What Conditions Cause Painful Menstrual Cramps?

Painful menstrual cramps, which are referred to as dysmenorrhea, are very uncomfortable. If your cramps are so painful that they interfere with your daily life activities, it is a cause for concern. There are a number of conditions which can cause you to experience painful menstrual cramps. Here are some of these conditions, as well as some of the other symptoms that they may cause.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus. The tissue responds to monthly changes in hormones and breaks down and bleeds, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Women with endometriosis will generally experience painful menstrual cramps before, during, and/or after their periods.

Endometriosis can also cause bleeding during sex; painful urination and bowel movements during menstruation; and long, heavy menstrual periods.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, which are generally non-cancerous growths that form in the uterus, can be another cause of painful menstrual cramps. In addition to painful period cramps, uterine fibroids can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, pain during sex, lower back pain, and a feeling of fullness in the lower stomach area, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. If the fibroids grow large enough, they can cause lower abdomen enlargement, which can cause a woman to look like she is pregnant.

Pelvic Infections

Pelvic infections are often caused by chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are sexually transmitted infections. Some of the symptoms you may experience in addition to painful menstrual cramps include heavy menstrual periods, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, pain during sex, and spotting between periods, according to Planned Parenthood.

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. When pelvic infections are left untreated, they can lead to scar tissue damage, which can cause infertility.

Ovarian Cysts

Although ovarian cysts often go unnoticed, they may cause symptoms if they become enlarged, bleed, break open, twist, cause Fallopian tube twisting or are bumped during sex, according to National Institutes of Health. Abdominal pain or cramping, pelvic pain before or after menstruation, painful bowel movements, nausea, and vomiting are all possible symptoms of ovarian cysts. Some of these symptoms may occur around the time of your period, but they may also happen at any time.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that painful menstrual cramps are not normal. If you notice a change in the intensity of your cramps, the best thing you can do is talk to your gynecologist. A condition or infection that requires treatment could be to blame.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about their health should seek medical attention from a licensed healthcare professional.

Sources:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
National Institutes of Health
Planned Parenthood
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
WebMD