Do you know about the OTHER ‘time of the month’?

Ovulation happens every month about midway in your menstrual cycle and occurs when your ovaries produce an egg.

Though many of us know all to well the symptoms associated with PMS and the inconvenience of period pain, but the OTHER ‘time of the month’ can also cause a great deal of discomfort.

Painful ovulation syndrome- or Mittelschmerz- is a relatively common condition and varies in severity. It's worth looking out for symptoms and getting to know your body's natural rythmn.

Symptoms of ovulation syndrome can include

Light spotting/bleeding

Cramping

Tender breasts

Painful nipples

Bloating

Tiredness

Lower voice (caused by hormonal changes)

*Heightened senses *

Increased sex drive

Why is it painful?

Ovulation can be painful for some women due to several different reasons. Follicles on the ovaries can swell when eggs are released, the ovary wall has to rupture to release the egg and the fallopian tubes need to contract to move the egg towards your uterus.

These movements can cause pain and bloating, and fluids released during ovulation can irritate the wall of your uterus.

If your ovulation pains are causing you considerable discomfort and distress the it’s important to contact your GP and discuss ways to manage your symptoms.

Can it be treated?

For the 20% of women who suffer from it, ovulation syndrome can be treated with pain killers or forms of hormonal contraception.

When can these signs be useful?

If you’re trying for a baby, then ovulation syndrome/Mittelshmerz can be useful in detecting when you are at your most fertile.

The little niggling pains and uncomfortable bloating are simply a sign that your body is doing it’s job!