What Is The Difference Between Ovulation Pain And Period Pain?

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Ovulation pain is caused when the ovaries release an egg and occurs 14 days before the start of your periods. Period pain is the cramping pain that starts 1-2 days before your period begins and continues 2-3 days into your period.

Medically, ovulation pain is called Mittelschmerz (Happy Pain) while period pain is called dysmenorrhea. While the symptoms might feel similar at first, their timing and characteristics are very different. Let’s understand the key differences from the table below:

Ovulation Pain vs Period Pain

Ovulation Pain Period Pain
Medical Name Mittelschmerz Dysmenorrhea
Types None Primary Dysmenorrhea & Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Timing 14 days before your periods 1–2 days before and during the first 2–3 days of your period
Where does it happen? On just one side of your lower abdomen (depending on which ovary is releasing the egg) In the center of the lower abdomen; often radiates to the lower back and thighs
How does it feel? Usually a sharp, sudden poke or a dull ache. Usually a heavy, throbbing, or cramping sensation.
How long does it last? It may last from a few minutes to up to 24 hours. Usually lasts 2–5 days.
Why does it happen? Caused by the egg breaking through the ovary wall. Caused by Prostaglandins – The villain chemicals that make your uterus contract and squeeze.
Additional Symptoms None Nausea, Headache, Dizziness, Bloating, Diarrhea, Constipation, Lightheadedness, Mood Swings
When to worry If ovulation pain is so severe you can’t walk, it could be a sign of PCOS or ovarian cysts. If period pain is so severe that it stops you from functioning. It could also be a sign of Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, PCOS and Uterine Fibroids.
An informational graphic titled “What is the difference between Ovulation Pain and Period Pain?” explains that ovulation pain symptoms occur when the ovaries release an egg and typically happen about 14 days before your period, a stage in the menstrual cycle, whereas period pain or menstrual cramps begin 1–2 days before menstruation and continue for 2–3 days into the period cycle. It notes that ovulation pain is medically known as Mittelschmerz (also searched as mid-cycle ovulation pain) and period pain is called Dysmenorrhea or painful periods. The text explains that although both pains may feel similar initially, they differ in ovulation vs period pain timing, lower abdominal pain location, cramping sensation, hormonal causes of menstrual pain, and menstrual health symptoms. The graphic concludes by emphasizing that any severe menstrual pain, intense pelvic pain during ovulation or periods, or pain that disrupts daily life should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought. The graphic ends with the campaign message "STOP The Period Pain." Which is a knowledge initiative campaign by Blue Cross Laboratories the makers of meftal spas.

Your Journey to #StopThePeriodPain Starts Here

Every month, millions of Indian girls & women suffer in silence, told that their severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) is “normal.” Our mission is to break that silence. #StopThePeriodPain campaign is here to empower you with 3 simple truths:

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References:

  1. NIH, Menstrual Cramps in Anovulatory versus Normally Ovulatory Cycles — SARS-COV-2 Pandemic Daily Data Plus a Meta-Analysis of Cramps and Anovulation

Don’t Take Period Pain Lightly.

Period pain (dysmenorrhea) is a real medical issue.
Visit a gynaecologist and #StopThePeriodPain

Don't take period pain lightly