Dysmenorrhea: Here is what you need to know

Dysmenorrhea is often painful. But following these tips by our expert can help you deal with it.

By: Aishwarya Vaidya | | Updated: May 10, 2018 3:42 pm

Want to get rid of menstrual cramps? Eat chocolate. © Shutterstock

Nayra Singh (name changed), a 23-year-old girl suffered from menstrual cramps with heavy bleeding and visited Dr Niranjan Chavan, Professor and Unit Chief, Dept of Obgyn, Lokmanya Tilak Medical College, Sion Hospital. On examining her, she also complained of breast tenderness. Her routine test and pelvic examination and USG (Ultrasound Sonography Test), revealed that she had tenderness in her uterus and it was enlarged suggesting adenomyosis. It’s typically seen with symptoms of menstrual pain lasting for 4-5 days. It hampered her quality of life. She was diagnosed with retroverted uterus. Hence, she was prescribed NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), hot water bag, asked to lie down on her tummy while sleeping and was recommended daily exercising. Besides, she was on a heavier side and had to modify her diet. Though these changes reduced her pain the underlying cause of adenomyosis could not be altered.

Dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual cramps are associated with periods. “It occurs in adolescent or /and latter in reproductive life. It’s related to uterine contractions occurring during menses and the pain can vary from individual to individual. In later life, it can be associated with diseases like adenomyosis, endometriosis, PID and so on. It can be of two types, primary and secondary. There is no underlying cause for primary dysmenorrhea. The underlying cause for secondary dysmenorrhea can be adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian tumours,” says Dr Niranjan Chavan.

Read: 7 things that worsen your menstrual cramps

Dysmenorrhea diagnosis:

Visit a gynaecologist for Medical examination
Opt for routine laboratory tests- CBC, urine routine and microscopy to rule out local causes of pain or vaginal infection

Dysmenorrhea treatment:

For primary dysmenorrhea :

The patient needs reassurance and counseling
Use of hot water bag on the tummy to reduce cramps
NSAIDS can be prescribed
Medications can be given after proper evaluation by the gynaecologist

For secondary dysmenorrhea:

Treat the patient for the underlying cause – fibroids can be treated by medical therapy or surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus,
Treating endometriosis, adenomyosis and so on.

Dr Niranjan Chavan advises following lifestyle modifications. “Exercise regularly. Follow a healthy diet and maintain a good personal hygiene. If you are on a heavier side, shed those extra kilos.”

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published : May 10, 2018 3:33 pm | Updated:May 10, 2018 3:42 pm

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