Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods
Many females report having painful periods. Medically, this is called Dysmenorrhea. Period pain might range from mild, aching cramps to severe agony that feels uncontrollable and is challenging to manage.
There are two types of painful periods;
Primary Dysmenorrhea: Unusual contractions of the uterus due to a chemical imbalance in the body. Symptoms are sporadic and painful cramps in the lower abdomen shortly before or at the beginning of menses when there is no pelvic disease.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea: It is caused by conditions affecting female reproductive organs, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or Endometriosis. It is more common as women age.
The body typically goes through different conditions as a result of hormonal, biological and lifestyle factors. However, severe period pain should be investigated.
Every woman should form a habit of recording her period dates and symptoms because this is important medical information that helps in every consultation with the doctor, including the diagnosis and treatment of Dysmenorrhea.
If you experience menstrual pain that affects your lifestyle, preventing you from being able to work, school or participate in day-to-day activities, speak to your doctor. After discussing this with your doctor, he or she will be able to determine whether any tests or treatments are required.
Here are some details to note before your doctor’s appointment:
- – The first day of your last period (the day your period commenced).
- – How long your period typically lasts for (number of days).
- – Your shortest period cycle (the time between the start day of one period to the start day of another period).
- – The longest cycle of your periods (the longest time between the start day of one period to the start day of another period).
- – The heaviness of your period or how often you have to change daily when the flow is heavy.
- – When you had your last smear test (if you are above 25 years).
Dysmenorrhea treatment may include medications, hormone treatment, birth control pills, diet changes and exercise, heat, or massage. In some cases, surgery may be needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing unusual period pain or flow, please visit any of our two locations at Mother and Child Hospital Omole and Ikeja for a review. You can also book a virtual consultation or call 07036202190 (Omole) or 07068372987 (Adeniyi Jones) for enquiries.
