Excruciating pain during exercise during ovulation.
onequirkygirl
Posts: 303 Member
Disclaimer: Unless you are the owner of a vagina, the following information will benefit you in no way.
I have been keeping precise track of my cycle and how this pain relates to it. I have been having menstrual-like cramps, that occur only during days 14-21 of my cycle. It comes in waves, about two minutes apart. This will last for up to 20 minutes. It is brought on especially by running, but anytime I significantly exert myself. Not even huffing puffing. I used to think it was the result of being unfit, but I continue to get it despite being in relatively decent shape.
It can come on during the run (/workout) or when I'm walking to cool down. I've never had a baby, but it feels as though contractions might. It's a dull, indescribable pain that leaves me shaking, wanting to go to the bathroom, etc. It takes everything I have to not scream, the first time it happened someone almost called the ER. I'm not trying to sound dramatic--I am used to painful menstrual cramps, but this is in a class its own. When it eventually dissipates, it goes in waves, until about 20-30 minutes after the workout it is as if nothing happened (feeling normal feels like bliss at this point.)
I decided to ask this because today is day 14 of my cycle, so I have identified the correlation! Now if I could just find a way to make it stop.
Oh, and before you advise me to call TLC, unless I'm birthing Jesus, there is a 0% chance that I'm pregnant.
I have been keeping precise track of my cycle and how this pain relates to it. I have been having menstrual-like cramps, that occur only during days 14-21 of my cycle. It comes in waves, about two minutes apart. This will last for up to 20 minutes. It is brought on especially by running, but anytime I significantly exert myself. Not even huffing puffing. I used to think it was the result of being unfit, but I continue to get it despite being in relatively decent shape.
It can come on during the run (/workout) or when I'm walking to cool down. I've never had a baby, but it feels as though contractions might. It's a dull, indescribable pain that leaves me shaking, wanting to go to the bathroom, etc. It takes everything I have to not scream, the first time it happened someone almost called the ER. I'm not trying to sound dramatic--I am used to painful menstrual cramps, but this is in a class its own. When it eventually dissipates, it goes in waves, until about 20-30 minutes after the workout it is as if nothing happened (feeling normal feels like bliss at this point.)
I decided to ask this because today is day 14 of my cycle, so I have identified the correlation! Now if I could just find a way to make it stop.
Oh, and before you advise me to call TLC, unless I'm birthing Jesus, there is a 0% chance that I'm pregnant.
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Replies
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Have you been tested for cysts? I have PCOS and that happens if I have a cyst on my ovary. They are painful as hell! I've ended up in the hospital once with one - it had me doubled over in pain and I couldnt stand up straight - turns out it was the size of a grapefruit. Id talk to my GYN about it b/c it could be that. They had to put me on birth control pills and they helped with them but i still get the small ones from time to time. Mine did the same as yours though it's like a pulsating pain to jabbing pain lasting anywhere from 30 secs to 30 mins or more.6
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It could be cysts (which seems likely since it follows a pattern with your cycle and cysts respond/change due to hormones), or some other things. The first ones that come to my mind would be a couple pain disorders to do specifically with the vagina: Vaginismus comes to mind most readily. It can be associated with penatration (coitus or even putting in a tampon or other object) but can also come on during activity or in some cases it can be constant.
You should definately make an appointment at your Gyn's office. It can also be a sign of some sort of infection, but that would seem odd since you know it follows a pattern.
To my knowledge (although I’m no expert…just an owner of a vagina =D ) you shouldn’t be ovulating for a whole week. I think you *can get pregnant during 5-7 around when you ovulate but part of that is due to the fact that sperm can live anywhere from 3-5 days. Anyway, the point is that you really should only feel ovulation pain for 1-3/maybe 4 days.
