Can You Have Mittelschmerz While On The Pill?

Mittelschmerz is a pain that occurs in lower abdomen and is typically one-sided. This pain occurs at the time of ovulation and is also called as ovulation pain.

Well, the short answer for this is that it is not very usual to get Mittelschmerz while on the pill. However, to understand why that is so, let us have a look at how the pill works and what Mittelschmerz is related to.

Most of the birth control pills available these days are combination pills. Combination pills are those that contain female hormones oestrogen and progesterone in synthetic forms. Then there are mini-pills as well, that contain progestin, which is a synthetic form of progesterone.

These hormones prevent ovulation and thus help stop pregnancy. These hormones also thicken the cervical mucus, so that it becomes difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Also, the lining of the uterus gets changed due to these hormones, which does not allow implantation.

Taking these pills on time and regularly can help you in preventing pregnancy. The additional benefit being that these pills can keep your period cramps (or other cramps) at bay.

Many women experience very severe cramps during their menstrual cycles. The cramps are even debilitating for some. These cramps are known to be triggered by prostaglandins that are secreted from glands in the uterus. Prostaglandins are also responsible for triggering the uterine contractions. Higher levels of this hormone mean severe menstrual cramps.

However, the question remains, how can the pills stop menstrual cramps? According to a study, birth control pills help in reducing the amount of prostaglandins in the body. As prostaglandins are reduced in amount, the cramps are reduced too. These pills also suppress the ovulation during the cycle. Hence, any pain related to ovulation like Mittelschmerz, can be reduced or prevented as well.

This accounts for how it is not usual to get Mittelschmerz while on the pills. As Mittelschmerz is seen during the ovulation phase and pills suppress the ovulation itself, it is very unlikely that you may experience Mittelschmerz while on the pills.

The exact cause of Mittelschmerz is yet unknown. However, there are some discussions about how this pain might be occurring.

Before ovulation takes place, the follicle grows, and this growing follicle stretches the surface of the ovary. This stretching may cause the pain in the abdomen.

When ovulation takes place, the follicle ruptures and releases some blood or fluid. This fluid might irritate the abdominal lining known as peritoneum, and cause pain

Most women do not need to visit a doctor for Mittelschmerz. The pain usually lasts from a few minutes to few years, sometimes even a day or at the most two, but then that is it. However, if it lasts more than that or is particularly debilitating or discomforting, you may need to visit your doctor to rule out other possible causes of the pain like endometriosis, PID etc.

The Mittelschmerz treatment may include use of –

• Pain relievers or analgesics-
• These are available over the counter and can you give some relief from the discomfort caused by Mittelschmerz
• These may include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen sodium among many others

Oral contraceptive pills-

• These are also known as birth control pills
• They prevent ovulation from happening
• Since ovulation pain happens around the ovulation period, these pills may help in stopping the ovulation pain, as they will prevent the very reason of pain
• These pills are prescribed only in severe conditions and if Mittelschmerz causes you a lot of discomfort and pain

Mittelschmerz is a pain that occurs in lower abdomen and is typically one-sided. This pain occurs around the time of ovulation and can be prevented with the use of pills.

Also Read:

• Mittelschmerz or Ovulation Pain or Midcycle Pain: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment