• Definition
  • Physiological preovulatory pain in female individuals of reproductive age
  • Also referred to as ovulatory or midcycle pain
• Epidemiology: occurs in approx. 40% of female individuals of reproductive age
• Etiology: Enlargement and rupture of the follicular cyst and contraction of Fallopian tubes during midcycle ovulation lead to transient peritoneal irritation from follicular fluid.
• Clinical features
  • Recurrent unilateral lower abdominal pain (can mimic appendicitis)
    • Pain occurs during midcycle in individuals with regular menses.
    • Dull and achy pain which can become cramp-like
    • Can last up to 3 days
  • Physical examination: lower abdominal pain on palpation, enlarged adnexa
• Diagnostics: Pelvic ultrasound shows simple follicular cyst and small amount of intraperitoneal fluid
• Management: reassurance and symptomatic treatment with NSAIDs as needed