Intermenstrual Pain Or Middle Pain: What Is It?

Intermenstrual pain usually occurs around the middle of the cycle in the days around ovulation. The symptoms can be very uncomfortable, but they are often irregular.

Many women experience various menstrual symptoms, but they can also experience pain mid-cycle. In this case, it is called middle or intermenstrual pain,  which occurs in the days of ovulation.

So these complaints become noticeable around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. One possible trigger is follicle maturation, which leads to swelling in both ovaries and could cause pain. In addition, the increased production of hormones and other processes can also cause symptoms.

It is estimated that nearly 20 percent of women experience intermenstrual pain. Find out more in our article today.

Intermenstrual Pain or Middle Pain: What is it?

Middle pain arises around ovulation, which occurs in the middle of the monthly cycle. Logically, only fertile women who are menstruating suffer from it. 

During ovulation, the follicles in both ovaries mature,  which can lead to swelling. In addition, the ovarian wall ruptures when the eggs leave the ovaries, which can also be painful.

In addition, the egg cells can burst, which in some cases leads to the release of blood or follicular fluid. These fluids can reach the peritoneum, which lines the inner abdominal area. This can lead to irritation and pain. 

Furthermore, the contraction of the fallopian tube can cause discomfort, which takes place when the follicles are transported into the uterus. 

Intermenstrual pain does not arise exactly at the time of ovulation, but just before it and it then lasts until after ovulation. Ovulation only takes place in one of the two ovaries in each cycle. Therefore, the woman usually feels the pain either in the left or in the right area of ​​the lower abdomen.

Many women suffer from it every month, others feel the pain only irregularly. As already explained, the side on which the complaints are perceived can change every month. The duration is also variable: the pain can only appear very briefly or last for several hours.

In order to differentiate middle pain from other complaints, it is important for women to know their menstrual cycle. If the pain is sharp, unilateral and coincides with the days around ovulation, this is critical to the diagnosis.

Intermenstrual Pain: What To Do?

If you experience uncomfortable pain, you should always see your doctor to find out possible causes. You explain the exact characteristics of the symptoms to the doctor in order to facilitate the correct diagnosis. In some cases, the gynecologist will perform an ultrasound or other pelvic exam to rule out other possible problems.

There are several general measures that can be used to treat median pain. For example, warmth and rest can help relieve pain. Most women don’t need specific treatment.

But there are drugs to relieve pain that can be used in extreme situations. In this case, the doctor usually prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. These relieve swelling and pain and are sold over the counter in pharmacies.

Oral contraceptives are another alternative.  Their mechanism of action prevents ovulation. Therefore, they also avoid all related complaints.

Final remark

Middle or intermenstrual pain occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, but affects each woman differently. Only about 20 percent of all women have it. The symptoms can also manifest themselves differently with each cycle or occur irregularly.

It is therefore important to diagnose whether it is actually mediocre pain or whether the symptoms are caused by a pathology. If the pain is very intense or interferes with everyday life, it is very important to see a doctor who can prescribe appropriate treatment.