Is there a cure for primary dysmenorrhea?

There is no cure for primary dysmenorrhea, although symptoms may lessen and eventually go away over time. Primary dysmenorrhea often decreases in severity as time goes on. Treatments include hormonal contraception such as pills, IUD, or the vaginal ring. Women who experience symptoms that incapacitate them on a monthly basis may consider surgery to sever the nerves in the uterus. This surgery should be considered after lengthy discussion with your doctor as it can have complications that may result in injury to other reproductive organs.

Although time is the best cure for primary dysmenorrhea, there are treatments to manage symptoms. Combined hormonal contraception in extended cycles reduces frequency of menstruation and decreases cramping. Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naprosyn, starting 2 days before the expected menses, decreases prostaglandings, the most common cause of primary dysmenorrhea. Some evidence indicates that progestin IUD also decreases dysmenorrhea.