Why do I get endometriosis pain when ovulating?
In this article, we'll give you an overview of what causes endometriosis pain and how long that pain can last.
If you're suffering from endometriosis, you may experience a range of painful (but common) symptoms such as pain during intercourse, pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, and pain during your monthly menstrual period. 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth will suffer from endometriosis, but it can take an average of 8 years from onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis! The cause of endometriosis is unknown, and there is no definite cure either.
Pain during ovulation can not only cause discomfort, but it can stop you from getting on with your normal daily activity. It can have a big impact on quality of life for many people and find its way into all parts of a person's life - from their relationships to their working lives. Although there is no definite link between endometriosis pain and ovulating and not everyone will experience pain during this time, we know it's something lots of people do go through it and so we wanted to help explain this as much as we can. With endometriosis, you can experience pain at any time and sometimes this coincides with ovulation 💜
In this article, we'll give you an overview of the impact endometriosis can have on our bodies, in particular the female reproductive organs, how those changes can trigger pain in our bodies, and how your doctor or healthcare provider can help.
Where is endometriosis pain and how long does it typically last?
Ovulation pain is sometimes referred to as "middle pain" as it is usually most severe midway through the menstrual cycle, just before the release of the egg from the ovaries. Endometriosis pain can occur any time during the menstrual cycle, although some people experience more pain when ovulating.
Endometriosis pain most commonly presents itself in four places:
- The lower abdomen (abdominal pain on either side of the body)
- Below the umbilicus or "belly button"
- Above the level of the groin
- The rectum
The pain can be constant, unrelenting, and sometimes last between 12-24 hours. The NHS website suggests trying over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or looking into longer-term options to relieve the pain, such as birth control pills which can be a good methods of alleviating the painful symptoms of endometriosis. If you don't have access to medication, try taking a warm bath or placing a hot water bottle over the affected area. We'd always recommend speaking to your doctor before trying pain medication or birth control as a way to manage endometriosis.
How does endometriosis cause pain?
During ovulation, a developed egg which is primed for fertilisation, is released from the ovaries. If the egg is not fertilised, the endometrial tissue sheds and a woman will experience vaginal bleeding as part of her period.
In people with endometriosis, endometrial tissue is present outside of the uterus. The displaced tissue responds to hormonal changes as it would if it were in the uterus, and can bleed or become inflamed during ovulation. This can sometimes lead to irritation, swelling, and the formation of scar tissue in the surrounding areas. The resulting inflammation and the presence of scar tissue can cause pain during ovulation, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pelvic pain. You can read more about it on the NHS website here.
Getting tested for endometriosis
It's important to remember that not all people with endometriosis experience worsening pain during ovulation. The severity and pattern of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you're experiencing severe pain or discomfort during ovulation and suspect you may have endometriosis, speak to your GP, healthcare provider or Fertifa Patient Advisor who will be able to help you and guide you towards next steps to getting you help for the pain.
A test for endometriosis may well involve an ultrasound, a recording of medical conditions, abdominal scan or pelvic exam. We know this might feel intimidating, but try to remember that these are completely harmless procedures that will allow your doctor to detect any endometriosis you might have. It also means that your doctor will be able to walk you through the treatment options available for relieving those symptoms. These may include:
Medication
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage the pain associated with endometriosis.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These medications temporarily induce a menopause-like state, suppressing the production of oestrogen and reducing the growth of endometriosis.
Hormonal therapies
Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, hormonal patches, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), can help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce the growth of endometrial tissue, and alleviate symptoms.
Laparoscopic surgery
A laparoscopy involves the removal of endometrial implants, scar tissue, and cysts from the body.
Hysterectomy
In severe cases of endometriosis, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be performed for long-term relief from endometriosis symptoms. In some cases, the ovaries may also be removed (oophorectomy).
At Fertifa, we understand that the idea of undergoing therapy or surgery can be scary. If you want to know more about the above treatments, or have any concerns whatsoever, contact your healthcare provider, doctor, or Fertifa Patient Advisor, who will always be happy to explain any potential risks and complications so you can make a fully informed decision.
Other causes of pelvic pain during ovulation
While endometriosis can be a cause of pain during ovulation, there are other conditions that may be the source of pain during your period too, and this is important to be aware of. Here are a few possible conditions that may be causing your pain during ovulation:
- Ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts (particularly those known as "functional cysts") can cause pain during ovulation. These cysts usually develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle, however they can cause discomfort when they grow larger than normal.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, sharp pains in the lower abdomen and painful ovulation are all symptoms associated with PID.
- Adenomyosis: A condition in which the endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, adenomyosis can cause intense pain during ovulation, as well as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.
- Ovarian tumours: Certain types of ovarian tumours, such as endometriomas or ovarian cystadenomas, can cause pain during ovulation. These growths may put pressure on surrounding tissues or disrupt normal ovarian function.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterised by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. While ovulation pain is not a defining symptom of PCOS, some women with this condition may experience discomfort during ovulation.
- Uterine fibroids: Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. Depending on their location and size, they can cause pain during ovulation or at other times during the menstrual cycle.
- Ectopic pregnancy: As well as a symptom of endometriosis, sharp pain in the lower abdomen can be triggered by an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilised egg develops outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube). Ectopic pregnancies can be harmful, so arrange an appointment through your healthcare provider if you are showing multiple symptoms.
Painful periods and discomfort during sexual intercourse are just some of the very unpleasant symptoms of endometriosis that can impact your daily life. If you are experiencing pain during ovulation due to endometriosis or otherwise, or if you think you may have endometriosis, try not to panic and remember that (sadly) severe pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. We would recommend speaking to your GP, doctor, gynaecologist or Fertifa Patient advisor as soon as you can if you're looking to be tested for endometriosis or if you have any questions or concerns 💜
