Cramping During Ovulation

Ovulation is a routine phase of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation is actually the process of releasing the ovum (egg cell) from the matured ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube. This process is very important in the process of reproduction. Many women experience mild cramping like pain during ovulation that can actually gets more than just mild pain and really disrupt the day-to-day activities of a woman. More than 20% women suffer from cramping during ovulation, which is also known as Mittelschmerz. The menstrual cycle is of 28 days and ovulation generally occurs after two weeks from the first day of the last period.

Cramping During Ovulation: Symptoms
Cramping can be the actual sign of ovulation. Duration of cramping like pain during ovulation differs from one woman to the other. This cramping is also called as abdominal pain as it occurs in the lower abdomen, on either side of the pelvis. The pain can last anywhere from a minute to 48 hours after the actual beginning of the ovulation process. There is no fix pattern of the pain during ovulation. As only one of the two ovaries produce an ovum each month, the cramping during ovulation may switch sides and cause pain in either part of the lower abdomen. Hence, if observed closely, one can also discover which of the ovary provided the ovum in that given month.

Cramping During Ovulation: Causes
What causes cramping during ovulation is not scientifically confirmed yet but several speculations have been stated, that might take us to the root causes of it.

• Emerging Follicle: Due to the hormonal impacts the ovaries produce around 20 follicles. Each of these 20 follicles bear an immature ovum. Amongst all these unfertilized ovums, only one lasts till the actual process of fertilization. Supposedly, the expanding follicle stretches the ovary membrane that causes cramping during ovulation.
• Snapped Follicle: after maturation, the ovum falls out of the follicle. This process may also involve a bit of bleeding, as well. This sudden flow of blood may nettle the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Hence, there can be mild cramping during ovulation.

Is Cramping During Ovulation Harmful?
Well, in almost all the cases cramping during ovulation is just the passing phase that lasts for only a few hours. But it is best to keep an eye on the duration, as well as several other symptoms that might send an alarm of any further ailment. If the pain and cramping is prolonged for more than three days, it is best to visit the health care provider for there might be chances of the following medical conditions.

• Ovarian Cyst
• Salpingitis
• Ectopic pregnancy symptoms
• Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
• Appendicitis
• Endometriosis

There might also be one of the several gastrointestinal problems, including gastroenteritis, perforated ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease. Hence, it is best not to ignore any symptoms that might sound something more than just the cramping during ovulation.

If you suffer from cramping during ovulation, there is no need to panic. It is the common-most thing that mostly passes you by without creating much havoc. Most of the women don't even sense the ovulation process. If you are having cramping then just relax for a while and if the pain is severe then take a painkiller on doctor's advice. You can avoid the painkillers by simply using the hot water bags. Place a hot water bag on the part that is paining and relax, it will certainly ease your pain off. This cramping during ovulation, gives you the idea of the actual time of the ovulation process that can be one of the best menstrual period symptoms that might be useful for planning pregnancy.