If you have painful periods, you are not alone.
Overview
There are two distinct types of dysmenorrhea.
Symptoms
The pain of primary dysmenorrhea is pretty typical.
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But in some young women, the pain can last for up to 3 days.
The pain of primary dysmenorrhea is usually the same and predictable from period to period.
It is most often described as a cramping pain that starts in the middle of your lower abdomen.
You may have some other unpleasant symptoms that go along with the pain of primary dysmenorrhea.
Causes
The lining of your uterus produces natural chemicals called prostaglandins.
Some of theseprostaglandinscause the muscle and the blood vessels in your uterus to contract.
The decreased blood flow to the uterus is a part of what causes the pain of primary dysmenorrhea.
That is why your symptoms are the worst during these days.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
First of all, you should not suffer from painful periods.
Remember you are not alone.
Think about how you would answer the following questions.
If you have started having sex, your healthcare provider will likely want to perform a pelvic exam.
No additional testing or pelvic imaging is needed to make a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea.
The goal of medical management is to decrease the production of prostaglandins in the lining of your uterus.
There are two types of medications that do this,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)andhormonal contraceptive medications.
There are several different types of NSAIDs.
Most healthcare providers suggest starting with Advil (ibuprofen), which is available over the counter.
The recommended starting dose is 800 mg of Advil, followed by 400800 mg every 8 hours as needed.
Its possible you may need to use a prescription NSAID, such as Celebrex (celecoxib).
In addition to medications, there are some lifestyle changes that can help reduce menstrual pain.
Getting adequate aerobic exercise on a regular basis has been shown to reduce painful periods.
Though research is limited, dietary changes may help.
A Word From Verywell
Remember you dont have to settle for painful periods.
Dont be embarrassed to discuss your periods with your healthcare provider.
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