What Causes It?
Ovulation begins sometime in the middle of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is approximately 20 to 40 days long, with an average time noted to be 28 days. So, on average it occurs approximately 14 days into the menstrual cycle when it does occur. It is not definitively explained what the cause is, however, there are prospective thoughts on what the cause or causes could be. When the egg is released and travels up the Fallopian tubes, it possibly could be stretching this tissue, thus causing pain. Mayo Clinic also gives reasons first stating when the follicle is in the maturation phase it can stretch the outside tissue of the ovaries, thereby causing pain. Another potential option being upon release, the egg tears tissue which drains fluid or blood. This can irritate the lining of the abdomen as shown in other illnesses such as Endometriosis. G. Willy Davila, MD, also notes pain is due to leakage of prostaglandin-containing follicular fluid at the time of ovulation.