I hope you figure out what it is though and feel better!4 -
Some of us ladies are unfortunate enough to have painful ovulation. It's called Mittelschmerz, and it sucks. I have these cramping, contraction-like pains every month, and I can even tell you which ovary is on duty, because it swaps sides, every month. I can't stand up, and on the worser months, I've been known to curl up in a ball with a heating pad for hours. These pains hurt more than menstruating cramps for me, but they are normal (at least for me).
It wouldn't hurt to call up your doc, since this is a new issue for you (I've been experiencing it since my c-section almost 3 years ago), and it never hurts to be sure.5 -
Quirkygirl I found your post after googling for exercise pain when ovulating. This is something I have suffered from for years and years and have never managed to have diagnosed despite going to a Gyno etc and having ultrasounds. The Gyno originally told me that she thought it might be endometriosis and she planned to perform a surgery on me to look for signs of this and remove it (without any real proof that it was the issue). It was going to cost a fortune cause she was a private gyno - I went through the public system (here in Oz) which is free of charge but takes a bit longer.
I got a second opinion from a guy who told me that if I went on the pill for three months and my symptoms subside that would prove it's not due to endometriosis. Of course he was proved correct. I could choose to go on the pill (which prevents ovulation) but I hate being on the pill. I just have to manage my exercising and make sure that in the three-four days before I ovulate I don't do anything 'too' intense. I can still do weights classes, yoga, walking etc but nothing too extreme like as you say running or anything where my heart rate gets up quite high.
I'm the same as you, it starts with a sensation of a niggling little pain then it builds up in waves to quite an intense pain, I feel faint, bowel pressure, slightly nauseas and break out in a cold sweat. The only solution is to literally lie on the ground and focus on my breathing until the pain slowly subsides - again in waves very like contractions.
If you find a solution I'd love to hear what they say. My trainer suggested there was perhaps a correlation between the hormones flooding into my body and lactic acid? Who knows - all I know is it hurts like hell.3 -
Get thee to a gynecologist!
My first thought reading your post was, "Hmmm, could be PCOS."2 -
I have this EXACT same problem!!! Totally debilitating pain 30 minutes into my workout on the days surrounding ovulation. Especially brought on by running, but the elliptical or even the bike does it too. The pain is excruciating, like I imagine labor cramps would be, comes in waves, with nausea and bowel pressure.
And my gynecologist was absolutely no help whatsoever.
She acted like I was making it up and insisted that no kind of "female" pain would be or could be brought on by exercise. She did eventually discover I had a cyst but seemed to think it was a normal ovulatory cyst.
If anyone has any solutions, I'd love to hear them.1 -
Ovulation can cause irritation as the egg descends. Running causes a lot of movement and disruption to places already irritated. I get pain each month as PlunderBunneh. I have to change out of jeans or pantyhose and try not to walk for 12 hours. Exercise would cause a significant problem.1
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I sometimes experience something similar, but it doesn't seem to matter where I am in my cycle. It doesn't happen all the time, but I've had it happen about 10 mintues into running and/or Insanity workouts. I always did a 5-minute warmup, but I've noticed that I can prevent it from happening if I add an additional 5-10 minutes of warmup time before starting heavy cardio.
Check with a doctor, but if you have no other medical explanation, I've been told it could simply be a blood flow issue if you haven't given your body a chance to warm up properly.1 -
Hmm0
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Thank you for posting this!! I felt like I was crazy on Monday when I had to walk out of my spin class (one that I do 3-4x/week without problem) and lay on the floor in the locker room because I felt like my insides were in a knot! I walked back and forth to the bathroom because I had intense bowel pressure, but nothing. I felt nauseous, clammy and basically, like death. I did correlate and it was day 13 of my cycle, right at the start of the ovulation phase. I do think it is hormonal, and now I know to avoid cardio aroundthis poibt in my cycle! I do have my yearly gyn appt next week and will check with my doc to make sure it isn’t something more serious- but I appreciate your post, quirkygirl! Oh the blessings of womanhood!!
