Painful Menstrual Periods (dysmenorrhoea) Causes And Treatment
Dysmenorrhea, the medical term for painful menstruation is a very common gynecological problem faced by women during their adolescence or within 4 to 5 years from the first menstruation. With aging this problem gets reduced and finally disappears. It is characterized by severe pain in the uterus. During menstruation a bit of pain and discomfort is normal in all women. But when the pain gets to an extreme level where activities get restricted, that is when one knows that she is suffering from Dysmenorrhea. It can cause the patient with severe pain and throbbing along with nausea and burning sensation. It can cause heavy loss of blood, a condition known as hemorrhage.
It has 2 stages, viz. primary and secondary. Primary Dysmenorrhea features pain and heavy bleeding. Secondary Dysmenorrhea is characterized by an underlying disease or structural abnormality in or outside the uterus. When such symptoms are absent the state is considered to be the primary stage of Dysmenorrhea.
The factors causing Dysmenorrhea is more than multiple. Internal problems are pelvic inflammations, fibroids, Endometriosis, Amendomyosis, Intra-uterine device, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian tumors, Cervical polyps, Cervices, Cervical stenosis, Peritonitis, Chappel syndrome, Psychogenic and the list goes on and on. Other external factors that can cause Dysmenorrhea are normal periodic cycles, diet low in calcium, stopping intake of oral contraceptives, primary Dysmenorrhea, secondary Dysmenorrhea, alcoholism, functional disorders like ovarian malfunction etc.
As for treatment of Dysmenorrhea in its primary stage you can try something’s at home like heating the pad and sometimes a warm shower also helps. Other home treatments include application of a bottle of heated water on the lower abdomen. You can also try out a few vitamin supplements and eat calcium rich foods in your diet to resolve the problem. Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs are available over the counter. They can help you relieve the pain and bring things under control to a large extent. Pills that can control birth can also control hormonal imbalances causing Dysmenorrhea.
Some medical drugs are predominantly prescribed. Mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are allowed in this case. The drugs must be taken at the commencement of bleeding and continued for 2-3 days. One can also use Oral contraceptives it helps in stopping the ovulation flow and also stabilizes prostaglandin levels. Finally self care is very important along with appropriate medication; hot water treatment of the lower abdomen plays a very important role in relaxing the uterus. You can also try herbal treatment painful menstruation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
what is the difference between uterine polyps, fibroids and cysts?
I was told I have fibroids and polyps…..I really don’t understand the difference…
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ANSWER:
An endometrial polyp or uterine polyp is a sessile mass in the inner lining of the uterus. They may have a large flat base (sessile) or be attached to the uterus by an elongated pedicle (pedunculated). Pedunculated polyps are more common than sessile ones. They range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters If pedunculated, they can protrude through the cervix into the vagina. Small blood vessels may be present, particularly in large polyps.Fibroids are the most common benign tumors in females and typically found during the middle and later reproductive years. While most fibroids are asymptomatic, they can grow and cause heavy and painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, and urinary frequency and urgency. Some fibroids may interfere with pregnancy although this appears to be very rare.
A vaginal cyst is a closed sac on or under the vaginal lining that contains fluid or semisolid material. Cysts occur when a gland or duct is clogged and liquid collects in a sac.
When a cyst is inside the vagina, they are usually painless. Their size can range from the size of a pea to that of an plum.I hope I helped.
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QUESTION:
Anyone had uterine polyps/fibroids? Symptoms?
Has anyone had uterine polyps or fibroids. My doctor is thinking this is what I might have. I am just waiting to go have an ultrasound done in early January. What were your symptoms? I have spotting a week after my period, slight, slight cramping, frequent urination and a feeling of fullness in my abdomen. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks-
ANSWER:
I had huge uterine fibroids. My symptoms were
heavy bleeding during period, period stayed for 10-12 days
Anemia
Weakness
I got pregnant with the fibroids and in last July doctors removed my uterus while doing my Cesarean.
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QUESTION:
Uterine Fibroids and Polyps – Physical Activity?
I was recently diagnosed with uterine fibroids and a uterine polyp. Prior to my sonogram, I experience heavy bleeding (18 days) and it finally stopped but I am a little leary about continuing with my dance class since I don’t want to wind up doing any more damage. I would ask my OB/GYN but he is IMPOSSIBLE to get on the phone and I am in the process of finding a new one.Does anyone have any thoughts or suggetions?
Thanks
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ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
Is there a way to check for any cancer in the body using a blood test?
My friend’s gyn doctor told her she has uterine polyps, maybe fibroids, based on ultrasound and suggested D&C & hysteroscopy to find out. Is there a way she can check if these polyps really need to be removed (i.e. cancerous) or not, without having to undergo D&C to find out?-
ANSWER:
Well you can’t really be completely sure without it. Types of cancer can have effects on certain cell counts, but so can a magnitude of other things. The primary function of that test is to be 100% sure one way or the other, and when it comes to dealing with these things, you don’t want to be less sure at all.So there’s no 100% sure way that I’m aware of to find out one way or the other, save for exactly what you’ve mentioned.
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QUESTION:
I have terrible menstrual where I cant move for three days. What could be caising this? How do rid the pain?
I have gotten tested for endometrosis and that was negative. No fibroids or cysts. I do have uterine polyps. I have taken every over the counter product including naproxen and it still horrible. Im also on birth control. I have been on birth control with 4 periods a year in the past and nothing helps.-
ANSWER:
The only way to be sure you have or don’t have endometriosis is via surgery. No other tests are definitive. Did you have surgery to look? Or did your doctor do some lesser tests, like a CAT scan? Because if he did lesser tests, then it may be wrong. Go to an endometriosis specialist.
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