MITTELSCHMEREZ-THE PAIN BETWEEN PERIODS

MITTELSCHMERZ-THE PAIN BETWEEN PERIODS
Have you ever experienced severe midcycle pain? Does pain and cramping seem to occur during ovulation? What you are experiencing may be Mittelschmerz. Mittelschmerz is a German word which translated literally means “middle pain.” Other words you may hear include: ovulation pain, midcycle pain, menstrual, middle pain, or cramps.
Ovulation usually occurs about two weeks after the first day of your last period. Mittelschmerz occurs during ovulation when an egg is released by the ovaries into the fallopian tube. For about twenty percent of women this causes severe pain and cramps on one side of the lower abdomen. Although the pain may feel like something serious is wrong, midcycle pain or cramps—Mittelschmerz is rarely serious.
Occasionally, in addition to midcycle pain and cramping, some women may experience nausea, and/or light menstrual spotting. Mittelschmerz lasts for 6 to 8 hours in most women; however, occasionaly it can last as long as twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Taking Care of Yourself
Rest.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Use a heating pad (try making a tube sock homemade heating pad), or take home baths to ease the pain.
Use OTC anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen or naproxen sodium
Check your temperature several times a day to be sure you are not developing an infection.
Call your doctor if the pain is severe and these self-help tips do not ease your midcycle pain.
If you experience midcycle ovulation pain that lasts longer than 2 or 3 days, experience heavy bleeding, or have any unusual vaginal discharge call your health care provider.
Signs You Need Emergency Care
Vomiting blood.
Blood in stool.
Increased pain.
Faintness or dizziness.
High fever.
Difficult or painful urination.
Swollen abdomen.
Difficulty breathing.
Http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/menustration/a/painbetwperiods.htm?nl=l