MAIN CAUSES OF PAINFUL MENSTRUAL PERIODS

Pain that accompanies cyclic menstrual periods is called dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrheausually affects young girls. It occurs due to the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins during menstruation.

Secondary dysmenorrhea usually occurs due to a problem in the female reproductive organs or the pelvis. It is usually seen in older women. The symptoms usually begin just before the bleeding starts and last till just after the bleeding has stopped.

Causes of secondary dysmenorrhea are listed below

Conditions that affect the pelvis:

Endomtriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where the cells similar to those lining the uterus grow outside the uterus.They also undergo changes under hormonal influence, like the uterine lining, and bleed during the menstrual cycle, giving rise to pain.

Pelvicinflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease refers to infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or the pelvis. The infection may travel up from the vagina and cervix, as in the case of sexually transmitted diseases, or may follow childbirth or surgical procedures. Along with menstrual pain, pelvic pain, fever and vaginal discharge may be present.

Pelvic congestion syndrome: Pelvic congestion syndrome occurs due to the presence of dilated veins in the pelvis. The pain is felt during menstrual periods, following intercourse, prolonged standing or during pregnancy. Associated symptoms may include abnormal menstrual bleeding, irritable bladder, vaginal discharge and dilated veins in the vulva, buttocks and thighs.

Allen-Masters syndrome: Allen-Masters syndrome is condition where the pelvic muscles are danmaged and allow excessive motility of the cervix. The damage is often a result of traumatic deliveries.

Conditions that affect the uterus:

Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall. Along with severe menstrual pain that lasts throughout the period, the patient may also experience heavy bleeding with bleeding between periods and pain during intercourse.

Fibroids: Fibroids are benign muscle tumors arising from the uterine wall. Along with menstrual pain, they also cause excessive bleeding, pelvic discomfort and pain, pain during intercourse and symptoms due to pressure over the bladderand rectum.

Uterine polyps: Uterine polyps are small growths that arise from the uterus and remain attached to the uterus by a thin stalk. They may cause eXCessive and irregular menstrual bleeding and may be one of the causes of infertility.

Compiled by Wilbert Masamba.

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