Dysmenorrhea:
It is pain or cramping associated with menstruation and is in the lower abdomen, and it is one of the most common women's problems; Most women experience dysmenorrhea during adolescence, and it usually lasts four to five years from the first menstrual period. For some women, menstrual cramps can be severe enough to affect daily activities for a few days each month.
Types:
- Primary dysmenorrhea: These are common, recurring menstrual cramps that are not caused by other illnesses. The pain usually starts a day or two before or when menstruation begins. The pain is in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs. The pain can range from mild to severe. It can usually last from 12 to 72 hours, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and even diarrhea.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea: It is the pain caused by a disorder in the female reproductive organs (e.g.: endometriosis or infection, uterine fibroids, endometriosis). Pain from secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than Common menstrual cramps, and the pain isn't usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, tiredness, or diarrhea.
Causes:
Period cramps are caused by contractions (tightening) of the uterus (which is a muscle) by a chemical called prostaglandin. If the uterus contracts forcefully, it can put pressure on nearby blood vessels. This leads to cutting off the oxygen supply to the muscular tissues of the uterus, and pain results when part of the muscle loses its supply of oxygen for a short period, and menstrual cramps can also occur due to:
- Endometriosis: in which part of the tissue lining the uterus comes out, and is commonly implanted in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or tissue lining the pelvis.
- Uterine fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus may become a source of pain.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: This inflammation of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
- Cervical stenosis: In some women, the cervical opening may be so small that it obstructs menstrual flow. Causing this to increase the pressure that causes pain inside the uterus.
Symptoms:
- Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen (sometimes the pain can be severe), that begins before or with the start of your period, comes up to 24 hours after the start of the menstrual period and lasts for 2 to 3 days.
- Pain in the hips, lower back, and thighs.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Diarrhea.
Diagnosis:
The doctor reviews the woman's medical history and performs a physical examination, including a pelvic exam. Through a pelvic exam, the doctor will check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs and look for signs of infection. He may also recommend other tests, such as an ultrasound, which is used to create an image of the uterus. cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Treatment:
To relieve menstrual cramps, your doctor may recommend:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications in regular doses (such as ibuprofen) can reduce pain. A woman starts taking them at the beginning of her menstrual period, or as soon as she feels symptoms, and continues taking the medication as directed for 2 to 3 days, or until symptoms disappear. As it can help her control the pain of spasms.
- Use of hormonal contraceptives: such as the pill or IUD, if the menstrual pain is primary dysmenorrhea and the woman needs medical treatment; Your doctor may suggest that.
- Surgery: If a woman has secondary dysmenorrhea, and if the menstrual cramps are caused by a disorder (such as: fibroids or endometriosis), surgery to correct the problem may help relieve symptoms, if the previous methods did not succeed in relieving the symptoms. If the woman is not planning to have children, surgery to remove the uterus may be an option.
Tips for those who suffer from dysmenorrhea:
To help relieve menstrual pain, women can:
- Use warm compresses and place them in the lower abdomen.
- Get some exercise.
- Take a hot bath.
- Do relaxation techniques, including yoga and meditation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Get enough rest.
- Avoid smoking directly or passive smoking.
- Reduce stress, as psychological stress may increase menstrual cramps and intensity.
- Reduce caffeine intake; Because it causes stress.
It is also advised to monitor and write down menstruation dates and the associated pains in a schedule. To facilitate the diagnosis of problems as they arise.