Period Pain Like Cramps After Ovulation

Mar 25, 2018 Period Pain

Period pain is synonymous with menstrual bleeding, headaches, bloating, tender breasts and feeling rotten.  We expect to feel pain for a few days a month before and during our periods. Occasionally we feel twinges similar to period pains in the middle of our cycle causing us to feel confusion and concern. Most of the time they are nothing to worry about because they are a one-off occurrence. Some women feel significant pains during the time they normally ovulate.  There are two possible explanations for this. The first is actually feeling the ovary release the egg or a fertilised egg implanting into the womb.  Pain is usually brief and forgotten about and sometimes light bleeding follows the pain. Chances are you will never know the cause of period pain after ovulation unless you miss your next period.  Producing a pregnancy test with two lines suggests that the pain you experienced was implantation bleeding. If you continuously have period pains in the middle of the month a visit to your doctor is advisable.

What Causes Period Pain?

Most women suffer period pain and a whole cacophony of unpleasant symptoms as well.  During the month the womb lining thickens to prepare for a fertilised egg to implant itself.  If there is no egg progesterone levels drop causing the womb lining to fall away. Cramping causes period pain because the womb contracts to release the blood. Some women have minor discomfort while others suffer considerable pain.  The cause of normal period pain is the release of chemicals caused by reduced oxygen during a contraction. Over the counter painkillers like paracetamol and Ibuprofen relieve symptoms making the pain bearable.   Sometimes the pain is so intense that normal painkillers are ineffective.  Doctors prescribe mefenamic acid which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID’s).  It works by reducing the number of pain-inducing chemicals produced during contractions. Conditions like endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) cause extreme period pain and require extra medical intervention.  If your period pain lasts longer than the duration of your period or is unusually debilitating you need to see your doctor.

Ovulation and Implantation Bleeding

Ovulation usually occurs ten to fourteen days before your next period.  The ovaries release a ripe egg into the fallopian tubes.  Some women claim to feel a sharp cramping pain when the egg is released. Most of the time ovulation goes unnoticed and women don’t feel the pain. Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg burrows itself into the womb.  Some women experience a slight pinching pain and light bleeding when this happens.  Most of the time women don’t even realise that it has happened. The significance of implantation bleeding only becomes apparent with a positive pregnancy test.   Pain and bleeding between periods may indicate an underlying health condition so it is a good idea to consult your doctor if this is the case. If you would like to review and purchase treatment for period pain click here.