More than half of menstruating women experience period pain — clinically known as dysmenorrhea — for at least a day or two every month. Doctor Copur at FirstChoice OB-GYN can help you manage your period pain. They diagnose and treat conditions that cause severe menstrual cramping to improve your overall well-being and health. Call the office or make an appointment online today.

Painful Periods Q & A

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for period pain and cramps. Many women experience cramping, though the severity varies significantly. You may feel pain in your abdomen, hips, lower back, or thighs.

Dysmenorrhea is classified as either primary or secondary:

• Primary dysmenorrhea: Begins soon after you start having periods and is caused by menstruation itself. Periods may become less painful over time.
• Secondary dysmenorrhea: Begins later in life and is linked to a reproductive health disorder. This type of period pain usually worsens over time and starts a few days before menstruation, lasting longer than the period itself.

What causes period pain?

Period pain is caused by the release of hormones, including prostaglandin, which makes the uterus contract. Intense contractions can compress blood vessels, cutting off the oxygen supply to the uterine muscle tissue, leading to pain.

Secondary dysmenorrhea can be caused by various reproductive health issues, including:

• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Cervical stenosis
• Uterine fibroids

Your risk of menstrual cramps is higher if you are under 30, have heavy or irregular periods, or started puberty early. Lifestyle factors such as smoking or being overweight can also increase your risk of severe menstrual pain.

How is period pain treated?

Treatment options for period pain include:

• Over-the-counter painkillers: To relieve pain.
• Heating pads: To ease muscle tension.
• Exercise: Though it might be the last thing you want to do, contracting and stretching the muscles around your uterus can reduce period pain.
• Birth control pills: To regulate hormones and reduce pain.
• Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), implants, and injections: To help manage pain.

If another condition causes your period pain, Doctor Copur will treat the underlying health issue while suggesting pain management treatments. For instance, if uterine fibroids are causing your pain, fibroid removal procedures may be recommended.

You don’t have to endure painful periods that disrupt your life and regular activities. Call FirstChoice OB-GYN or make an appointment online today.