rib cage aches in general when am working out and near an empty stomache. Have had every test known to man done on me and I am perfectly normal.

What are your thoughts about this?

Anonymous - Jul 28, 2010
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Ok so been trying to concieve for a couple months now. As stated on many websites, it could take 6 months to a year to get pregnant. I've had past experiences 2 years in a row where in the month of Jan. I will take a pregnancy test and it will come out positive. The next day though, negative. I have had a false positive on bloodwork as well. Have not had regular periods since I've been off the shot(BC) so I've been going by my cervical mucuous to tell whether I'm ovulating or not. Nothing is working. Anybody have any suggestions?

Anonymous - Jul 23, 2010
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Hi i have been getting ovulation pains for about the last year now, i am 23 and have never had the pains before but apparently they can occur at anytime or age in your life even if you have never had them before! I dont get a pain on 1 or either sides though i just have a heavy achy crampy pain all across my lower abdomen like when you are just about to start a period. its not really painful just annoying, i have been told it is most likely to be ovulation pains, i went to see a nurse because i was worried. I feel abit more reassured now, and i am hoping i fall pregnant soon i have been trying for 2 months, i could be pregnant now to be honest as my period hasnt come yet and i am a couple of days late!!! Fingers Crossed, not testing yet as i was 5 weeks pregnant with my little girl before i tested positive, i had to wait till i was 2 weeks late from my period and it was still a very faint line. Baby Dust to all xx

Anonymous - May 26, 2010
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somebody is trying far to hard to advertise shoes

anti shoes - Mar 23, 2010
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Im married since 1 year ago ,till now my not pregnant .We consult doctor and taking tablets for about 7 months but no effect ,the only thing changed after treatment is regular periods at the same date 21 st of every month.Every month i will stomach pain before 1 week of my period due date .We undergone follicular study and egg ruptured on 3/11/09.My last month periods date was on 21/12/09 .This month im having stomach pain very much earlier on the date from 2/1/2010 ,so im relly confused about the pain ,whether i would to normal pain or pregnancy signs or period symptoms ,.Please clear my doubt mam.Im also having headache,stomach pain,backpain etc. Please reply me soon and also say me sum tips.

revathi - Jan 04, 2010
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Note that you are most likely to get pregnant if you time your lovemaking to occur on the days right before - and on - your ovulation date. Keep in mind that the projected ovulation date above is simply a “best guess” estimate based on your cycle date information. The most accurate way to pinpoint your most fertile time is through the use of urine-based ovulation tests or with a fertility monitor. We have partnered with Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com, the Internet’s leading supplier of preconception products since 2001, to offer low-cost, FDA-approved pregnancy and ovulation tests – with free same-day shipping.

 

Now that you’ve calculated your ovulation date using our ovulation calculator, we have a number of other helpful tools you can use to help increase your chances of conceiving.

 

  • Create your own personalized ovulation calendar! You can even provide an email address so that you receive email alerts of your most fertile days, when you can begin testing for pregnancy, and more.
     

  • Create your own personalized fertility chart! This is a highly accurate way to pinpoint your ovulation date that relies primarily on basal temperature charting. (Visit Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com for an accurate, inexpensive basal thermometer.)
     

  • Connect with others at our online community! If you have questions about trying-to-conceive – or if you just want to vent a bit – we have a wonderful, vibrant community of people who’d just love to hear from you.

Find your most fertile time.