Jenny has been having pain during ovulation since her teenage hood. Recently, she started experiencing ovulation cramps in both ovaries. She wasn’t sure what that means.
Her concerns got me thinking, “Does ovulation pain on both sides mean twins?”
In the article, I have compiled helpful information about ovulation pain on both sides, its causes, and what it means.
Read on.
Does Ovulation Pain On Both Sides Mean Twins?
Yes! Ovulation pain on both sides may mean two of your ovaries have released eggs at the same time. If both eggs are fertilized, there’s a higher chance of having non-identical twins. The release of two or more eggs during a monthly cycle (Hyperovulation/double ovulation), leaves each of the oocytes to be fertilized by different sperms.
So, if you fancy having a set of adorable twins, this could be your lucky moment. That said genes, contribute greatly to twining. I don’t mean to disappoint you but, don’t get your hopes high just yet if you don’t have the twinning gene in your family.
However, you may try intro vitro fertilization – IVF – which gives a higher chance of multiple births. If the dull sudden cramps during ovulation turn into severe, prolonged pain, call your doctor immediately.
What factors determine Hyperovulation?
The following could influence hyperovulation:
- Age – Unlike egg quality or production that decreases with age, the chance of hyperovulation and twinning gets higher as women age.
- Genes – there’s an undisputable relationship between genes and having twins. The ability to produce high amounts of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), runs in specific families, and not all.
- Birth control – sudden avoidance or over-use of birth control may trigger your brain to produce more Follicle stimulating hormones.
- Breastfeeding – If you’re a lactating mother, the breastfeeding hormones may signal the brain to produce numerous hormones involved in creating eggs.
How Does Hyper Ovulation Increase The Probability Of Having Twins?
While menstrual cycles vary from one woman to another. The release of double eggs is prevalent. In hyperovulation, both ovaries release eggs, or an ovary releases several eggs. In case all eggs are fertilized, you stand a better chance of having fraternal twins unlike in a single ovulation.
Can You Have Ovulation Pain On Both Sides?
The short answer is, yes. According to the NHS, ovulation pain location depends on which ovary is releasing the egg. It could be on the right side, left, or both.
Discomfort on two sides may mean that both of your ovaries could be releasing eggs for fertilization. Aside from ovulation pain, other underlying medical issues may hurt your two ovaries.
Why Do I Have Ovulation Pain On Both Sides?
Any pain during ovulation –whether on one or both sides – comes due to reasons such as Enlargement of the egg, Rupturing, Irritation from blood and follicle fluids.
- Enlargement of the egg- As you near ovulation time, the egg grows in size until mature. As it enlarges, the follicle tissues stretch more, causing pain
- Rupturing – this is the process of an egg bursting out of the follicles. The ruptured follicles on both sides could be painful.
- Irritation from blood and follicle fluids – When both follicles rupture, some fluid, and blood may come out together with the egg, irritating your abdomen lining.
Pain On Both Sides Of My Abdomen – When Should I Worry?
Ovulation pain is part of a healthy woman’s menstrual cycle, and it goes away with time. However, some extreme pain is a bad sign as it could be a symptom of:
- Sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia can cause inflammation in your ovaries.
- Endometriosis may cause pain in your ovaries/fallopian tubes.
- Appendicitis- an inflamed appendix may affect the ovaries too.
- Ovarian cysts- These are growths that grow inside the ovaries and can be painful.
- Ectopic pregnancy- Irregular bleeding and abdominal cramps could be signs of ectopic pregnancy. However, this pain is often on one side.
Don’t panic about the ovulation pain. Anything more than a mild cramp call for your doctor’s attention.
Wrapping Up
Ovulation pain is prevalent with over 40% of women experiencing it in their monthly cycles. The ovary releases a single egg in most cases, but instances of both ovaries releasing eggs (double or hyperovulation) are not new. When such happens, you may feel mild pain on both sides during ovulation.
The question, “does ovulation pain on both sides mean twins” frequently arises among women eager to have multiple babies. Hyperovulation may not give you twins, but the release of several eggs may boost your chances.
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