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Typically, it starts within a year of the first menstrual period.
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It is the most common menstrual disorder. Įstimates of the percentage of women of reproductive age affected vary from 20% to 90%. Surgery may be useful if certain underlying problems are present. Evidence for yoga, acupuncture and massage is insufficient. Medications that may help include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, hormonal birth control and the IUD with progestogen. Treatment may include the use of a heating pad. ĭysmenorrhea occurs less often in those who exercise regularly and those who have children early in life. Conditions that should be ruled out include ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain. A pelvic exam and ultrasound in individuals who are sexually active may be useful for diagnosis. It is more common among those with heavy periods, irregular periods, those whose periods started before twelve years of age and those who have a low body weight. Underlying issues that can cause dysmenorrhea include uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and most commonly, endometriosis. ĭysmenorrhea can occur without an underlying problem. Other symptoms may include back pain, diarrhea or nausea. The pain is usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Symptoms typically last less than three days. Its usual onset occurs around the time that menstruation begins. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, hormonal birth control, IUD with progestogen ĭysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. No underlying problem, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis Įctopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, interstitial cystitis, chronic pelvic pain Within a year of the first menstrual period Pain during menstruation, diarrhea, nausea Dysmenorrhoea, painful periods, menstrual cramps