Pain between periods can have several causes. It's not always a cause for concern, but understanding the potential reasons is important. One common cause is mittelschmerz, German for "middle pain," which occurs midway through the menstrual cycle, around 14 days before the next period. This pain, typically felt in the lower abdomen on one side, is associated with ovulation. Most cases of mittelschmerz don't require medical attention.
Other possibilities include:
- Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled growths on the ovaries can cause pain, discomfort, bleeding, and menstrual irregularities.
- Endometriosis: This condition involves the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus, frequently causing pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation but also at other times of the month. The pain can be severe and affect sexual intercourse or bowel movements.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal cramping and pain, sometimes unrelated to menstruation.
- Ruptured ovarian cyst: This is a more serious cause of pain and requires immediate medical attention. A ruptured cyst can cause sudden, severe pain.
Pain location and characteristics can help pinpoint the cause. While mittelschmerz is often one-sided and related to ovulation, other causes may present with more generalized pain. If pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like abnormal bleeding, fever, or nausea, seeking medical advice is crucial. A doctor can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