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Zombie thread...0
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PlunderBunneh wrote: »Some of us ladies are unfortunate enough to have painful ovulation. It's called Mittelschmerz, and it sucks. I have these cramping, contraction-like pains every month, and I can even tell you which ovary is on duty, because it swaps sides, every month. I can't stand up, and on the worser months, I've been known to curl up in a ball with a heating pad for hours. These pains hurt more than menstruating cramps for me, but they are normal (at least for me).
It wouldn't hurt to call up your doc, since this is a new issue for you (I've been experiencing it since my c-section almost 3 years ago), and it never hurts to be sure.
I was diagnosed with Mittelschmerz when I was 14. I don't experience it every month, and mine is is no worse than my regular menstrual cramps, but when I am experiencing it I typically don't move around as much because I find that irritates my already irritated fallopian tube. I'd see a gyno about this just to make sure it's not something more serious like ovarian cysts, and take it easy on your body. Ovulating and menstruating aren't easy tasks.0 -
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I am perimenipausal and cycle every other month. I think only my right ovary “works” and I have pain on that side always. I think I have a cyst and yes - it definitely makes my workouts suffer. Some days I can’t run because the bouncing around makes it worse. I can’t do some movements at CrossFit for the same reason. I am seeing my gyno for a checkup but I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to just grin and bear it as I won’t be a candidate for surgery (and wouldn’t want surgery anyway unless it was a dire case). I literally feel your pain, but see your doc for a checkup and just do what you can in terms of exercising.0
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Hi Ladies.
I noticed these posts are super old and hoping by now someone has found an answer to this because this is the first thread I have read with the SAME symptoms as me.
I cannot run or go to a spin class or do high intense exercise after day 14 of my cycle. I go into INSANE pain.
I can kind of control it now. For example i can go intense HIIT workout for 5minute and then break/slow down and then go again.
Or sprints and then walk back but i cannot just run flat out for half an hour or ill get the pain anywhere from 10min to 40min. Same as you girls. I get dizzy,feel like being sick, bowl movements, i also haven't had a baby but it feels like on and off contractions! Its worse then period pain. It lasts for 20min and then goes away like nothing happened.
The other day i did an intense workout, felt it coming on, stopped and it was very mild for 10minutes so i managed to stop it.
The only time i dont get it is when im on the pill. My doctor also said it was Mittelschmerz
But when i read up on it, i just sounds like normal ovulation pain you get sometimes.
Not this type of pain, this is different. Ive also been diagnosed with cysts on my ovaries but not the PCOS syndrome just the cysts.
I explain to doctors but they just tell me to take panadol before excercise.
SURELY there is a solution to this!!
Now i do pilates and my own excercise at home to control this but I need to know answers. Anyone?3 -
sarahcartwright6044 wrote: »Hi Ladies.
I noticed these posts are super old and hoping by now someone has found an answer to this because this is the first thread I have read with the SAME symptoms as me.
I cannot run or go to a spin class or do high intense exercise after day 14 of my cycle. I go into INSANE pain.
I can kind of control it now. For example i can go intense HIIT workout for 5minute and then break/slow down and then go again.
Or sprints and then walk back but i cannot just run flat out for half an hour or ill get the pain anywhere from 10min to 40min. Same as you girls. I get dizzy,feel like being sick, bowl movements, i also haven't had a baby but it feels like on and off contractions! Its worse then period pain. It lasts for 20min and then goes away like nothing happened.
The other day i did an intense workout, felt it coming on, stopped and it was very mild for 10minutes so i managed to stop it.
The only time i dont get it is when im on the pill. My doctor also said it was Mittelschmerz
But when i read up on it, i just sounds like normal ovulation pain you get sometimes.
Not this type of pain, this is different. Ive also been diagnosed with cysts on my ovaries but not the PCOS syndrome just the cysts.
I explain to doctors but they just tell me to take panadol before excercise.
SURELY there is a solution to this!!
