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Dysmenorrhea |
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Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition associated with abdominal pain coming from uterine cramps during a menstrual period. Dysmenorrhea is divided in 2 types: secondary and primary. Dysmenorrhea is called secondary when pain is caused by gynecologic problems, and primary, when no underlying cause is found. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurrence is rare and affects about 1/4 of the females, while primary dysmenorrhea affects more than 50% of females. A major cause of secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis; other causes may be adenomyosis and fibroids, as well as adhesions (abnormal fibrous attachments) and inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which may cause abdominal pain that ranged from mild to severe. Any kind of pain can be worse during a menstrual period. The major cause of primary dysmenorrhea is caused by contractions of the uterus that appears, when the blood supply to endometrium is reduced. In this type of dysmenorrhea, the pain appears only during the menstrual period in which an egg is released. The pain can become worse, when endometrial tissue sheds during a menstrual cycle passing through the cervix, especially when the cervical canal is narrow, as it can be after treatment for cervical problems. Other factors such as retroverted uterus (when uterus tilts backward instead of forward), social or psychological stresses, lack of exercise can make pain worse. Commonly, dysmenorrhea causes pain in the lower abdominal area, which can extend to the legs or lower back. The pain usually consists of cramps as a dull pain that is constant or that comes and goes away. Usually the aching begins shortly before or during the menstrual period and subsides after approx. 48 hours. In many cases, the female has such additional symptoms like headaches, urges to urinate often, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Vomiting may occur as well. The women may experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as nervousness, abdominal bloating, irritability, depression which may continue through part or all of the menstrual period. In some cases, pieces or clots of bloody tissues from the endometrium of the uterus are released from the uterus, leading to pain. Usually, the pain may be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications including Naproxen, Mefenamic Acid, or Ibuprofen. These medications are mostly effective if women start to use them two days before a menstrual period and continue one or two days during the period. Vomiting and nausea can be relieved with antilmetic (antinausea) medicine, but such symptoms may go away without treatment, as cramps are controlled. To reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea, women should exercise regularly, get enough sleep and rest. If pain interferes with daily activities, ovulation may be subside with a small dose of oral contraceptives such as progestin or estrogen, as well as long-acting medroxyprogesterone. If these types of treatment are not working, additional examinations may be required such as laparoscopy (a test, where a fiber optic tube is used to check the abdominal cavity). Secondary dysmenorrhea treatment depends on the cause. A narrow cervical canal may be widened by the surgeon, frequently providing pain relief for about 4-6 months. If treatment is not successful and pain is extreme, severing the nerves to the uterus may help; complications, such as injury to other pelvic organs (such as ureters) may happen. Women may try acupuncture and hypnosis, which may be helpful to relieve any symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > D
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| Related Searches |
secondary dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhea treatment, dysmenorrhea symptoms |
| Date Submitted |
09-Oct-2005
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