Updated on May 18, 2022

Common symptoms and remedies for physical discomfort around ovulation.

ovulation day
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Essential Knowledge about Ovulation Day 3. Common Symptoms and Solutions for Physical Ailments Around Ovulation

Factors causing physical discomfort around ovulation
Symptoms specific to ovulation day
Common symptoms of illness
Main measures to alleviate physical discomfort
Special symptoms to be aware of

Dr. Masayuki Kinutani, Director of Kinutani Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic

Supervision

Director, Kinutani Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic (Medical Corporation): Mr. Masayuki Kinutani

After graduating from Ehime University School of Medicine, she worked at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hiroshima University School of Medicine and the Sanno Hospital Reproduction Center, before studying advanced reproductive technology in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In 2002, she became the director of Kinutani Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic. She is a certified obstetrician and gynecologist by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a certified reproductive medicine specialist by the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine.

<Things you should know> The correct knowledge about "ovulation day"
3. Common symptoms and remedies for physical discomfort that occur around ovulation.

Do you experience symptoms like coldness, swelling, abdominal pain, or a general feeling of heaviness in your body even though your period is still some time away? These new symptoms might be causing you anxiety. These discomforts could be related to ovulation. Therefore, we'll discuss the causes and symptoms of feeling unwell around ovulation, and how to manage them.

Factors causing physical discomfort around ovulation

Feeling unwell around ovulation is likely due to the influence of female hormones. This is because both female hormones and the autonomic nervous system are controlled by the hypothalamus in the diencephalon, and therefore influence each other.

When a woman's body enters the follicular phase after menstruation, the secretion of estrogen, a hormone that thickens the uterine lining and lowers body temperature, increases, resulting in a low-temperature phase. Immediately after ovulation, progesterone, a hormone that maintains the thickness of the uterine lining and raises body temperature, is secreted, leading to a high-temperature phase. Because ovulation involves such rapid hormonal changes, it puts a strain on the body and can cause health problems. In addition, the ovary can be damaged when the egg is released, which can manifest as bleeding or pain.

Symptoms specific to ovulation day

Pain, bleeding... You may experience symptoms specific to ovulation around the time of ovulation. Let's take a closer look below.

ovulation pain

One of the most common physical changes experienced around ovulation is ovulation pain, which is pain in the abdomen or lower abdomen. While menstrual cramps and ovulation pain are similar in that they both involve pain, they are completely different symptoms. Ovulation pain occurs when the follicle ruptures as the egg is released, and the follicular fluid and blood leak out, irritating the peritoneum. Also, at this time, the ovaries may be slightly inflamed, causing abdominal bloating or pain around the uterus. On the other hand, menstrual cramps are mainly caused by the contraction of the uterus due to a hormone called prostaglandin.

ovulation bleeding

Ovulation bleeding is a very small amount of bleeding that occurs 2-3 days before or after ovulation. It is caused by blood leaking out when the follicle ruptures, so it is often mistaken for abnormal bleeding, but it is not a disease.

Common symptoms of illness

Swelling, cold hands and feet, a general feeling of heaviness in the body... You may experience various physical discomforts around the time of ovulation. Let's look at what symptoms occur and their causes.

Swelling, coldness

The increased secretion of progesterone before menstruation (luteal phase) causes the body to retain water, leading to swelling. This excess water can cool the body, causing chills. Furthermore, chills can impair blood circulation and water metabolism, creating a vicious cycle that further exacerbates swelling.

lower back pain

A heavy feeling in the lower back, along with throbbing abdominal pain around the uterus, is a sign of ovulation. This pain occurs when the surface of the ovary sheds or the follicles, which are sacs containing the egg, rupture. The level of pain varies from person to person, and some people experience unbearable pain.

Sleepiness, lethargy

It's common to feel very sleepy during menstruation, but you can also experience strong drowsiness immediately after ovulation. This is because the progesterone hormone, which increases in secretion immediately after ovulation, not only prepares the body for pregnancy but also contains components that induce sleepiness. Immediately after ovulation, body temperature drops, sending a signal to the body to rest, which also causes drowsiness.

Nausea, dizziness

These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes associated with ovulation. Nausea is often accompanied by loss of appetite and light bleeding, and dizziness can be caused by hormonal changes due to ovulation. Also, if you experience dizziness on your ovulation day when you normally have no symptoms, it could be a sign of pregnancy.

Irritation

If you often experience irritability around two weeks after the start of your period, it's likely a symptom associated with ovulation. You may temporarily experience symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Check your menstrual cycle.

Chest feels full

These symptoms are often seen after ovulation due to the effects of progesterone. It is said that as part of the body's preparation for pregnancy, the mammary glands are stimulated, causing symptoms such as breast tenderness and pain.

Changes in vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is most abundant 2-3 days before ovulation. During this time, it is typically clear, thick, jelly-like, and stretchy. However, the amount of discharge varies from person to person and can change depending on one's physical condition, so a large amount of discharge does not necessarily mean that ovulation is occurring.

Skin problems, constipation

After ovulation, progesterone is secreted, which softens the uterine lining to make it easier for a fertilized egg to implant. This progesterone also absorbs water in the intestines and suppresses peristalsis in the uterus and intestines, which can lead to a loss of the urge to defecate. Constipation can also cause skin problems.

Main measures to alleviate physical discomfort

Many women feel depressed due to physical discomfort that occurs not only during menstruation but also during ovulation. Below, we introduce some ways to alleviate such discomfort.

Warm your body

Wear socks and gloves to prevent getting cold, and be sure to keep your abdomen especially warm. Tight-fitting underwear is not recommended as it can restrict blood circulation. When bathing, soak in lukewarm water with your legs stretched out to warm both your body and mind.

Establish a regular sleep schedule and get enough sleep.

Get into a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up early, and get moderate exercise. Also, make sure to eat three balanced meals a day.

Don't let stress build up.

Excessive stress disrupts the balance of the autonomic nervous system and reduces hormone secretion. Furthermore, it tenses the sympathetic nervous system and worsens blood circulation, making stress a major enemy. Why not try something that works for you, such as practicing diaphragmatic breathing for about 10 minutes, listening to your favorite music, or smelling your favorite scent? When you relax, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, and blood flow improves.

Special symptoms to be aware of

If you experience symptoms that are different from general malaise, you should be cautious. While everyone experiences and experiences pain differently, if the pain or discomfort is so severe that it makes daily life difficult, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Irregular bleeding

Unlike ovulation bleeding, prolonged bleeding or heavy bleeding may indicate a disease such as malignant cancer.

Anovulatory menstruation

Anovulatory menstruation, where menstruation appears but ovulation does not occur, means that pregnancy is not possible. Even if you don't want to get pregnant now, it's best to start treatment as soon as possible for your future health. Also, prolonged bleeding can lead to symptoms such as anemia.

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