What is mittelschmerz?
Mittelschmerz is one-sided lower abdominal or pelvic pain that some people feel around ovulation, roughly halfway through the menstrual cycle. The name is German for "middle pain". It usually lasts from a few minutes to a day or two and may switch sides from month to month, depending on which ovary releases an egg.
What it feels like
- A dull ache or a sudden sharp twinge low on one side
- Sometimes light ovulation spotting or more stretchy discharge at the same time
- Occasionally mild nausea or bloating
- It may change sides, or stay on one side for several months
Why it happens
No one is completely sure. Likely causes are the growing follicle stretching the surface of the ovary, and a small amount of fluid or blood released at ovulation irritating the lining of the abdomen. Around 1 in 5 people who ovulate notice it.
Using it as a fertility sign
Mittelschmerz can be a handy clue that you are ovulating, but it's not precise: the pain can come before, during or after the egg is released. Pairing it with cervical mucus or an ovulation test gives a clearer picture. See the full guide to ovulation pain.
Mid-cycle is often a bright time for mood, so a twinge of pain can feel like an odd interruption to a good week. Heat and simple painkillers usually help.
Seek urgent care for severe pain, pain that lasts more than a couple of days, fever, vomiting, or pain with a possible pregnancy. Appendicitis, ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy can cause similar pain.
Frequently asked questions
Which side is ovulation pain on?
The side of the ovary releasing the egg that cycle. It can switch sides or stay on one side for a while.
Is mittelschmerz a sign of fertility?
It suggests you are probably ovulating, which is a good sign, but it doesn't measure fertility on its own.
Sources
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz): what it feels like and what helpsOvulation pain is a one-sided twinge or ache mid-cycle. What mittelschmerz feels like, why it happens, how long it lasts, what helps and when to get checked.
Ovulation: definition and meaningOvulation is when an ovary releases an egg, usually 12 to 14 days before your next period. Signs, timing, the fertile window, and how it affects mood.
Signs of ovulation: definition and meaningSigns of ovulation are body changes around egg release: stretchy mucus, a temperature rise, LH surge and more. What each one means and how to read them.Can you feel ovulation? Signs your body gives youCan you feel ovulation? Many people notice a one-sided twinge, stretchy discharge, a libido boost or sore breasts. What it feels like and what to check.
Ovulation phase: signs, timing and feelingsThe ovulation phase explained: when you ovulate, how long it lasts, the signs and symptoms to look for, and why mood, energy and libido often peak.