Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)
Many women are plagued by menstrual cramps from time to time, but did you know that there is a medical term for it? Dysmenorrhea is the official name for menstrual cramps. Cramps can occur right before your period is about to start, and might continue for several days. While some women may be able to cope with these lower abdominal cramps, they may at times, debilitate you. You may sometimes notice other symptoms that coincide with the cramps including diarrhea, sweating, nausea, and/or feeling faint. Some women find that medication helps to ease their menstrual cramps, while others swear by the use of a heating pad and other non-drug therapies. Interestingly, childbirth can sometimes put an end to dysmenorrheal, unless it has been caused by a medical state. Talk to your doctor to discuss pain relief options that will work for you.
Recently Answered
- Q Is primary dysmenorrhea serious?
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Primary dysmenorrhea is rarely a serious condition. One of the defining characteristics of primary dysmenorrhea is that it is not caused by an underlying condition that could result in a more serious issue. Rather, it is caused by higher than average... Full Answer
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- Q What is secondary dysmenorrhea?
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Secondary dysmenorrhea is the technical term for menstrual pain and cramps that begin after having years of normal periods. Menstrual pain that is dull and achy is often felt in the lower abdomen and back. It affects most women two to three days before... Full Answer
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- Q What is primary dysmenorrhea?
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Primary dysmenorrhea is the technical phrase for the cramping pain that accompanies your menstrual period. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs around the same time as your first menstruation and will usually get better as you age. The pain often affects your... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect secondary dysmenorrhea?
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Other illnesses affect secondary dysmenorrhea by triggering the symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea. Conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and infections cause much of the pain and discomfort felt in the abdomen and back during your menstrual... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect primary dysmenorrhea?
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Other illnesses generally do not have an affect on primary dysmenorrhea. One defining characteristic of primary dysmenorrhea is that it is not caused by an underlying illness. If an underlying illness exists that affects the symptoms of primary... Full Answer
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- Q How does secondary dysmenorrhea affect the body?
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Secondary dysmenorrhea affects the body by causing pain and discomfort in the back and abdomen every month for three to 10 days. Depending on how the underlying condition triggers secondary dysmenorrhea, you could be affected by secondary dysmenorrhea a... Full Answer
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- Q How does primary dysmenorrhea affect the body?
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Primary dysmenorrhea affects the body by causing pain and discomfort in the back and abdomen every month for a few days. Depending on when and how long the prostaglandin that triggers primary dysmenorrhea is at its highest, you could be affected by... Full Answer
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- Q How does dysmenorrhea affect the body?
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Dysmenorrhea refers to intense pain and cramping during the menstrual cycle. Menstruation occurs when the uterus contracts to shed its lining. This contraction limits blood flow to the uterus, causing lower back and abdominal pain. Additional effects of... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with dysmenorrhea?
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Dysmenorrhea refers to intense pain and cramping during menstruation, which usually begins in adolescence. If you are the parent or caregiver for a young woman with dysmenorrhea, help her manage her pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, a... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for dysmenorrhea?
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Primary dysmenorrhea is painful periods with no underlying gynecological cause. Primary dysmenorrhea is more likely to develop in younger women who have never delivered a baby and usually begins during adolescence. Heavy menstruation also increases your... Full Answer
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