Period cramps can be rather painful and can hinder your moods, your activities, and sometimes your life. The key is understanding what exactly they are, how to manage them, and how long they may last.
These menstrual aches are caused by chemicals in a woman's body that makes her uterus contract. When these muscles contract, it pushes blood out of a girl's vagina otherwise known as her period.
These are believed to be genetic. Typically if your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or other close relative struggles/struggled with them, chances are you will as well. If you were younger when your monthly visitor started, you are more likely to have these. If you are a smoker or have longer periods, you may encounter these as well.
The good news is if you are facing these lousy muscle spasms, there is help for you. The good thing to do when you know this pain is on it's way is to already start taking a pain reliever. Talk to your doctor or your parents about what medicine to take, what your dosage should be, and how many hours should be in between. If you stay on it, it will definitely dull the throbbing down below.
Another way to bring relief is to exercise. I know, most women will think this is the last thing on their list when going through their time of the month, but believe us, it works. Most believe it works because it releases endorphins, which inevitably makes you feel good. Also, eat good foods and get plenty of rest. This will help as well.
Warmth will comfort your uterus as well. Some women use a warm compress (such as a wash rag that has been heated up) or even a heating pad laying on their lower abdomen. This will help relax your muscles. Another idea is a warm bath. Lay in there and soak and let it rest and calm your body.
Since women do bleed for about 4-7 days during this time, most use pads or tampons to help with the oozing. Pads are rectangular and stick inside of your underwear. The wings on them are awesome because they hold this sanitary napkin in place. Tampons are cylinder shaped and stick up in the vagina. They have applicators that you can use with your fingers to insert.
Pads are considered the best to use when first starting out because they are so simple to use. Pay attention to their labels such as heavy flow, light flow, etc. Some girls are a bit scared of tampons because they are fearful of sticking them inside, but have no fear, they cannot get lost within you. Typically there is a string attached that hangs out of your bottom area that you can pull and release. Make sure you are changing your sanitary items every 4-6 hours to be safe.
Period cramps are frustrating, but they are manageable. Just take the proper precautions and be prepared for those days when it will accompany you.
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