Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Mittelschmerz (pronounced MITT-ul-shmurz) is a German word that means middle pain.
Mittelschmerz is also referred to as painful ovulation. This pain occurs during ovulation
- the midpoint between menstrual periods, about 2 weeks before a period may begin. The discomfort can appear on either side of the lower abdomen depending on which ovary is producing the ovum (egg). Pain can be on one side of the abdomen one month and switch to the opposite side during the following cycle. About 20% of women experience this type of midcycle pain. Most of the time, it is a mild annoyance. In rare instances, it can be unbearable.
Birth Control Hormonal Methods"The pill" was introduced in the United States in 1962 and signaled a new era for women and their ability to control their fertility.learn more >>
Menstrual PainMenstrual cramps are either classified as primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) in which there is no anatomical cause for the pain. Secondary dysmenorrhea...learn more >>
Vaginal BleedingUnexpected bleeding is always a concern for any woman at any stage of life. Anything other than a normal menstrual period and even an abnormally heavy period ca...learn more >>