The fertile period hasn’t even started yet, and ovarian pain appears. This can make any woman anxious, but especially those who are eager to get pregnant. Tracking the fertile period can help detect ovulation symptoms, but ovarian pain can reveal an ovulation quite early.

Some women, even during their menstruation, can feel ovarian pain, which is one of the characteristics of the fertile window. It is also known as mid-cycle pain.

Ovarian Pain During Menstruation?

Yes, even on the days when endometrial blood is being shed, elastic cervical mucus may be noticed along with the flow. It has a bloody aspect, but it is a sign that there is intense estrogen activity preparing for ovulation.

This mucus is always accompanied by ovarian discomfort, and in almost 100% of cases, it indicates that the body is getting ready to release one or more eggs in the coming days. This phase can be painful and cause discomfort such as stabbing and numbness in the area. This sensation passes once ovulation has occurred or can intensify if there is fertilization of the egg1.

Ideally, you should be certain that this pain is related to ovulation. Even if early, the woman should begin using ovulation tests2. The test will identify the presence of LH, the luteinizing hormone responsible for releasing the follicle during the fertile window.

Monitoring with ovulation tests will give absolute certainty that ovulation has already occurred, making the wait for the end of the cycle much easier, even if it is extremely short.

As we have already mentioned, it is possible to have the fertile window immediately after menstruation, especially in extremely short cycles, so we reinforce the idea that the fertile period is not always on the 14th day of the cycle as people often say; it can indeed happen at other times.

And When the Pain Continues Even After Ovulation?

In these cases, the pain may also be caused by functional cysts, but of a post-ovulation nature. This is known as the corpus luteum, the scar from where the mature egg was released3. This scar, about 2 or 3 days after ovulation, fills with hormonal fluid and begins to secrete progesterone to initially maintain pregnancy.

This pain in the ovary due to the corpus luteum is sometimes intense when fertilization occurs and even more so during implantation. There are not many reports of women experiencing pain on one side of the lower abdomen as a pregnancy symptom.

However, pain from the corpus luteum does not always indicate pregnancy. As mentioned, it can happen due to fertilization, which increases blood flow in the area. That’s why it’s important to wait before taking pregnancy tests. Normally, corpus luteum pain disappears a few days before menstruation.

If this ovarian pain persists, then it is best to take a test to check for a possible pregnancy. Women who use ovulation inducers tend to feel intense pain in the left and right ovary, or in just one side. This means the inducer is working, but if the sensation is very strong, a doctor should be consulted to check for ovarian hyperstimulation. However, not all cases of ovarian pain mean you are ovulating or pregnant – did you know? Some cases of persistent pain may be due to problems with one or both ovaries.

Cysts

Cysts are the most common problems when it comes to ovaries. In fact, we can clarify this: most cysts found on exams are benign and mean they are functional. Functional cysts are follicles that are maturing or have already ruptured. But cysts caused by hormonal problems, such as hemorrhagic cysts, for example, can cause problems.

The dermoid cyst, which is caused by an accumulation of body cells, can cause intense pain. In this case, a doctor may advise removal to eliminate the pain. Endometrioma cysts are also painful; in fact, endometriosis itself causes a lot of pain. The buildup of blood in the ovaries causes pain and that pain gets worse with each cycle.

In most cases, this type of cyst causes pain throughout the cycle and worsens during menstruation. In those situations, a doctor should be consulted for removal. However, ovarian pain can also be caused by issues such as:

Causes of Ovarian Pain

  • If they are twisted by the fallopian tube
  • If a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures
  • If there is hyperstimulation from using ovulation inducers
  • Intense pain in the area when having a bowel movement

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to symptoms and, if they persist or worsen, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Ovarian pain can range from mild to moderate to intense, and it is up to the doctor to investigate to determine what is causing this discomfort.

Also check out: When Does Ovulation Occur?