Mittelschmerz

What does mittelschmerz mean?

Mittelschmerz: German for “middle pain” – a one-sided twinge or cramp some people feel around ovulation.

How it is used in the Splash library

• A one-sided twinge or cramp low in your tummy (Mittelschmerz)

  From “Signs you’re ovulating”

• Ovulation pain, also called Mittelschmerz (German for “middle pain”), is a one-sided ache or twinge in the lower tummy around the middle of your cycle, when an ovary releases an egg.

  From “Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz): normal or not?”

Mittelschmerz explained

Mittelschmerz, from the German for "middle pain", is a one-sided pain low in the tummy that some people feel around ovulation. It is also called ovulation pain.

It may be caused by the follicle stretching the surface of the ovary, or by a small amount of fluid or blood released when the egg comes out irritating the lining of the tummy.

What's typical

It happens about 14 days before your next period, can switch sides from month to month, and usually lasts from a few minutes to a day or two. It might be a dull ache or a sudden sharp twinge, sometimes with a little spotting or discharge.

Simple painkillers, a warm bath or a hot water bottle usually help. Hormonal contraception that stops ovulation can prevent it (NHS).

When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist

• The pain is severe, lasts longer than 2 or 3 days, or comes with fever, being sick or heavy bleeding.
• You might be pregnant and have one-sided pain: this needs checking urgently.
• You have pain at other times of the cycle, or during sex, which can be a sign of a condition like endometriosis.

In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.