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Reasons Why You Get Stomach Cramps That Have Nothing To Do With Periods

Stomach cramps that occur outside of periods can be due to inflammatory bowel disease, ovulation, etc. Read to know the top reasons for stomach cramps.

By Sravia Sivaram

Cramps are something that you do not want to have at all. I'm sure all women have had stomach cramps during periods.

It's one of the last things that we wish for and the pain is quite real and unbearable. Need I say more?

But did you know that there are certain types of stomach cramps that may not occur only when you're having your periods?

reasons for stomach cramps

So, what is the reason for this pain? The reason can be more than just periods and you need to give some serious attention if you get stomach cramps out of your period date.

Here, we have listed the top possible reasons on why you may get stomach cramps when you're not menstruating.

The cause of a cramp can be determined by the location on where it is present and aching. Cramps at certain locations can actually signify a problem associated with that area.

If the cramps occur on both the sides, then it indicates the colon area. Cramps come and go at times and do not remain constant like pain. This article will let you know on why you get stomach cramps without periods.

Your period isn't always to be blamed when you get a pelvic pain or cramps.

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We do not always know what is the cause of the pain and sometimes it can be a serious thing as well. So, take a look.

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

This occurs when something goes wrong in the immune system. Due to this condition, you might get cramps in the right, lower or middle parts of the belly.

The pain can vary from mild to severe. If you have ulcerative colitis, the cramps will be on the lower left side of the stomach.

2. Ovulation:

2. Ovulation:

Due to ovulation, you'll get cramps mid-month about 10-14 days before your periods. This happens when the ovaries release an egg, which makes your body ready for pregnancy.

The pain can occur on one side of the lower belly. The side at which the pain occurs depends on which ovary released the egg. This is one of the top reasons for stomach cramps. This is also mentioned in the study 'Management Of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding In Perimenarche: Diagnostic Challenges'.

3. Ruptured Ovarian Cyst:

3. Ruptured Ovarian Cyst:

A ruptured cyst does not always cause pain to occur. But if it does, you might get a sudden or sharp pain on the either side of your lower stomach region.

The location depends on where the cyst was present in the ovary.

4. Pregnancy Pain:

4. Pregnancy Pain:

This pain is usually called an implantation pain and it indicates the progress of pregnancy pain.

You might feel a few cramps during the fourth week of pregnancy. You'll also feel queasy during the fifth or sixth month.

5. Ectopic Pregnancy:

5. Ectopic Pregnancy:

This is a condition when the baby grows in some other region other than the womb. It often occurs in one of the fallopian tubes. This condition is usually a life-threatening one for both the mother and fetus.

You may experience a sudden sharp and stabbing pain along one side of the lower belly.

6. Miscarriage:

6. Miscarriage:

This can start out like a period pain and get even severe. You may also experience vaginal bleeding or spotting. You must immediately consult a doctor during such cases. This is a kind of stomach cramp that you can get without periods.

7. Endometriosis:

7. Endometriosis:

This is a condition in which some pieces of your womb's lining get attached to the organs and begin to grow. They can appear like the regular period cramps and can occur at any time of the month.

Endometriosis can make it difficult for a lady to get pregnant.

8. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease:

8. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease:

This is a bacterial infection that spreads due to having intercourse. It mainly affects the fallopian tubes, womb, ovaries, vagina and cervix.

This can give pain on both sides of the lower belly and lower back. It can occur at any time of the month.

9. Pelvic-Floor Muscle Dysfunction:

9. Pelvic-Floor Muscle Dysfunction:

This is a condition in which the spasms can occur in the muscles that support the bladder, womb, vagina and rectum. This usually occurs after any cause of trauma like injury or vaginal childbirth.

You'll get sudden cramps in the lower belly and the pain can be very severe. It may also reach the groin and back areas.

10. Interstitial Cystitis:

10. Interstitial Cystitis:

This is a condition that can affect the bladder and is also known as the painful bladder syndrome. The pain usually occurs in the lower stomach area or in the genitals.

You might also want to urinate a lot and sex also becomes painful during this time.

11. Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

11. Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

This disorder can cause stomach pain and bloating coupled with diarrhoea or constipation. The pain is sudden and can occur in the belly. The symptoms can also worsen during your periods.

12. Appendicitis:

12. Appendicitis:

This condition is characterized by an irritation and swelling of a small pouch known as appendix on the end of the large intestine.

The associated pain can occur in the belly button first and it can get worse and spread to the lower side of the stomach.

13. Ovarian Cancer:

13. Ovarian Cancer:

This kind of cancer occurs in the ovaries and the pain may feel like that arising due to constipation or gas. The pain and pressure in the lower belly will remain constant.

Your belly can also swell a lot, making it difficult to button your pants. This is also given in the study 'Women's Experiences With Ovarian Cancer: Reflections On Being Diagnosed'.

Story first published: Friday, June 2, 2017, 13:00 [IST]