Helpful Information on Menstrual Cramps

Painful cramps that may occur before or during your menstrual period is medically termed dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea can be primary or secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is common menstrual cramps. The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen or back and can be mild to severe. These cramps typically last for one to three days of the period. They become less painful with age and may stop after having a baby.

Common menstrual cramps causes. Contractions in the uterus, which is a muscle, causes menstrual cramps. The uterus contracts throughout the menstrual cycle to expel its lining that thickens every month to prepare for pregnancy. When pregnancy does not happen, the uterus releases the lining, and menstrual flow begins. It may press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus if it contracts too strongly.

Relieving mild menstrual cramps. Taking aspirin or other pain relievers should relieve mild menstrual cramps. It is best to start taking these a few days before your period starts. If you believe you need something stronger, your doctor can order medications for you such as: a higher does of Ibuprofen than is available over-the-counter, other prescription pain relievers or oral contraceptives (birth control pills tend to lower menstrual pain).

Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by a disorder in the reproductive organs. The pain begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps.

Reproductive problems causes. Different conditions can cause secondary dysmenorrhea: Endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus; Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection caused by bacteria that starts in the uterus and can spread to other reproductive organs; Stenosis (narrowing) of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (where the baby grows), often caused by scarring; Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) in which these birth control devices may cause increased cramping; and Fibroids (tumors), or growths on the inner wall of the uterus.

Treatments for reproductive problems. Depending on the cause, treatment could include antibiotics to treat infection or surgery to remove fibroids or polyps.

Contact your doctor if you have severe or unusual menstrual cramps. If cramping last for more than three days, go ahead and get yourself checked out because whatever the cause, it can be treated.

Warning. Using tampons put you at risk of toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening condition. If you develop the following symptoms, get medical help right away:

102 degrees or higher fever

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Dizziness, fainting or near fainting

A rash that looks like a sunburn

Resources:

http://women.webmd.com/Women-Medical-Reference/sexual-health-your-guide-to-menstrual-cramps