What are period pains?;
Many women experience pain and discomfort during their period. For most, the pain and discomfort are not experienced so intensely that their daily lives are affected to a dysfunctional degree. In the majority of cases, no special attention or prescription of strong painkillers is required to relieve menstrual symptoms. However, in cases where women experience such severe pain that they find it difficult to perform basic functions (walking, working, sleeping), then seeking medical advice and intervention is necessary.
How frequent are period pains?;
Eight out of ten women report that they have experienced painful periods in their lifetime. Pain is considered tolerable as mild and usually subsides within a few hours.
However, for a significant percentage of women, menstruation is problematic and unbearable, due to the intense pain and constant discomfort they feel both in the days before and during menstruation. They may need to take time off work or school and stay home for a day or two. Several women report experiencing monthly period pains that they cannot manage even with strong analgesics.
The pain usually starts just before the onset of menstruation, and subsides two to three days later. The first day of the period also marks the first day of a normal cycle.
Although often painful, the period rarely indicates that there is an illness. If your period pains become more than just a constant or transient discomfort in the abdominal area, then it is advisable to consult your doctor or gynecologist Your. A specialist can indicate the exact causes, and what may be the ideal treatment for you to alleviate the symptoms.
What causes these pains? What are the causes?;
Physical period pains are caused by contractions in the muscles of the uterus. These contractions are caused by the release of prostaglandins, which are hormones on the surface of the uterus.
Although the causes of severe period pain are still being investigated, heredity appears to be one of the strongest predisposing factors. Problems such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids (especially when they are larger in size) seem to cause more severe period pains in the average woman, and some contraceptive methods such as the IUD seem to intensify symptoms.
How can you avoid pain?;
The best thing you can do, apart from convincing yourself that the condition is temporary, is to be in good physical health. You can achieve this by leading a healthy life and getting daily exercise, enough sleep and rest. Reducing stress levels also works beneficially to reduce pain.
Most commercial painkillers, which are available at the pharmacy specifically with ibuprofen (such as Advil and Nurofen), can help. After analyzing your symptoms and needs, your pharmacist can advise which one is best for you.
At the end of the day, a warm bath or shower can help reduce the muscle contractions that accompany period pains. Supplemented with a light massage of the abdominal area, the results can be immediate. Before bedtime, a woman can use a pillow or hot water bottle that applies even pressure to the abdomen. Finally, it is important to drink sufficient water to avoid weakening an already overworked body.
Period pain is treatable for the majority of women, but not all methods of relief work for every woman. It is important to find the method that best suits your own body.
What can your doctor do?;
After taking a detailed history, performing a comprehensive clinical examination and ultrasound scan, the gynaecologist should consider all available treatment options, including the administration of hormones and strong painkillers (which in the majority of cases require a prescription).
If your period pains do not stop or subside with specific painkillers, your doctor may perform a detailed pelvic examination (pelvic examination) to accurately identify the reasons for your dysmenorrhoea.
It will depend on this examination whether he or she suggests that you have additional diagnostic tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound examination or laparoscopy. Medical treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as contraceptive pills. In cases where for medical reasons (see thrombophilia) it is not possible to use contraceptives, the doctor may suggest an alternative form of treatment.
If the ovulating, the contraceptive pill reduces the production of prostaglandins and pain. If the pain is caused by a condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease, by endometriosis, of fibres, then the treatment will be designed on the basis of these.
Contact your doctor if your menstruation is accompanied by severe symptoms, as planning the right treatment will provide you with significant relief and improve your quality of life.
