Endometriosis and Ovulation Pain

Around 20% of women experience ovulation pain, also known as Mittelschmerz or mid-cycle pain. 1 Ovulation pain is a nagging pain that can last from a few minutes to 48 hours. Severe pain that lasts longer than usual, on the other hand, may indicate an underlying medical condition such as endometriosis.

Endometriosis can result in severe ovulation pain, heavy periods, severe cramping, painful sexual intercourse, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and other symptoms.

This article discusses common ovulation pain, how endometriosis can cause ovulation pain, how to find relief, and when to seek medical attention.

Should Ovulation Be Excruciating?

 

Mid-cycle, ovulation pain affects about 1 in every 5 women. While some discomfort is normal, you should not be in excruciating pain.

What Exactly Is Ovulation?

When the ovary releases an egg, this is referred to as ovulation. It is a normal occurrence during the menstrual cycle. Most women ovulate once a month, 10 to 14 days after menstruation (period bleeding) ends. If ovulation does not result in pregnancy, they shed their endometrial (uterine) lining. This happens 14 to 16 days after ovulation and results in menstrual bleeding.

Mid-cycle pain does not always occur at the exact time of ovulation; depending on the cause, it can occur a day or two before or after. According to experts, ovulation pain can occur when

• The egg follicle stretches the ovary’s surface.
• When an egg ruptures, blood or fluid is released.
• The fallopian tubes contract.

Other ovulation symptoms include:

• Vaginal discharge that is thick, thin, clear, and slippery
• Mild temperature shift
• Enhanced libido (sex drive)

Ovulation Pain Caused by Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial-like tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis lesions respond to hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.

Endometriosis lesions have nowhere to go when they grow and bleed. They are not shed in the same way that the uterine lining is. This can result in inflammation, pain, and heavy menstrual periods.

Because lesions commonly grow around the reproductive organs, including the ovaries, endometriosis frequently causes intense pain during ovulation. Endometriosis-related ovulation pain can occur when

• The ovaries and fallopian tubes are affected by lesions.
• Nerve inflammation is caused by lesions.
• Endometriosis scar tissue or adhesions affect the ovaries or cause nerve pressure.
• Endometrioma is caused by endometriosis (a type of ovarian cyst called a chocolate cyst).

How Does Ovulation Pain Feel?

 

Ovulation pain is typically mild and can last anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours. It’s in the lower abdomen (belly) or pelvis (between the hips). Other signs of ovulation pain include:

A nagging, dull, cramping pain (it may be sharp for a few moments)
Pain that begins approximately halfway through the menstrual cycle
One side of the body is in pain (can alternate each month or be worse on one side)
You may also have these symptoms during ovulation.

• Headaches
• stomach ache
• Malaise (not feeling well) (not feeling well)
• Endometriosis Pain Site
• Endometriosis lesions can appear anywhere on the body and cause discomfort. Endometriosis pain, on the other hand, is typically felt in the
• lower abdomen or pelvis.

Pain can radiate to the buttocks, legs, and hips if the lesions press against nerves in the pelvis. Neuropathy can also be caused by nerve damage or irritation, which causes tingling, numbness, muscle spasms, and weakness.

Endometriosis Symptoms That Cause Ovulation Pain

Endometriosis-related ovulation pain is typically more severe and lasts longer than is considered normal. Other indications that ovulation pain is caused by endometriosis include:

• Pain that is intense and lasts a long time (over 48 hours)
• Sexual intercourse causes pain.
• Urination that hurts
• Bowel movements that cause pain
• Symptoms of pain include vomiting or diarrhea.
• Bleeding while ovulating (more than light spotting)
• Pain from pushing, stabbing, tugging, or pulling
• Pain that is not alleviated by interventions

Pain Relief and Treatment for Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause heavy menstrual (period) bleeding, excessive cramping, chronic fatigue, infertility, and other symptoms in addition to ovulation pain. Endometriosis treatment is determined by the severity of the symptoms. It includes everything from dietary changes to surgery.

• Changes in Lifestyle
• Changes in lifestyle include
• Eating a nutritious diet: An anti-inflammatory diet may be beneficial.
• Drink plenty of water and stay away from alcohol and caffeine (which are dehydrating).
• Exercise relaxes muscles, increases circulation, and produces endorphins (naturally occurring pain reliever).
• Stress reduction: Stress reduction aids in muscle relaxation and oxygenation.

Pain Reliever Available Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Tylenol (acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as:8 are examples of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

Advil, Motrin, and Aleve (naproxen) (ibuprofen)

Remember to consult your doctor before beginning any new medications or supplements.

Heat Treatment

Heat therapy can aid in the relaxation of muscles and the stimulation of blood flow. You could try a:9

• a hot bath
• Heater pad
• Bottle of hot water
• Hot packs that are disposable
• If endometriosis is causing nerve inflammation in your lower back, your doctor may advise you to use cold packs.

Medications for the Skin

Applying topical medications to your lower back may help relieve endometriosis-related nerve inflammation. If lidocaine is an active ingredient, it can quickly numb the pain.

Topical medications are available in the form of patches, creams, or gels and include:1011

• Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate) (trolamine salicylate)
• Bengay (menthol, camphor, or methyl salicylate) (menthol, camphor, or methyl salicylate)
• Ice Cold (methyl salicylate-menthol)
• Voltaren (diclofenac) (diclofenac)
• Salonpas (menthol, methyl salicylate, tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), and camphor)
• Alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) Treatments
• CAM treatments include the following:3

Chiropractic treatment

Supplements for acupuncture, such as vitamin B1, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, cinnamon twig, or licorice root Isoflavones (plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen) Naturopathica (arnica) cream or pellets, Boiron Medical Procedures
If your pain is severe or worsening, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory and pain relievers
• Nerve constrictions
• Relaxants for the muscles
• Injections of Valium (diazepam) into the vaginal cavity, such as Chirocaine (levobupivacaine) or Botox, BTXA, Dysport (onabotulinumtoxinA)
  Rehabilitation therapy
• Surgery
• Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone therapy can aid in the reduction of new endometriosis lesions and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. This includes the following:

• Agonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
• Aromatase blockers
• Hormonal contraception

 

Is Birth Control Effective?

Hormonal birth control is a common treatment for endometriosis patients. It can assist by Ovulation prevention

• Cutting down on bleeding time (some stop periods)
• reducing the severity of cramps

The most important thing to remember about hormonal birth control is that it does not work the same way for everyone. You must find the one that is best for your body.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Mild cramping or discomfort during ovulation that resolves within a day or two is considered normal. Debilitating pain, on the other hand, is not normal and necessitates medical attention.

If you experience ovulation pain, you should notify your doctor.

• Keeps you from doing your normal daily activities
• Lasts a little longer than usual
• The condition worsens or does not improve despite prescribed treatment
• This occurs in conjunction with vaginal bleeding (more than light spotting)
• Is sudden, sharp pain that lasts for several hours?
• Other symptoms include fever (higher than 100.4 degrees F), nausea, and vomiting.

Summary

Mittelschmerz, or mid-cycle pain, is the most common type of ovulation pain. While some mild mid-cycle pain caused by ovulation is normal, severe pain or pain that lasts longer than 48 hours may indicate a more serious condition. Notify your healthcare provider if you are experiencing pain that is interfering with your daily activities.

Endometriosis may be the cause of severe ovulation pain that lasts more than 48 hours. Painful periods, heavy periods, painful sexual intercourse, and other symptoms of endometriosis are also common. Endometriosis treatment varies according to symptoms and severity. It includes changes in lifestyle, pain medications, hormones, and possibly surgery.