Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual periods are known as dysmenorrhea. Women with dysmenorrhea may experience achying pain and sometimes they feel back pain. Patients may feel pain before and during the menstrual periods. It can be developed every month for few days and disrupt the other activities.

Types of dysmenorrhea:

Primary dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea: Primary dysmenorrheal can be started within three years after begin menstrual periods and there is no involvement of physical abnormality. Patient with primary dysmenorrhea can be controlled pain by taking some measures.

Secondary dysmenorrhea: There is some involvement of physical abnormality such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Patient with secondary dysmenorrhea can be treated by management of cramping.

Causes of dysmenorrhea:

• Excessive stress
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Family history
• Ovarian cysts
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Difficulty in concentration
• Endometriosis
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Fibroids
• Use of an intrauterine device
• Uterine polyps

Signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea:

Women with dysmenorrhea may feel menstrual cramps. In case of primary dysmenorrhea, women may be felt menstrual cramps within three years after started menstrual periods. Sometimes patients have symptoms as sweating, nausea, loose stools, vomiting and dizziness. They may experience abdomen pain and severe pain in thighs and backs.

Diagnosis of dysmenorrhea:

Physical examination such as pelvic exam and family history will be recommended by health care provider to detect the dysmenorrhea. In the procedure of pelvic exam, abnormalities in reproductive organs and any infections will be examined by the doctor.

Laparoscopy: Health care provider will check pelvic cavity in abdomen and then he may inserts a fiber-optic tube to diagnose the causes and symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as computerized tomography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging will be preferred by the doctor to check abnormalities in pelvic cavity.

Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is also effective to diagnose this disease. In this test, Uterus and cervical canal will be examined by inserting an instrument in cervical canal and vagina.

Treatment:

No need treatment in case of primary dysmenorrheal. But secondary dysmenorrheal, will be needed treatment. Antibiotics and surgery are effective to remove polyps and treat infection. OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen will be suggested by the health care providers. You can be reducing discomfort by self-care strategies. Oral contraceptives will be recommended by the doctor to reduce discomfort in case of severe pain or cramps.

Prevention:

• You should do exercise daily.
• You should take more and more rest.
• You can manage self-care strategies.
• You can use a heat pad.
• You can changes in your lifestyles to improve health.
• You should avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
• You can eat eggs and fish.