Implantation pain

Definition - What is implantation pain?

The implantation of the egg cell, i.e. the penetration and connection of the egg cell with the uterine lining takes place between the seventh and twelfth day after ovulation. The penetration of the egg into the mucous membrane causes a very small injury and may cause light bleeding (Nidation bleeding). In this context, there may also be slight pain or a slight pulling or stinging in the lower abdomen. However, the pain of implantation has not been scientifically proven. It is striking that especially women who have long wanted to have children report implantation pain. A psychological component cannot be completely ruled out.

Read more on the subject at: The implantation of the egg cell

How does the implantation pain feel?

The fertilized egg cell is smaller than 0.2mm, difficult to see with the naked eye. The "injury" caused by the implantation in the uterine lining is therefore very small. The bleeding caused is only a few drops. The implantation pain is therefore less of a real pain, but rather a slight pulling or stinging in the lower abdomen. This feeling usually only lasts for a short time and is locally limited to the lower abdomen. The pulling usually does not spread to other parts of the body. In some cases it may be pulled repeatedly over a few days. In addition, there are no other general symptoms, such as may be the case during menstruation. In general, however, the pain is similar to mild menstrual pain and a differentiation is usually only possible afterwards.

Duration

The duration of the implantation pain can be very variable. Most women, however, report a single pull in the lower abdomen. Others describe repetitive stinging over several days. It is noticeable that especially women who have a strong desire to have children report more and more painful implantation. It is possible that these women pay more attention to physical changes and therefore perceive such pulling more strongly and for longer. However, it cannot be ruled out that these symptoms have other causes and are misinterpreted. Especially if pain persists for several days, a doctor should be consulted and other causes clarified.

Read more on the subject at: Pulling in the lower abdomen

Where do you feel the implantation pain?

Most women report pulling in the center of the lower abdomen, right where the uterus is. Women are rarely able to pinpoint the pain more precisely.

When do you feel the implantation pain?

Implantation takes place between the seventh and twelfth day after ovulation. However, since the female cycle is very different and variable in many women, deviations can occur. Ovulation tests can be used to determine ovulation. During implantation, the egg penetrates the lining of the uterus and attaches itself firmly to it. By the 14th day at the latest, the egg cell is firmly anchored and the pain should no longer occur. If the pain persists after this point, other causes, such as e.g. a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) should be considered.

causes

The causes of the implantation pain have not been conclusively clarified. When the egg cell penetrates the lining of the uterus, a small injury is caused. Injuries can theoretically cause pain anywhere. However, since this is a very small injury, less than 0.2 millimeters, it is unlikely to cause pain. It may depend on where the egg is located and whether there are several small nerve endings there.

The perception of pain is very individual; some women are more sensitive to physical changes than others. It is noticeable that more women who have a strong desire to have children reported implantation pain. A psychological component can therefore not be ruled out. Only after a positive pregnancy test several days later can women say for sure that it was really implantation pain.

diagnosis

A clear diagnosis is rather difficult. Implantation takes place on the seventh to twelfth day after ovulation. However, pregnancy can only be safely confirmed by a pregnancy test in the fourth to fifth week. A connection is usually difficult.

Concomitant symptoms

With the implantation itself, there are hardly any accompanying symptoms. The pulling pain is usually limited to the lower abdomen.

Accompanying symptoms are more likely to occur with menstrual pain, which may be similar to the pain of implantation. Many women suffer from headaches, back pain, abdominal cramps, circulatory and mood swings.

After the egg cell has implanted, the hormone beta-HCG is increasingly formed. This hormonal change can trigger the dreaded morning sickness. At this point, however, the pregnancy is more advanced. If there is also increased bleeding, it may be an early abortion. In general, if you have new symptoms, you should see a doctor to clarify other causes.

Back pain

Back pain rarely occurs in the context of implantation pain. Accompanying back pain is more likely to be associated with menstrual pain. This mainly causes pain in the lower back, some of which can radiate into the flanks and between the shoulder blades.

Read more on the subject at: When abdominal pain and back pain occur at the same time

treatment

The implantation pain is usually of low intensity and only lasts for a very short time. Generally, no therapy is necessary. Since implantation is a very sensitive process, women who want to have children should definitely avoid alcohol, nicotine and other drugs. Painkillers should also be avoided because the blood circulation could be disturbed. A balanced diet and, above all, the increased intake of iron and folic acid is particularly important before fertilization and in the first few weeks of pregnancy in order to promote the development of the neural tube (later the spinal cord).

If there is severe pain and bleeding, it is more likely not to be implantation pain, but rather to menstrual pain or a miscarriage. Painkillers can be taken here. If the bleeding persists, a gynecologist must be consulted and an abrasion (scraping of the uterus) may be carried out. Accompanying back pain, as it usually occurs during menstruation, can be treated with warm compresses or exercise.

Read more on the subject at: Period pain - what to do?