Yes, some women can feel ovulation. While not all women experience it, ovulation can cause noticeable symptoms, most commonly mild to moderate pain.
Understanding Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz)
Ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovary, can sometimes cause pain known as mittelschmerz. This pain is typically felt on one side of the lower abdomen. The intensity and duration vary, ranging from a dull ache to sharp twinges, lasting from minutes to a couple of days. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
- Location: Lower abdomen, usually on one side.
- Intensity: Mild to moderate; can be sharp or dull.
- Duration: A few minutes to a couple of days.
- Timing: Roughly two weeks before your period, midway through your menstrual cycle. [2, 3, 9]
It's important to note that other symptoms, such as nausea, breast tenderness, and changes in cervical mucus, can also accompany ovulation, although pain isn't a universal experience. [4, 5, 6, 7] Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and noting any recurring mid-cycle pain can help identify a pattern. [8] If you experience severe or persistent pain, consult a healthcare professional.
References:
[1] When an egg bursts out of its sac in your ovary as you ovulate, you might feel cramps or belly pain. This is called mittelschmerz, and you usually feel it on one side of your lower belly. The pain can be sharp or dull, and it can last from a few minutes to a couple of days. 02-Jun-2024
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9134-ovulation-pain-mittelschmerz
[3] https://www.webmd.com/baby/am-i-ovulating
[4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovulation-pain/
[5] https://www.thebump.com/a/ovulation-symptoms-signs-of-ovulation
[7] https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/ovulation/what-is-ovulation
[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mittelschmerz/symptoms-causes/syc-20375122
[9] https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/ovulation-pain-101
[10] http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ovulation-pain
