by Gregory Downs

Created on: November 08, 2011   Last Updated: November 10, 2011

The pain of Mittelschmerz is one that has a definite gender bias. It is a pain that occurs in about 1 in 5 women on a monthly basis, and which occurs on one side or the other in the lower abdominal area.

Mittelschmerz is a German word meaning ‘middle pain,’ and that is when the pain occurs; in the middle of a woman’s menstrual cycle either before, during or after ovulation. In a nut – shell, it is

the pain between periods.

There are a few symptoms of mittelschmerz that are common in most of the women who suffer from this pain, with the only thing differing is the severity of symptoms.

The most common symptom is light to moderate to severe pain on one side or the other; and it occurs every month during ovulation. The pain usually switches sides each month, but there have been times that it reoccurs on the same side for two or three months before switching sides. The good news is over–the–counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or Tylenol is usually all that is needed to take care of the pain and discomfort of mittelschmerz pain.

There can be cramps that are constant or intermittent, and usually last from 1 to a few hours. In some cases the cramping can last up to 48 hours. A heating, or warming pad can do wonders in helping to alleviate the cramping.

Some women find that it is hard for them to stand or walk during their mittelschmerz time of the month. Movement of the leg, especially back and forth, seems to intensify the pain for some women. Again, over the counter pain relievers can help with this discomfort.

There can be very light bleeding or spotting from the vaginal area during mittelschmerz. It usually happens only once, and most women find that the wearing of a mini – pad is sufficient for protection of their clothing.

Many women who suffer from mittelschmerz will get a headache during this time. The pain of the headache is usually not severe, and can most times be relieved with caffeine from a cola, coffee or cup of tea.. If this doesn’t help, then the use of ibuprofen or Tylenol might be necessary.

Though it is not common, there are times when the symptoms of mittelschmerz can be very intense and painful. The symptoms of this is severe cramping, or pelvic pain where the only relief comes from curling in a ball and lying on one’s side. A woman can also experience fever, dizziness or fainting, and even painful urination. Under these circumstances it would be a good idea her to see her physician. It could be an indication that something else besides mittelschmerz is going on.

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