Mittelschmerz is a German word, translating to “middle pain” used to describe mid-cycle pain in the pelvis associated with ovulation.

A study in Fertility & Sterility found that the occurrence of mittelschmerz is closely associated with the process of follicular rupture (ovulation). In the study, the female menstrual cycle was tracked using BBT(basal body temp) and ultrasound sonography to confirm ovulation. They discovered ovulatory pain was associated with the side women ovulated from, hence one-sided pain.

In a 28 day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs around day 14 (mid cycle). Ovulation is the process where an ovary releases an egg from a mature follicle either from the left side or right side ovary.

Females can experience pain in the pelvis that ranges from:

👉🏻Sense of discomfort
👉🏻Dull Ache
👉🏻Mild Twinges
👉🏻Severe pain (not normal)

For those tracking their cycle, as your fine tune your awareness you may notice ‘twinges or a dull ache’ associated with ovulation! This is normal. Severe pain is NOT normal.

Ovulatory pain can last from a few moments to several hours.

If your ovulatory pain is associated with heavy bleeding, painful periods or clotty periods this can often be associated with endometriosis and requires further investigation.

In clinic, women have also reported they experience mittelschmerz in the postpartum period once their cycle (period) has returned. This was me!

Mid-cycle Support 
➕ Abdominal breathing exercises to initiate the vagus nerve. Rest & Digest
➕ Eliminate inflammatory foods – sugar, wheat, diary, gluten and processed
➕Acupuncture assists to reduce inflammation and pain by increasing blood flow
➕Magnesium helps reduce menstrual cramps, inflammation and bloating.
➕Consuming foods that support your hormones and cycle. Warming foods around ovulation.
➕Reduce stress – reducing cortisol levels helps balance your endocrine (hormones) system.
➕Warm Compress and gentle massage moves qi and blood.

If pain persists please see your healthcare provider.

Amanda is the founder of Angea and has over 12 years of experience working with women to support their health journey. In addition to being a registered doctor of Chinese medicine, Amanda is a yoga teacher and founder of Mindful Pregnancy Yoga Training. Amanda offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and womb healing treatments at Angea.