MittelschmerzSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Mittelschmerz Overview
Learn About Mittelschmerz
Mittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain that affects some women. It occurs at or around the time when an egg is released from the ovaries (ovulation).
Ovulation pain; Midcycle pain
One in five women have pain around the time of ovulation. This is called mittelschmerz. The pain may occur just before, during, or after ovulation.
This pain can be explained in several ways. Just before the ovulation, the growth of the follicle where the egg develops may stretch the surface of the ovary. This can cause pain. At the time of ovulation, fluid or blood is released from the ruptured egg follicle. This may irritate the lining of the abdomen.
Mittelschmerz may be felt on one side of the body during one month and then switch to the other side during the next month. It may also occur on the same side for many months in a row.
Symptoms may include lower-abdominal pain that:
- Occurs only on one side.
- Goes on for minutes to a few hours. It can last up to 24 to 48 hours.
- Feels like a sharp, cramping pain unlike other pain.
- Is severe (rare).
- May switch sides from month to month.
- Begins midway through the menstrual cycle.
Most of the time, treatment is not needed. Pain relievers may be needed if the pain is intense or lasts a long time. In patients with Mittelschmerz-related symptoms that interfere with their normal activities, the use of an oral contraceptive may be used to control symptoms.
Paul Yong practices practicing medicine in Vancouver, Canada. Mr. Yong is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Mittelschmerz. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Mittelschmerz, Endometriosis, Vulvodynia, Hysterectomy, and Oophorectomy.
MountainView Women's Health Clinic (Suite 340)
Sonnie Kim, MD, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Doctor of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology with a special interest in minimally invasive GYN surgery. Dr. Kim is a member of the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists (AAGL). She is a master robotic gynecologic surgeon and a faculty for vNOTES “scarless” surgery. In 2022, she won the American Medical Association’s Inspiration Award and the Best Physician Award from Jacksonville magazine in many years through 23 years of serving the community.She recharges her batteries through skiing, yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, hiking, playing the piano, and traveling. Dr. Kim is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mittelschmerz. She is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Carney Complex, Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Intestinal Leiomyoma, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Hysterectomy. Dr. Kim is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology. Dr. Kim is currently accepting new patients.
Texas Health Womens Care
Dr. Anndale Goldston has served the health care needs of North Texas women since 2019. She is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship-trained in advanced gynecologic surgery with a focus on robotic-assisted and minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, including pelvic surgery for uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and abnormal uterine bleeding. Prior to joining Texas Health Women’s Care, Dr. Goldston served as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.Dr. Goldston earned her medical degree from the UT School of Medicine at San Antonio. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Hospital in Dallas before going on the complete her advanced gynecologic surgery fellowship at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. Dr. Goldston is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Additionally, she is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Dr. Goldston is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Mittelschmerz. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gonorrhea, Menorrhagia, Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods, Intrauterine Device Insertion, and Hysterectomy.
Mittelschmerz can be painful, but it is not harmful. It is not a sign of disease. It may help women to be aware of the time in the menstrual cycle when the egg is released. It is important for you to discuss any pain you are having with your health care provider. There are other conditions that can cause similar pain that are much more serious and require treatment.
Most of the time, there are no complications.
Contact your provider if:
- Ovulation pain seems to change.
- Pain lasts longer than usual.
- Pain occurs with vaginal bleeding.
Birth control pills can be taken to prevent ovulation. This can help reduce pain that is linked to ovulation.
Summary: The study will focus on the comparative effects of aerobic exercises and Jacobson's progressive relaxation technique on pain, fatigue and quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea. This study will be a randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in, Superior college depalpur and Army public schools and college Lahore (APSACS). Non probability convenience sampling will be used to collect the data...
Summary: Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are two frequent diseases among women of reproductive age. They can be responsible for chronic and/or menstrual pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. The first-line management of these conditions relies on medical treatment. Hormonal treatment with contraceptive pill can be effective, although up to 30% of patients do not respond to this line of treatment. I...
Published Date: May 22, 2025
Published By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Persaud TVN, Torchia MG. First week of human development. In: Persaud TVN, Torchia MG, eds. The Developing Human. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 2.
Rivlin K, Davis AR. Contraception and abortion. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 13.
Yazdani A. Pelvic pain. In: Cameron P, Little M, Mitra B, Deasy C, eds. Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.1.

