Is It Ovulation Symptoms? Your Cycle and Discomfort

Is it an ovulation symptom?

Your girlfriend's menstrual period started on November 7 and ended on November 13, with a cycle length of 35 days.
She experienced left-sided abdominal pain from November 21 to November 25, and on November 25, she noticed egg white cervical mucus.
From November 25 to November 30, her underwear was occasionally damp (she mentioned it felt similar to her previous ovulation).
She has a menstrual tracking app that indicates this period as her ovulation phase.

Could you please confirm if these are symptoms of ovulation? Is everything normal?

Kk, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/30

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend's menstrual cycle started on November 7 and lasted until November 13, with a cycle length of 35 days.
She experienced left-sided abdominal pain from November 21 to November 25, and on November 25, she noticed egg white cervical mucus.
From November 25 to November 30, her underwear was occasionally damp (she mentioned it was similar to her previous ovulation, and she has an app on her phone that calculates her menstrual cycle, which indicated it was her ovulation period).

Is this a symptom of ovulation?
Answer: It seems to be normal.

Should we observe further?
Answer: Yes, continue to monitor.

Reply Date: 2019/11/30

More Info

Based on the information provided, it seems that your girlfriend is experiencing symptoms that could indeed be related to ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period, and in a 35-day cycle, it would likely happen around days 20 to 21 of her cycle. Given that her last menstrual period started on November 7 and ended on November 13, ovulation would be expected around November 21 or 22.

The symptoms she is experiencing, such as left-sided abdominal pain (often referred to as mittelschmerz), are common during ovulation. This pain can occur due to the release of the egg from the ovary, which may cause slight irritation to the surrounding tissues. The presence of clear, stretchy cervical mucus (similar to egg whites) is also a classic sign of ovulation, as the body produces this type of mucus to facilitate sperm movement through the cervix.

The wetness in her underwear that you mentioned could be attributed to increased cervical mucus production, which is normal during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. This mucus helps to create a more favorable environment for sperm and can vary in consistency and amount throughout the cycle.

It is important to note that while these symptoms can indicate ovulation, they can also vary from person to person. Some women may experience significant discomfort during ovulation, while others may not notice any symptoms at all. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as heavy bleeding, fever, or unusual discharge), it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any other potential issues, such as ovarian cysts or other gynecological conditions.

In summary, based on the timing of her cycle and the symptoms described, it is quite possible that your girlfriend is experiencing normal ovulation symptoms. However, if there are any concerns or if the symptoms change in nature or intensity, seeking medical advice would be a prudent step. Regular tracking of her menstrual cycle and symptoms can also help her better understand her body and identify any patterns or irregularities in the future.

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