Now i do pilates and my own excercise at home to control this but I need to know answers. Anyone?
@saracartwright6044 - this thread is really old, so there is no guarantee these folks are still active in the community.
I don't have PCOS - I have endometriosis, which is apparently less severe (pain-wise) than PCOS. Still, sometimes the pain in my abdomen associated with ovulation and my period is enough to knock out a bear. As I have gotten healthier, and chosen a less greasy diet for myself (and forced myself to exercise even when I don't want to deal with working through the pain*), the pain has lessened. Its still there, but manageable. And I've noted that when I let my diet and exercise routine slip, the pain worsens... so it's great motivation to stay healthy (which I haven't been doing very well lately).
*I am not advocating that you workout when you are in pain. But *for me* working out helps to lessen the pain. Obviously, listen to your body and treat yourself with care. Continue to go back to the doctor or find a new one if you're not getting the answers you need. When I first started seeing doctors for the pain I was experiencing, I was asked if I wanted to see a psychiatrist, since they couldn't find a physical reason for my complaints with ultrasound. I thought I was crazy until years later when I was getting my tubes tied, and my OB actually took pictures of the endometriosis during the procedure. Apparently it was a pretty bad case, as he woke me up from anesthesia all excited to show me the photos.
I hope you get the answers you're looking for. :flowerforyou:1 -
sarahcartwright6044 wrote: »Hi Ladies.
I noticed these posts are super old and hoping by now someone has found an answer to this because this is the first thread I have read with the SAME symptoms as me.
I cannot run or go to a spin class or do high intense exercise after day 14 of my cycle. I go into INSANE pain.
I can kind of control it now. For example i can go intense HIIT workout for 5minute and then break/slow down and then go again.
Or sprints and then walk back but i cannot just run flat out for half an hour or ill get the pain anywhere from 10min to 40min. Same as you girls. I get dizzy,feel like being sick, bowl movements, i also haven't had a baby but it feels like on and off contractions! Its worse then period pain. It lasts for 20min and then goes away like nothing happened.
The other day i did an intense workout, felt it coming on, stopped and it was very mild for 10minutes so i managed to stop it.
The only time i dont get it is when im on the pill. My doctor also said it was Mittelschmerz
But when i read up on it, i just sounds like normal ovulation pain you get sometimes.
Not this type of pain, this is different. Ive also been diagnosed with cysts on my ovaries but not the PCOS syndrome just the cysts.
I explain to doctors but they just tell me to take panadol before excercise.
SURELY there is a solution to this!!
Now i do pilates and my own excercise at home to control this but I need to know answers. Anyone?
This same exact pain happens to me. No birth control, no children (trying) and my doctor suspects endometriosis (because we aren’t getting pregnant AND the pain) so I’m having an exploratory laparoscopy on 6/2/20. It’s always only during the days closely around ovulation. I’ve been struggling with it for years. Since I track my cycle so closely, I avoid any intense workouts during that week to prevent the excruciating pain from happening. It sucks, but it’s what I have to do. If they find endometriosis they will remove it and I’m hoping it will help. I hope you can find out your solution, I know how frustrating it can be.1 -
Hello!!
Thankyou for replying, this means so much to know someone else is going through the same thing as me!! I went to another dctor last week and im going to get blood tests and ultra sounds and she thinks it might be endometriosis. Ill also be checked as well.
Just wondering after your exploratory lap did they find endo?
Its so frustrating because in such a healthy/physical person.
Thanks 1 -
Hi Guys
Just stumbled across this post, amazing that some people are experiencing the exact same symptoms. I have the exact same issue and have been suffering from it for about 15 years now (around the time of ovulation).
Recently I’ve decided to finally try and do something about it and have been to see two different gynaecologist’s - neither of which could explain why or give me a straight answer. It doesn’t seem to be very common and sounds as though very little research has been done to date.
