Some people may feel pain during ovulation. But other health conditions, such as cysts or endometriosis, can also cause pain during ovulation and may require medical attention.

Ovulation is a critical part of reproduction. Not every person who menstruates will feel ovulation when it occurs, but it can be very painful for others.

Though the sensation isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, you shouldn’t ignore ovulation pain — in some cases, it can be a sign of something more serious.

Try keeping track of when and where you feel the discomfort, how long it lasts, and any other associated symptoms. Keeping a record can help you figure out the underlying cause.

If your midcycle pain persists, a healthcare professional can perform different tests to identify the source and offer treatment to help.

In most cases, ovulation discomfort is brief and harmless. You may notice one-sided pain for a few minutes or even a couple of hours on your day of suspected ovulation. This is called mittelschmerz.

Ovulation involves a follicular cyst swelling and then rupturing to release the egg after a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) goes through your body.

After the egg is released, the fallopian tube contracts to help it reach awaiting sperm for fertilization. Blood and other fluid from the ruptured follicle may also enter the abdominal cavity and pelvis during this process and cause irritation.

The sensation can range from a dull ache to sharp twinges. It may be accompanied by spotting or other discharge. If your pain becomes severe or happens at other points in your cycle, check in with a healthcare professional.

An ovarian cyst can cause a number of symptoms, from cramping and nausea to bloating. Some cysts may cause no symptoms at all.

Dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas are other, less common types of cysts that might cause pain.

A healthcare professional may order a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to help determine if you have a cyst and what type it is. Many cysts resolve on their own without medical intervention.

If they grow or are abnormal, though, cysts can lead to complications and may need to be removed.

Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity.

Areas affected become irritated when the lining tissue responds to hormones during your cycle, causing bleeding and inflammation outside of the uterus. You may develop scar tissue or endometriosis adhesions that are particularly painful during your period.

Likewise, intrauterine adhesions, also known as Asherman syndrome, can develop if you’ve had previous surgery. This includes a dilation and curettage (D & C) or cesarean delivery.

A prior infection in the uterus can also cause these adhesions. You can also develop Asherman syndrome with no known cause.

These conditions aren’t always visible during a routine ultrasound, so your healthcare professional may order a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. These surgical procedures allow doctors to see directly inside your uterus or pelvis.

Is your pain accompanied by unusual or foul-smelling discharge? Do you have a fever? Do you feel burning when you urinate?

These symptoms might indicate a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI) that needs urgent medical attention.

Medical procedures — or even childbirth — can cause infections. Sometimes, a urinary tract infection (UTI) might even cause general pelvic pain.

STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are contracted from sex without a condom or other barrier method.

One-sided pelvic pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

This occurs when an embryo implants in the fallopian tubes or other location outside of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is potentially life threatening and is usually discovered by the eighth week.

If you think you might be pregnant, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires treatment with medication or surgery to prevent your fallopian tube from rupturing.

If you’ve visited a healthcare professional and ruled out any underlying conditions, you’re likely experiencing typical ovulation discomfort. Continue to pay attention to any changes in your symptoms.

Here are some things you can do to ease the discomfort of mid-cycle pain:

  • Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
  • Apply a heating pad to the affected area, or take a hot bath.
  • Talk with a healthcare professional about using hormonal birth control to prevent ovulation.

For many people who menstruate, midcycle pain is simply a sign of ovulation. There are several other conditions that can cause pelvic pain, some of which are serious if left untreated.

It’s always a good idea to pay attention to your body and report anything new or different to a healthcare professional.