Mittelschmerz
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Mittelschmerz is pain or discomfort that may happen to females before, during, or after ovulation. Ovulation is when an ovary in your body releases an egg. Ovulation usually happens once a month, about 2 weeks before your period. Mittelschmerz is not serious, but it can be very uncomfortable. Mittelschmerz pain usually goes away within a few minutes to hours but may last as long as 1 or 2 days.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain. This medicine is available without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Use a calendar to keep track of when your periods start and end and your symptoms. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Other ways to decrease the discomfort of mittelschmerz:
- Rest may help decrease the pain.
- Apply heat on your abdomen for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. A soak in a warm bath may also help decrease your discomfort.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have a fever and abdominal pain with vomiting or diarrhea.
- Your pain lasts longer than 24 hours.
- Your pain is different than it has felt in the past.
- You have abdominal or pelvic pain after you miss a period.
- You have pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement.
- You have vaginal bleeding in between your periods that is heavier than spotting.
- You have yellow, green, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Your abdomen becomes swollen.
- Your skin has redness or burning at the site of pain.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your pain is so severe 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 feel dizzy or faint.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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