They did find multiple cysts on my ovaries during a vaginal ultrasound (approx 40 on each side, far more than normal) although both gynaecologists didn’t think this could be linked to the excruciating pain. They also don’t think I have endometriosis but cannot be sure based on a scan. I get very painful periods but nothing compares to those pains!!
For now I am managing the pain with low intensity or no exercise during ovulation.
Has anyone had any luck in finding out the cause?? Would love to know!1 -
As a person who trains owners of vags, I find great benefit in learning not only anatomy but how the body functions and reacts to every aspect of life.onequirkygirl wrote: »Disclaimer: Unless you are the owner of a vagina, the following information will benefit you in no way.
Please forgive me for reading the thread and out of respect to you posting the thread I will refrain from spouting the data I've learned that you feel won't benefit you or others. Hope you get helpful answers.
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amandakateanimation wrote: »Hi Guys
Just stumbled across this post, amazing that some people are experiencing the exact same symptoms. I have the exact same issue and have been suffering from it for about 15 years now (around the time of ovulation).
Recently I’ve decided to finally try and do something about it and have been to see two different gynaecologist’s - neither of which could explain why or give me a straight answer. It doesn’t seem to be very common and sounds as though very little research has been done to date.
They did find multiple cysts on my ovaries during a vaginal ultrasound (approx 40 on each side, far more than normal) although both gynaecologists didn’t think this could be linked to the excruciating pain. They also don’t think I have endometriosis but cannot be sure based on a scan. I get very painful periods but nothing compares to those pains!!
For now I am managing the pain with low intensity or no exercise during ovulation.
Has anyone had any luck in finding out the cause?? Would love to know!
Just an update for you! I got recommended a gyno on the Gold Coast who specialises in endo. He booked me in for a laparoscopy and found endo!!!
And took it out. I’ve had many pelvic ultra sounds, and also have more cysts then usual. Endo can not be seen on a ultra sound and so many doctors will turn you away from this disease but it’s real. Get checked.
I am so glad I know what’s going on with my body now. He is a private specialist and it’s costed me $3grand without private health. All I can say is it’s so worth it if you haven’t had kids yet.
He also put the Marina in as well which is meant to help.
Sounds like you need to see a gyno who specialises In Endometriosis.
I found more info on a Facebook page called “Australia women with endometriosis support group” they will help with what specialist in your area and you can relate to these women.
After 16years I’ve finally got answer!!! Hope you do as well ❤️0 -
I literally registered for this site so that I could comment. I am having the exact same issues...so much so that it's almost scary. I am new to running, and have noticed that when I ovulate, about 20 minutes into my run, I'm having the intense pain, pressure, nausea, you name it. It last for about 20 minutes, and then goes away as if nothing has ever happened. Not that I'm glad that anyone else is experiencing this, but it's nice to know that I'm not just crazy, and that I'm not alone.
The first time it happened, I thought I had a cyst burst (have had ovarian cysts since I was 18). They're not something that I deal with a lot, they burst once or twice a year, and though the pain is intense, it's infrequent enough that I just deal with it. This, though, had me thinking I was going to die, whilst running down the boardwalk.
I just had my annual gyno visit. She suggested an ultrasound, which returned nothing. The first option was to put me on the pill, but that causes heart issues and makes me crazy hormonal. I had my tubes tied three years ago to avoid having to go on hormonal birth control. They said that they could do a laparoscopic examination, but I've opted out. I'll continue to monitor, and be careful of the days I choose to run.
Thanks for your invisible support.....it really does help. Good luck in all your struggles to figure out what's going on.
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Oh crap. I get bad ovulation pain too. It feels like a cyst is going to pop. I have had to lie down on the SIDEWALK in NYC because I couldn't walk any farther. I just laid there until someone finally asked if I was okay and walked me to a doctors office a couple blocks away.
But I have never had exercise bring it on. Have you tried dosing Aleve or something throughout the day starting on day 14 of your cycle?
