From the Guidelines
There is generally no direct association between pain during ovulation (mittelschmerz) and ovarian cancer. Ovulation pain is a common, normal experience for many women, typically occurring mid-cycle when an egg is released from the ovary. This pain is usually mild to moderate, lasts from a few hours to a couple of days, and alternates sides from month to month. In contrast, symptoms of ovarian cancer tend to be persistent and progressive, including bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency that occur almost daily for several weeks. If you experience typical ovulation pain that resolves within a day or two and follows your normal pattern, this is rarely cause for concern. However, if you develop new, severe, or persistent pelvic pain, pain accompanied by fever or vomiting, or other concerning symptoms that don't follow your typical ovulation pattern, you should consult a healthcare provider. The distinction is important because while ovulation pain is a normal physiological process related to the release of follicular fluid and blood during egg release, ovarian cancer symptoms result from the growth of malignant cells and their effects on surrounding tissues and organs.
Some key points to consider:
- Ovulation pain is a normal experience for many women and is not typically a cause for concern 1.
- Ovarian cancer symptoms are often persistent and progressive, and can include bloating, pelvic pain, and urinary urgency or frequency 1.
- If you experience new, severe, or persistent pelvic pain, or other concerning symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider 1.
- A family history of ovarian cancer can increase a woman's risk of developing the disease, and genetic testing may be recommended for some women 1.
It's also worth noting that while there is no direct association between ovulation pain and ovarian cancer, some studies suggest that ovulation may be correlated with the development of ovarian cancer, particularly in women with a family history of the disease 1. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.
In terms of screening and diagnosis, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women, as the current evidence does not support the use of screening tests to reduce mortality from the disease 1. However, women with a family history of ovarian cancer or other risk factors may need to be screened more frequently or undergo genetic testing to assess their risk.
Overall, while ovulation pain is not typically a cause for concern, it's essential for women to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to consult a healthcare provider if they experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
From the Research
Association between Pain with Ovulation and Ovarian Cancer
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest an association between pain with ovulation and ovarian cancer 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer, risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, and the evaluation of symptoms for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer 2, 3, 4, 6.
- One study discusses ovulation as a sign of health and the use of biomarkers to recognize ovulation, but it does not mention any association with ovarian cancer 5.
- The symptoms that have been identified as potentially increasing the likelihood of ovarian cancer include abdominal mass, abdominal distension or increased girth, abdominal or pelvic pain, abdominal or pelvic bloating, loss of appetite, and a family history of ovarian cancer 6.
- However, these symptoms are not specifically related to ovulation or pain associated with ovulation.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- The studies suggest that ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage due to non-specific symptoms and the lack of effective screening methods for average-risk women 2, 3, 6.
- The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Index has been validated as a tool to identify women at increased risk of ovarian cancer, but it does not include pain with ovulation as a symptom 6.
- Further research is needed to develop effective screening methods and decision support tools that integrate risk factors, symptoms, and biomarkers to identify women at increased risk of ovarian cancer 6.