Mittelschmerz what? !

That day suddenly came across this word which I hardly pronounce and very surprised to find out its true meaning.

Mittleschmerz...tongue twister.

Mittelschmerz (German: "middle pain") is a medical term for "ovulation pain" or "midcycle pain". About 20% of women experience mittelschmerz, some every cycle, some intermittently.

This pain occurs during ovulation—the midpoint between menstrual periods, about 2 weeks before a period may begin. The discomfort can appear on either side of the lower abdomen depending on which ovary is producing the ovum (egg). Pain can be on one side of the abdomen one month and switch to the opposite side during the following cycle.Most of the time, it is a mild annoyance. In rare instances, it can be unbearable.

What? Meaning 20% of women = 2/10 girls will have this?
When you are half way through the month suddenly you felt :" Eh...Pain in my pubic region. Ah...my egg is popping out from my ovary." type of thing???
This is a really amazing and extraordinary human physiology.Guess it will come in handy if you are getting ready to make a baby.

Imaginary scenario:
Wife:" Oh~~~ Darling! I felt a sharp pain just now. I think is my egg popping out. This is the middle of the month too. Let's faster come make baby before the egg slip away~~"
Husband:" Yes. Madam."

Hhaahhaha.........That's so funny.

Ok. It is really till today then I find out about this. Must keep in mind and next time any patient come in I can explain what is going on.

Causes

Mittelschmerz is believed to have a variety of causes:

• Follicular swelling: The swelling of follicles in the ovaries prior to ovulation. While only one or two eggs mature to the point of being released, a number of follicles grow during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (non-dominant follicles atrophy prior to ovulation). Because follicles develop on both sides, this theory explains mittelschmerz that occurs simultaneously on both sides of the abdomen.^[2]

• Ovarian wall rupture: The ovaries have no openings; at ovulation the egg breaks through the ovary's wall. This may make ovulation itself painful for some women.^[2]

• Fallopian tube contraction: After ovulation, the fallopian tubes contract (similar to peristalsis of the esophagus), which may cause pain in some women.^[1]

• Smooth muscle cell contraction: At ovulation, this pain may be related to smooth muscle cell contraction in the ovary as well as in its ligaments. These contractions occur in response to an increased level of prostaglandin F2-alpha, itself mediated by the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH).^[3]

• Irritation: At the time of ovulation, blood or other fluid is released from the ruptured egg follicle. This fluid may cause irritation of the abdominal lining.^[1][2]

Mittelschmerz Symptoms

Pain associated with mittelschmerz may take on various forms:

• Pain occurs on one side of the lower abdomen (can be either side).
  
  
• Pain occurs midway between menstrual periods (during ovulation).
  
  
• Pain can occur every month.
  
  
• Pain lasts anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 days.