Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps or more scientifically known as dysmenorrhea will happen to 99% of women at one time or another. But the cramps can be so severe that they will actually seek medical attention. The cramps can range from very mild to severe. The pain you may feel can occur in the lower abdomen, back and even the thighs. You may experience headaches, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation.

Cramping is very common during the ages or 12 to 15 but can last up to the age of 24. Some women who have had their tubes tied have experiences major cramps since the procedure. The hormonal change is the reason for it. Then there may be other cramping that is not due to the menstruation. These would be physical problems, that would include: A condition in which the cells look like and act like the cells from the lining of the uterus but are found in other parts of the abdomen. The pain will last 1 or 2 days before your period and will continue throughout the period as well.

Another reason is that there is a growth that is not cancerous form in the pelvis; these growths are called ovarian cysts or cervical polyps and fibroids. You may also be suffering from a pelvic infection, using an IUD can cause cramps when you get your period. Problems with a pregnancy that you had can cause a change in your system and lastly would be physical problems such as a narrow cervix.

After certain medical procedures, menstrual like cramping may happen. An IUD insertion, a cautery, a cryotherapy, and a conization any radiation therapy and an endometrial biopsy can cause bad cramping. PMS may be a factor as well. Medicines such as Tylenol and Midol will relieve these cramps as well as menstrual cramps. They are painful and if you have not experienced a cramp a day in your life then you could not possibly understand what the women who do go through and count your lucky stars you don't.

To relieve the most painful menstrual cramps there are some things that you can do. One way to alleviate the pain is to apply heat to your abdomen with a heating pad or a bottle of hot water or even a warm or hot bath with help. Heat will jump start the blood flow and it may help reduce the pelvic pain. Lying down flat with your legs elevated can help also alleviate the pain in your back especially if you place a pillow under the knees.

Lying down on your side may also help, bring your knees up to the chest. This will help with back pain. If you use tampons you may want to switch to napkins, there is less stress on pelvis this way. Also exercising during your period may also help reduce the amount of pain you may be feeling.

Taking medications can help as well, Tylenol works very well as does Motrin. Products like Pamprin and Midol work great they take away the pain in no time. They even make a Tylenol for menstrual pain. But sometimes the pain is so severe that a doctor may have to give you a prescription for the pain.

It is a myth that if you take birth control pills that you will not get any cramping but it is not true. Some women will never experience any cramping in their lives and others will never know a period to be without some pain or discomfort. It is just the way the body works.