Many women suffer with dysmenorrhea, more commonly known as menstrual cramps, every month when it is time for their period. For some women, the pain is mild while for many others it is severe enough to interrupt their daily activities. Learn more about what causes these cramps and how you can stop the pain.
Two types of dysmenorrhea exist, one being primary and the other being secondary. Primary symptoms usually do not indicate an underlying problem with female organs and they usually begin after first period in girls. In fact, dysmenorrhea usually begins after the first eggs are released from the ovaries. Primary symptoms are generally mild and may not start for a long time after the first cycle.
Secondary dysmenorrhea symptoms can become quite severe and sometimes at the onset of the first cycle in some girls. Secondary symptoms stem from problems in the reproductive organs. Secondary symptoms can be more intense and last longer. Sufferers may also experience diarrhea, lower back pain, nausea, and vomiting. Sufferers of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroid tumors can experience more intense cramping.
The uterus is a muscle. When the lining that was meant for a pregnancy is expelled, this muscle contracts in doing so. These contractions are similar to those experienced during labor during the birth of a child. The contractions continue until the uterus has successfully expelled the old lining. Uterine contractions during this time can be harsh enough to cut off blood supply to the uterine tissue, thus creating pain.
Avoiding cramps during your menstrual cycle may be imperative for you to carry on with your normal daily activities. Your life style has a lot to do with how bad you hurt during this time each month. Smoking can increase the cramping due to lessened blood oxygen levels. Alcohol and caffeine are contributors to worsening symptoms as well. Avoid salt and foods high in sodium to help keep down fluid retention.
Many women have great pain relief through massaging their lower abdomen and back. Some have relief from using a heating pad on the abdomen or lower back. You can include medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen in addition to topical applications as well. Some over the counter preparations are formulated just for menstrual and pre-menstrual pain symptoms.
Severe cramping that does not go away with over the counter medications is a sign you need to visit your doctor. You will most likely have a pelvic exam to help your doctor diagnose any problems causing cramps to be more intense. In many cases, birth control pills are prescribed to help soothe painful menstruation and to reduce the number of days you bleed.
On those days you are dealing with the pain of menstrual cramps, you should know that by controlling your diet, exercising, and taking time to relieve stress can help to ease the severity of them. For the cramping that is stubborn and does not go away, make sure to visit your doctor for learning the way to relief.
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