It’s that time of the month which most women dread- their monthly period. It is generally an unpleasant experience considering hormonal changes are taking place. These hormonal changes create a number of symptoms, not only during the days of the actual period, but more so, before the menses comes. Does the term “pre menstrual syndrome” sound familiar to you? And even if it is not, the experience of it could be a common occurrence in your case, as with many other women. A host of discomforts arise in pre-menstrual syndrome. Headaches or migraines, bloating and nausea are some of the symptoms, among others.

Or worse, emotional difficulties begin to manifest, such as depression. And then again, there are women who attest that “PMS” creates a “monster” out of them, making them unreasonably moody and irritable. Along with these possible discomforts prior to your period is pain due to ovulation, otherwise known as painful ovulation. Nearly 20% of women experience and have to endure painful ovulation. There are those who may have painful ovulation mistaken for appendicitis or abdominal pain. But to differentiate the former condition from the latter ones, the symptoms ought to be ascertained. Pain when ovulating usually occurs two weeks before the menses.

It takes place in the lower abdomen, or inside the hip bone. The pain can be felt on either side-usually depending on which ovary the egg cell is released. By “painful” ovulation, it could mean sharp pain or cramps, or minor twinges extending to a dull, nagging ache. After a day or so, nausea could be experienced along with light menstrual spotting. The light bleeding can last for 6 to 8 hours, to 24 to 48 hours. What is it that causes painful ovulation? Pain when ovulating is due to minor blood leakage from the ovary during ovulation. It’s the leaking blood which causes the pain as it irritates the abdominal wall.

As for the intensity of the so-called painful ovulation, it often varies from one woman to another. A factor which contributes to the extent of the painful ovulation is the space between a woman’s ovary and her abdominal wall. If painful ovulation happens to be your problem, there is a redeeming point. The condition may not instigate gynecological problems. Ovulation is a phase of the fertility cycle, and even if it is painful, there is often no cause for concern or unnecessary medical treatment. Ovulation pain is in itself considered harmless. For this particular issue, you can see your doctor.

He or she may recommend pain relievers. As a remedy, you have to drink plenty of fluids. You have to make sure that you’re not developing an infection in the same manner. Check your temperature several times a day to determine. Warm baths or a heating pad application can help alleviate the discomfort. But if the pain persists for 3 days or more, it may be time to take serious measures. Especially if along with painful ovulation other symptoms occur, such as high fever, faintness or dizziness, blood in the vomit or the stool, breathing problems, swollen abdomen or difficult and painful urination.

In most cases, pain when ovulating is an occasional occurrence rather than a threatening malady. You can better monitor this condition by maintaining a chart or diary of your cycle. It is a helpful means of preparation and anticipating the occurrence which could spare you from unnecessary worry and further anxiety.