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Not sure who might benefit from this, but thought I'd share my experience because it sounds similar to some of you who've posted here. I started experiencing excruciating abdominal pain once a month that lasted anywhere from 1-3 days. It came in waves and I literally couldn't move once the pain started. It would begin in the center of my stomach and then move down into my entire abdomen. I tried sooo many things to make it better and had a ton of tests done, but nothing ever showed up because we didn't catch it while the pain was happening. It lasted about 3 years before it got bad enough that my husband took me to the hospital during one of these episodes and I finally got a CT that showed what was going on. I had something called subacute appendicitis. Nobody ever expected it to be appendicitis because the pain wasn't concentrated to the right side and it would go away after a little while. After my appendix was removed I never experienced the pain again!2
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I get pains in my lower stomach, any type of jumping makes it painful, but not as bad as the OP's. I try to eat light on those days so it puts less pressure on my stomach. I hope this helps. Good luck, I hope you find relief0
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both ovarian cysts and Endometriosis can cause this. The simplest test for a cyst is an ultrasound and then if it's inconclusive or medical intervention is needed a laparoscopy can further *kitten* the ovary and the rest of your pelvic area. A laperoscopy wouldn't be by any means the first step but I hope this helps 0
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Check for dysmenorrhea. An OB and verify.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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dysmenorrhea is typically the term for painful periods and ovulation prior to finding the underlying cause because in many cases the minimally invasive surgery is needed to identify the under lying cause of the symptoms. That diagnosis is usually step 1 before further investigation and a plan of action. I was labeled as having Dysmenorrhea until my laparoscopy diagnosed endometriosis and a endometriotic cyst on my left ovary pardon my incorrect spelling.0
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Hi @sarahcartwright6044, I hope that you've been able to find some answers and manage the pain since you posted, but in case not, or if there are others in a similar position - here is my experience.
I've had very similar symptoms for a number of years... excruciating pain, waves of cramps brought on by intense cardio (mostly running). They start about 20 minutes into my run and I'm literally doubled over in pain on the pavement.
I saw a specialist gynaecologist who suspected endometriosis. I had an ultrasound done and they noticed a chocolate cyst. I went on the pill and it helped the pain somewhat, but I had to go off the pill as I wanted to try for kids. The pain returned when I went off the pill- I underwent a laparoscopy as I felt my situation was preventing me from running and being active.
They diagnosed endometriosis, removed the cyst and found one of my ovaries was stuck to my pelvic wall (!) Since the operation (9 months ago) I've been pain free. That said, I noticed minor pain this week when out on a run. That led me to Google ... and I found this post. Indeed, there isn't a cure for endo and it can return even after its removed. For now I'm keeping an eye on it and I may need to return to the specialist if the pain persists.0 -
Has anyone figured this out
? Is it endometriosis? I have zero other symptoms outside of this insane pain that comes on in the middle of exercising with a semi-high intensity. I have to stop what I’m doing, sit on the toilet because it feels like I’m going to need one, and wait for 20-30 minutes. Ruins my workout and it is really discouraging. Also, over the last 2 years, I’ve started to bleed slightly after.
I have had it happening for probably 10 years after higher intensity exercise (now 30, never had kids). I had it happen when I was in good shape in college, when I gained a lot of weight, and over the last 2 years I have gotten in the best shape of my life, lost 100 pounds, eat clean, exercise 5-6 times a week and it still happens.
Doctors have never have heard of it, and I’ve gone to a few for the issue. I’ve had a scan and they didn’t find anything. I had one doctor suggest it was because my ab muscles were weak when I was heavier, but it’s clearly tied to my menstrual cycle and I’m in good shape now and it still happens. Some ovulation cycles are worse than others, and sometimes it doesn’t happen at all. This cycle it’s severe and has been for about 7 days of exercise. Also good to know I’m not alone, I just wish I had faith that we could figure it out.0
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