Ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz, typically feels like a sharp, sudden pain or a dull ache/cramp in the lower abdomen, usually on one side where the ovary is releasing an egg. The sensation can vary widely-some describe it as mild twinges, uncomfortable pressure, or cramps, while others may experience strong or even severe pain, though severe cases are rare

. The pain usually occurs about midway through the menstrual cycle, around the time of ovulation, and can last from a few minutes to a couple of days, often switching sides month to month depending on which ovary is ovulating

. Some people feel the pain every cycle, while others experience it only occasionally or not at all

. Additional symptoms that may accompany ovulation pain include a feeling of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, light vaginal bleeding or discharge, and rarely nausea if the pain is severe

. The pain is thought to be caused by the stretching of the ovarian follicle and the release of the egg, which may irritate the abdominal lining

. It is generally not harmful and does not require medical treatment unless the pain is unusually severe or persistent

. In summary, ovulation pain feels like a one-sided lower abdominal cramp or sharp twinge lasting minutes to days, coinciding with the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle