Mittelschmerz is the pelvic and lower abdominal pain that a woman experiences during the middle of her menstrual cycle every month. The intensity of pain experienced varies from person to person. It can be mild to moderate to severe. It generally occurs in the 11-14th day of the menstrual cycle. It generally does not cause any severe problems in a patient but in few rare cases the pain and discomfort might be severe requiring immediate medical attention.
Is Mittelschmerz A Good Sign Of Fertility?
Since Mittelschmerz occurs around the time of ovulation it is a good sign of fertility and is helpful for couples who are trying to conceive. It marks the period of maximum fertility when chances of conception are good. Although it is not a definitive sign of ovulation it gives an idea of the time of ovulation. The most fertile time of a woman is before 4-5 days of ovulation. It is because of the reason that once the egg is released from the ovary it takes about 12 to 24 hours to reach the uterus and conception takes place during this time. Whereas sperm can remain viable in the female genital tract for several days or even weeks sometimes and will fertilize an egg the moment it is released. Hence there are better chances of conceiving if you have sex 4-5 days before ovulation takes place. People who experience Mittelschmerz are likely to recognize their ovulation period. However there are other signs of ovulation to mark the fertility period. It can be very useful when you are trying to get pregnant. Mittleschmerz is not a very reliable sign of fertility as you can experience pain 2-3 days before ovulation, at the time of ovulation and sometimes even after ovulation the pain might persist in some cases. It is easy for women with regular menstrual cycles to track their symptoms indicating ovulation.
Signs Of Ovulation And Fertility
When planning to have a child it is important to look for peak fertility period to ensure maximum chances of conception. The most commonly used method to detect fertility period is the urine ovulation test where the urine shows an increase in luteinizing hormone levels which is on its peak one or two days prior to the release of the egg. This level of luteinizing hormone decreases once the ovulation takes place. However this test can also give inaccurate results in women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome or who are on certain medications that contain hormones such as estrogen and progesterone as they might affect the levels of luteinizing hormone. The basal body temperature of the woman increases after the release of egg from the ovary.
The temperature has to be charted for several weeks in order to find the ovulation period and not just during the mid-cycle. A spit ovulation test can also be done where saliva is placed on a glass slide and then examined under a microscope, which shows a fern-like pattern indicating high levels of estrogen before ovulation. The other physical signs of ovulation include breast tenderness, thin watery egg white cervical mucus that facilitates intercourse and conception. This stretchy mucus facilitates the sperm’s motility through the genital tract up to the uterus where fertilization of the egg takes place. Other signs include increased sensitivity to smells, increased desire to have sex, minor discharge and bleeding; shifting of cervical position (it can be felt a little higher than its original position and feels soft and loose).
All these signs are helpful to a couple who are undergoing treatment for infertility and trying to get pregnant. Under the supervision of a doctor they can note their symptoms at home and plan further. It is also advised to have a positive outlook in these cases and remain stress free to boost the reproductive system. A change in lifestyle and modification of eating habits also has a positive effect in these women. Yoga and exercise has known to improve fertility in women.
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