The Most Common Causes of Cramps That Aren't Your Period

If you're someone who gets cramps leading up to or during your period, experiencing cramps but no period can be confusing. You may be wondering if you're pregnant, if there's an underlying medical cause, or if there is some other situation that warrants concern.

Having abdominal cramps that aren't related to your period is actually fairly common, and there are several explanations including digestive issues, pelvic floor muscle spasms, ovulation, and more.

So, we connected with two OB-GYNs to help us understand what your cramps may mean, including what might be causing them, how to tell if cramps like these indicate pregnancy, and when you should consider reaching out to a health care provider.

Common Causes of Cramps But No Period

It's actually very common to experience cramping in your pelvis, explains Suzy Lipinski, MD, OB-GYN at Pediatrix Medical Group. Not only that, but these cramps can have any number of causes. "Nerves in the pelvis are not specific to an affected area like they are on your skin," adds Dr. Lipinski. "So pelvic cramping can represent problems in any of the pelvic organs—female organs, bowels, bladder system, or even pelvic floor muscles."

Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of pelvic cramping.

Bowel cramps

Pelvic pain and cramping often originate from your digestive system, and any number of ailments and conditions can cause these cramps. "One of the most common causes of cramps that don't come from a period are bowel cramps," says Dr. Lipinski.

These cramps can come from a viral stomach infection (like norovirus) or food poisoning, she says. Other common causes are digestive conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, or just regular run-of-the-mill indigestion. "Often these causes are accompanied by diarrhea (or constipation) and sometimes nausea/vomiting," describes Dr. Lipinski. "Even severe constipation can cause bad cramping."

Ovulation

Sometimes you may notice pelvic cramping around the middle of your menstrual cycle. "Sometimes cramping can be due to ovulation," explains Anisha Farishta, MD, an OB-GYN affiliated Sugarland Women's Care. Ovulation pain (known as "mittelschmerz") is usually experienced as a mild, sharp, or twinge-like pain on one side of your pelvis. It can last for a few minutes or several hours.

Ovarian cysts

Another potential cause of pelvic cramps is ovarian cysts, says Dr. Farishta. Ovarian cysts are small sacs filled with fluid that form on your ovaries. They are typically not harmful and often cause no symptoms at all. Occasionally, however, they can cause pelvic cramping.

These cramps range from a dull ache to more intense pain and usually occur on one side of your pelvis. You may also experience bloating and a feeling of pressure. Rarely, ovarian cysts can burst, which may require medical care. It's recommended you seek emergency medical care if you experience intense or sudden abdominal pain along with fever, dizziness, vomiting, and labored breathing.

Pelvic floor muscle spasms

A lesser-known, but still relatively common cause of pelvic pain has to do with your pelvic floor, which includes the muscles and ligaments that support your uterus, bladder, and bowels. When these muscles begin to spasm, they can feel cramp-like, says Dr. Lipinski, noting that these types of cramps can also be experienced in your lower back or tailbone region.

"Pelvic floor muscle spasms can happen after a trauma such as a fall, accident, or assault," she adds. "They can also happen after childbirth."

Endometriosis

Endometriosis, which is when uterine tissue begins to grow outside of the uterus on other adjacent organs like your ovaries or bowels, is most well-known for causing intensely painful period cramps.

But endometriosis can cause serious pain and cramping at other times of the month, even when your period isn't arriving. For example, the condition can cause chronic pelvic and lower back pain, digestive pain, and pain during sex. Endometriosis affects about 11% of people who are of childbearing age.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and tend to occur more often in people with vulvas. They can also be a significant source of abdominal pain. UTI pain often feels like pressure and cramping in your lower back or lower pelvic region. As the infection advances, you may also experience pain in your side or your groin area.

Along with the pain, you may experience other UTI symptoms, such as burning when you pee, fever, discolored or bloody urine, and an urge to urinate much more frequently than usual. If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical care. UTIs usually require a course of antibiotics.

Early pregnancy

Sometimes menstrual-type cramping around the time your expected period isn't actually related to your period. "Cramps can also be experienced with early pregnancy," says Dr. Farishta. And why exactly can a new pregnancy cause these symptoms? "They are usually caused by the stretching and growing uterus as your body prepares for the arrival of your little one," she adds. Some people also experience cramping associated with implantation.

She adds that it's common for these cramps to be uncomfortable, but they aren't necessarily harmful. "Although often not concerning, if they become more painful or a concern to you, schedule a visit with an OB-GYN," Dr. Farishta recommends.

Menstrual Cramps vs. Early Pregnancy Cramps

If you are trying to conceive and experiencing period-like cramping around the time your period is supposed to arrive, you may be desperate to know if your cramps are PMS or signs of pregnancy. Unfortunately, there's really no way to distinguish between PMS cramps and early pregnancy cramps based on symptoms alone. The best way to know what's going on is to take a pregnancy test, says Dr. Lipinski. "Today's tests are very accurate, even before a missed period," she says.

When Is Having Cramps But No Period a Cause for Concern?

In most cases, having cramps but no period is nothing to be worried about, assures Dr. Lipinski. But in some cases, the cramps may be related to a more serious matter. "Cramps but no period are a cause for concern if cramps are severe and interfere with normal activities," she describes.

If you find that your cramps are severe and interfering with daily life, or accompanied by other symptoms like irregular bleeding, diarrhea, or blood in your urine or stool, be sure to consult with a health care provider.