From the Guidelines
Treatment options for ovulation pain include over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium at recommended dosages when pain begins, as well as hormonal contraceptives to prevent ovulation and associated pain. Applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen can also provide relief. For women experiencing regular, disruptive ovulation pain, hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings can be an effective solution 1. The standard combination pill regimen involves taking one pill daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo pills or no pills. Some women benefit from continuous hormonal contraception to skip periods entirely.
If pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or unusual vaginal discharge, medical evaluation is necessary to rule out conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ovarian cysts. Ovulation pain occurs because the release of an egg from the ovary can cause local irritation from the small amount of fluid or blood released during this process, stimulating nearby nerves. While typically lasting only 12-48 hours and resolving on its own, treatment can make this normal physiological process more comfortable. It's essential to note that the provided evidence primarily focuses on abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis management, but the principles of pain management can be applied to ovulation pain as well 1.
Key considerations for managing ovulation pain include:
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Considering hormonal contraceptives for regular, disruptive pain
- Applying heat to the lower abdomen for relief
- Ruling out other conditions if pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms
- Recognizing that ovulation pain is typically a self-limiting condition that resolves on its own within 12-48 hours.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Dysmenorrhea: For the treatment of dysmenorrhea, beginning with the earliest onset of such pain, ibuprofen tablets should be given in a dose of 400 mg every 4 hours as necessary for the relief of pain. The treatment option for ovulation pain (dysmenorrhea) in women is ibuprofen. The recommended dose is 400 mg every 4 hours as necessary for the relief of pain, starting from the earliest onset of pain 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Ovulation Pain
- Ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz, can be treated with various methods, including over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen 3 or aspirin 4.
- Hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives, can also help alleviate ovulation pain by suppressing ovulation 5.
- In some cases, ovulation pain can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, which requires medical attention and treatment 6.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, have been shown to be effective in reducing ovulation pain 3.
- A study found that taking ibuprofen before ovulation did not have a negative effect on oocyte competence and embryo quality 3.
Hormonal Contraceptives
- Hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives, can help reduce ovulation pain by suppressing ovulation 5.
- Oral contraceptives have also been shown to reduce pelvic pain in women with symptomatic endometriosis and improve health-related quality of life 5.