Can you experience abdominal pain during ovulation?

Nov 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, whether women experience abdominal pain during ovulation depends on individual differences and bodily responses. If the abdominal pain during ovulation is severe, lasts for a prolonged period, or is accompanied by symptoms such as heavy bleeding or fever, it may be caused by conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cyst torsion, and timely medical evaluation is necessary to avoid delaying treatment. In daily life, it's important to keep the abdomen warm.

Generally, whether women experience abdominal pain during ovulation depends on individual differences and bodily responses. The specific analysis is as follows:

Some women may experience abdominal pain during ovulation, which is a normal physiological phenomenon. During ovulation, the follicle on the surface of the ovary ruptures to release an egg, potentially stimulating the peritoneum and causing mild stabbing or aching pain, usually localized to one lower side of the abdomen. This discomfort typically lasts for several hours to one or two days and is generally mild, not interfering with daily activities. It may also be accompanied by a small amount of bloody vaginal discharge, caused by hormonal fluctuations and follicular fluid irritation. This condition is usually harmless and does not require excessive concern.

Other women do not feel any abdominal pain during ovulation, which relates to individual physical constitution and pain threshold. Some women's peritoneum may be less sensitive to the stimulation from follicle rupture, or the amount of follicular fluid released may be minimal, thus not triggering noticeable pain. This scenario is quite common and also considered a normal physiological variation; absence of abdominal pain should not raise concerns about whether ovulation is occurring properly.

If abdominal pain during ovulation is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by heavy bleeding, fever, or other symptoms, it could indicate underlying conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cyst torsion, requiring prompt medical evaluation to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment. In daily life, maintaining warmth in the abdominal area, avoiding cold exposure, eating a light diet, and reducing intake of spicy or irritating foods can help alleviate any mild abdominal discomfort that may occur.