Why Do I Have Pain In My Ovaries?
It is very common in women to face some discomfort during menstruation. Ovarian pain before and after your periods is also experienced by many women.
The Ovaries
The ovaries are a very important part of a women’s reproductive system. The ovaries are located in the lower abdomen. You will feel a pain below your belly button and pelvis if you have ovarian pain.
The Functions Of The Ovaries Are:
- They produce the hormones, including estrogen, that trigger menstruation.
- They also release at least one egg each month for possible fertilization.
What Causes Ovarian Pain?
Minor Cysts, tumors, infections, fibroids or ovarian cancer in extreme cases; can be some of the causes for ovarian pain. Period pain is also caused by pain in the ovaries. Women may experience pain or discomfort in one or both ovaries on certain days during a normal menstrual cycle (between 28 to 35 days).
Also read: 7 Tips For Getting Pregnant With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Ovary Pain Before Periods
This cramping pain that a woman experiences just before a menstruation cycle is called dysmenorrhea. Medically speaking, this pain is due to the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins is a hormone-like substance that is mainly responsible for contracting the muscles from the uterus. This feels like a severe cramp. There are two main reasons for ovary pain before periods:
#1. Primary
For some women, their periods have been painful since they started. This is primary dysmenorrhea. The main cause of this pain is that your body has always reacted exaggeratedly to periods. It is believed that women with primary dysmenorrhea have increased amounts of prostaglandins, the substances that causes the uterus to contract.
#2. Secondary
If you did not have ovarian pain before but have developed painful periods over time, you may have developed an underlying condition. This condition is aggravated by the normal changes in the body and has now caused uterine contractions. Common issues that may cause secondary dysmenorrhea include fibroids, adenomyosis, infection, and the use of a copper T IUD.
#3. Another Reason For Ovarian Pain Before Periods Is Mittelschmerz Pain
Mittelschmerz is associated with ovulation. This is ovarian pain that occurs around 14 days before menstruating. It is a one sided pain in the lower abdomen. It may cause minor discomfort but not severe ones. It does not occur in all women, and it is possible to treat it with prescribed painkillers. It happens as a sudden,sharp,cramp like pain accompanied by vaginal discharge. The pain may switch sides every month as it occurs on the side of the ovary that releases the egg.
Also read: Does Gaining Weight Cause Irregular Periods?
Some women experience ovarian pain in between their periods. This is mid-cycle pain that is during ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovary, instead of during menstruation. Mittelschmerz pain, it may be uncomfortable but is harmless. The cause of the pain isn’t exactly known.
Mild uterine cramps can also be a very early sign of pregnancy. These cramps are associated with implantation and you might also see very light bleeding or spotting. This happens when a fertilized egg or embryo attaches itself to the uterus lining.
Ovarian Pain After Periods
There are cases where women experience ovarian pains after their periods have ended,maybe 7-10 days after a period cycle. Though it might not be able to get detected in an ultrasound, it can be the start of Ovarian cancer and needs to be checked out with proper examinations.
Another reason can be that cysts might get formed inside the ovaries which can cause post-period bleeding and cramping. Ovarian cysts are common too and most ovarian cysts disappear naturally without any treatment. However, larger cysts may cause pelvic pain in the lower abdomen and can be very discomforting. They will need a more elaborate treatment.
Any sort of ovarian pain, whether mild or discomforting should be informed to you doctor and should be medically examined.
Also read: Period Pain – Causes and 5 effective ways to relieve it
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