Your period is not the only time in your cycle when you might get cramps. Cramps of a different kind can happen before, during, or after ovulation. Menstruation cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus. Ovulation pain comes from either the contraction of the ovarian muscle or fluid build up before the egg is released into the fallopian tube (scientists are still not certain).
Ovulation pain is often called mittelschmerz (which means “middle pain” in German). It is usually less painful and does not last as long as the cramps you might get before or during your period. You may feel ovulation pain on one side of your belly as one ovary releases the egg that cycle (ovaries tend to share the job of ovulation and take turns at random). For some, the cramping is a sharp, short pain. For others, it is a dull ache, or it might feel like a fullness, bloating, or tension.
As with period cramps, the pain should not stop you from going to school or having fun with your friends, and if it does, speak with your doctor or a trusted adult. You can treat ovulation pain the same way you would period cramps - with a heating pad or hot water bottle, a bath, yoga stretches, or magnesium.
Source
Brott NR, Le JK. Mittelschmerz. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549822/
