Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea

What is Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenoeehea is a painful menstrual periods. It can be developed every month for few days and disrupt the other activities. Dysmenoeehea is the most common gynecologic complaint and a leading cause of absenteeism from school (affecting 10% of high school girls each month) and work (an estimate of 140 million work hours lost annually). The incidence peaks in women in their early 20s and then slowly decreases.

Types of Dysmenorrhea

1. Primary dysmenorrhea.
2. Secondary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea - Is used to describe normal period pain experienced by many women around the time of their period. There is no underlying medical problem. It most commonly affects teenagers and young women. This is the type of period pain discussed in this factsheet.

Secondary dysmenorrhea - Is used to describe pain around the time of the period that's caused by an underlying problem. It is less common than primary dysmenorrhoea, and tends to affect women later in their reproductive lives.

Causes of Dysmenorrhea

The cause of dysmenorrhea depends on whether the condition is primary or secondary.

• 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.

Symptoms of Dysmnorrhea

Dysmenorrhea may also be associated with symptoms that suggest premenstrual syndrome including:

• urinary frequency.
• nausea.
• vomiting.
• diarrhea.
• headache.
• backache.
• chills.
• abdominal bloating.
• painful breasts.
• depression.
• irritability.
• weakness.
• fainting.

Diagnosis of Dysmenorrhea

Diagnostic tests of Dysmenorrhea such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
• Imaging tests - Noninvasive tests that enable your doctor to look for abnormalities inside your pelvic cavity include ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Laparoscopy - This surgical procedure involves your doctor viewing your pelvic cavity by making tiny incisions in your abdomen and inserting a fiber-optic tube with a small camera lens.
• Hysteroscopy - In this procedure, your doctor inserts an instrument through your vagina and your cervical canal to examine your cervical canal and the inside of your uterus.

Treatment of Dysmenorrhea

No need treatment in case of primary dysmenorrheal. But secondary dysmenorrheal, will be needed treatment for the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, treatment could include antibiotics to treat infection or surgery to remove fibroids or polyps.

You may be able to reduce your discomfort from dysmenorrhea by using an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve). Self-care strategies also may help relieve discomfort. For severe cramping, your doctor might recommend low-dose oral contraceptives to prevent ovulation, which may reduce the production of prostaglandins and therefore the severity of your cramps.

Prevention Tips of Dysmenorrhea

The best ways to prevent Dysmenorrhea is :

• Doing exercise daily.
• Take more and more rest.
• 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.