Mittelschmerz

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Mittelschmerz (MIT-el-schmerts) is pain or discomfort that may happen to females before, during, or after ovulation (ov-u-LAY-shun). Ovulation is when an ovary in your body releases an egg. Ovulation usually happens once a month, about two weeks before your period. Mittelschmerz is not serious, but can be very uncomfortable. Mittelschmerz pain usually goes away within a few minutes to hours, but may last as long as one or two days. The pain often occurs on only one side of your abdomen. The pain can move from side to side with each period. You may also have bloody spotting or discharge from your vagina, and feel sick to your stomach. Mittelschmerz can be treated by resting and applying heat to the painful area. Your caregiver may also suggest that you take medicines to decrease your pain.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• If a medicine makes you drowsy: Some medicines may make you drowsy (tired) or less able to think clearly. Avoid driving, signing legal papers, operating heavy equipment or other activities that you must be alert to do. Never drink alcohol while you are taking medicines that make you feel drowsy or less alert.
  
  
• Do not take any laxatives or pain killers unless your caregiver tells you to. Your caregiver may suggest one or more of the following medicines to help decrease or stop your pain.
  
  
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.
    
    
  • Oral contraceptives: If your pain continues, your caregiver may suggest oral contraceptives (kon-trah-SEP-tivs), or birth control pills. Birth control pills stop you from ovulating, which stops mittelschmerz pain.

Follow-up visit information:

Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit. See your caregiver regularly for a pelvic exam. Most women should have a pelvic exam once a year. During a pelvic exam, your caregiver checks your vagina, cervix, and uterus for problems.

Other ways to decrease the discomfort of mittelschmerz:

• Rest until you feel better.
  
  
• Apply heat to decrease pain and cramping. Use a heating pad (turned on low), a hot water bottle, or sit in a warm bath. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as you need it. Do not sleep on the heating pad or hot water bottle because it may burn your skin.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have a fever and also have abdominal pain with vomiting or diarrhea.
  
  
• Your pain lasts longer than 24 hours.
  
  
• Your pain is different than it has felt with mittelschmerz in the past.
  
  
• You have abdominal or pelvic pain after missing a period.
  
  
• You have problems or pain when urinating or having a BM.
  
  
• You have vaginal bleeding in between your periods that is heavier than spotting.
  
  
• You have yellow, green, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. This may mean that you have an infection.
  
  
• Your abdomen becomes swollen.
  
  
• You have redness or burning of the skin at the site of pain.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your pain is so bad that you cannot stand up straight.
  
  
• You use tampons and you get a rash, feel dizzy, or have muscle aches during or after your menstrual period.
  
  
• You have swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, or have trouble breathing after you take your medicine.
  
  
• You become dizzy or faint (pass out).

Learn more about Mittelschmerz (Discharge Care)