Lower Left Abdominal/Pelvic Pain: Causes & Concerns

Question
Dear Dr.Lawrence Jay Rappaport M.D.,

I have been experiencing a dull pain on my lower left abdomen/pelvic area for the past few days. THe pain is not constant, it comes and goes, I tend to notice it more in the evenings, but that might be because I am at home and not at work. My last menstrual period began on 7/24/05. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant, but this dull pain concerns me. The closest I can compare this pain to is like someone squeezing that area. Should I be concerned? Any information you can provide me with would be appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Niki  

Answer
If you have a normal 28 day cycle (from the first day of your period until the first day of your next period) ovulation occurs on cycle day #14. At the time of ovulation, you sometimes will get some disccomfort in the area of the ovary that is ovulating (one side or the other). This pain usually does not last more than a day or two. If this pain is not due to ovulation, it may be muscle spasm or you may be developing an ovarian cyst. If the pain does not disappear within a few days, consult your gynecologist and, perhaps, get a pelvic sonogram to see if anything is going on in your abdomen.