Which term refers to mild unilateral pain for a few hours associated with ovulation?

• A. Dysmenorrhea
• B. Mittelschmerz
• C. Oligomenorrhea
• D. Polymenorrhea

Answer: (B)

Mittelschmerz describes mild unilateral pelvic or lower abdominal pain that occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, at ovulation. It typically lasts only a few hours to a day or two and may be felt on the side of the ovary releasing an egg. This pain can be accompanied by light spotting and is due to the follicle rupturing and peritoneal irritation during ovulation. It’s distinct from dysmenorrhea, which is cramping during menstruation; oligomenorrhea, which means infrequent periods; and polymenorrhea, which means very frequent periods. Mittelschmerz fits the pattern of a brief, unilateral mid-cycle discomfort, making it the best answer.