A one-sided lower abdominal pain occurring around the middle of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released. Usually brief and mild but can occasionally be sharp.
Track your cycle — ovulation pain typically occurs 10 to 16 days before your next expected period. If the timing matches, this is most likely ovulation pain.
Note which side the pain is on — it occurs on the side of the ovary releasing the egg. It alternates sides from month to month or stays on one side.
Rest and apply warmth to the lower abdomen. A hot water bottle or warm compress reduces the discomfort effectively.
Take ibuprofen or paracetamol if the pain is significant. Ibuprofen is more effective for this type of cramping.
The pain usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours. Maximum 24 to 48 hours. If it lasts longer, something else may be causing it.
Note any associated symptoms — light spotting around ovulation is normal. Nausea can occasionally accompany it.
Track the pain over 2 to 3 cycles using a calendar or phone app. This helps confirm it is ovulation pain and rules out other causes.
Pain is severe and does not reduce within 24 hours.
Fever accompanies the pain — possible infection.
Pain is on the right side and is getting progressively worse — rule out appendicitis.
Heavy bleeding accompanies the pain.
You have a positive pregnancy test and develop one-sided pain — possible ectopic pregnancy, a medical emergency.
Pain is consistent and severe every month — possible endometriosis or ovarian cyst.
Do not confuse ovulation pain with appendicitis — appendix pain (right side) is persistent, worsens over hours, and is accompanied by fever and nausea.
Pain that is severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever is not typical ovulation pain.
Pain that occurs outside of the expected mid-cycle window needs investigation.
✓ What Helps
· Ibuprofen 400mg with food for cramping
· Paracetamol 1000mg if ibuprofen is not suitable
· Heat patch or hot water bottle
✗ What To Avoid
· Aspirin during any mid-cycle bleeding
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Discuss hormonal contraception with a doctor if ovulation pain is consistently severe — it prevents ovulation and therefore eliminates ovulation pain
🏥 Get Professional Help
See a doctor if the pain is severe, lasts more than 48 hours, is accompanied by fever, or occurs alongside a possible positive pregnancy test. Ectopic pregnancy causes one-sided pelvic pain and is life-threatening without treatment.