Updated : May 29, 2017 9:21 AM IST
Periods cramps are nothing but unpleasant, but if your cramps suddenly feel different, it could be a warning sign of a health condition. It could be a shooting pain you are not used to or a heavier flow. Whatever the shift is, gynaecologist Dr Arundhati Dhar tells you what your period cramp is trying to tell you about your health.
Agonising cramps with heavy menstrual flow: If you experience severe cramps with a heavy flow, you could be suffering from uterine fibroids. The cause of fibroids still unclear, but it is common in women in thirties and forties. So check with your gynaecologist and let her know about the symptoms.
Shooting pain on one side: You could have an ovarian torsion if you a sharp pain just on one side. An ovarian torsion occurs when something like a cyst causes your ovary to twist, interrupting its blood flow. You might need a laparoscopic surgery if doctors diagnose torsion.
Low-grade, constant pain: If you experience a constant bad pain you could suffer from a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is a severe infection of the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes. An untreated STD like gonorrhoea or Chlamydia typically causes PID. The disease is entirely curable, but if it is left untreated too long, it could mess with your fertility.
Painful cramps that don’t go away with medications: If your cramps do not go with drugs, it could be a case of endometriosis, a condition that causes your uterine tissues to migrate to other organs such as your fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can also make sex very painful. While taking birth control pills can help reduce the pain, you might need to undergo a laparoscopic surgery.
Significant cramps after IUD: An ill-fitted copper IUD can lead to significant cramps. Although some cramping is considered normal in the first three months, if it persists you need to undergo an ultrasound to ensure that it is in the right position.