Period Cramps Those days of the month will be a little less painful if period cramps don’t drain all your physical and mental energy, as many women experience excruciating pain during these days. The type and degree of pain a person experiences during menstruation can vary, but most women admit that they experience pain during their periods. However, different women may experience different types of period pain.
An important question to ask is what different types of period pain can indicate about your health. Let’s better understand this aspect of menstruation from the lens of an expert.
Experts divide period pain into two different types:
Primary dysmenorrhea
This is a common type of period pain that usually starts with your first period and continues for years. It is common for women to experience this type of pain and usually does not indicate an underlying health condition. In such cases the pain may vary, the pain follows a pattern and starts just before or just before the period starts. It usually lasts 1-3 days but is most severe on the first or second day of the period and occurs in the lower abdomen.
Those days of the month will be a little less painful if period cramps don’t drain all your physical and mental energy, as many women experience excruciating pain during these days. The type and degree of pain a person experiences during menstruation can vary, but most women admit that they experience pain during their periods. However, different women may experience different types of period pain.
An important question to ask is what different types of period pain can indicate about your health. Let’s better understand this aspect of menstruation from the lens of an expert.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
This is a period of pain that is caused by an underlying health condition, including reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroids. While primary dysmenorrhea can be cured or relieved with over-the-counter medications, secondary dysmenorrhea will require medical treatment. Treatment involves treating the underlying health condition.
Common health conditions associated with secondary dysmenorrhea:
1. Endometriosis: This is a condition that affects the female reproductive system. In this case, cells similar to those found in the lining of the uterus are found in other parts of the body.
2. Adenomyosis – In this condition, cells that normally form a lining inside the uterus also grow in the muscle wall.
3. Pelvic inflammatory disease – This condition occurs when an infection spreads from the vagina to the upper reproductive organs and is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
4. Fibroids – These are non-cancerous growths or lumps of muscle tissue that grow on the walls of the uterus.
How to determine the type of period pain and why is it important?
Primary dysmenorrhea is more common and easily treatable. Secondary dysmenorrhea may indicate a serious underlying health condition. And this is one of the many reasons why you should take care and evaluate the pain you feel during those days. You should know when this pain can be managed and when you need special attention to treat it.
Does your period pain interfere with your daily activities at work and at home? Do you experience any pain while urinating during your period? Are your cramps so bad that over-the-counter methods and painkillers aren’t working on them? Do you usually feel pain in your pelvic area without period? Is sex too painful for you?
Conclusion
Pain, heavy bleeding, or other factors related to your period can make it difficult for you to do your daily activities. Likewise, they can become more serious whenever left untreated. You can’t suffer in silence and seek the help you need. Although period pain can manifest in many ways, it’s important to learn what’s normal for you so you can spot any unusual changes. If you notice a sudden increase in your “normal” level of period pain, or if you start suffering from period pain after not experiencing any before.
