What is dysmenorrhea?
\nPain associated with menstruation is called dysmenorrhea.<\/p>\n
How common is dysmenorrhea?
\nDysmenorrhea is the most commonly reported menstrual disorder. More than one half of women who menstruate have some pain for 1\u20132 days each month.<\/p>\n
What are the types of dysmenorrhea?
\nThere are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.<\/p>\n
What is primary dysmenorrhea?
\nPrimary dysmenorrhea is pain that comes from having a menstrual period, or “menstrual cramps.”<\/p>\n
What causes primary dysmenorrhea?
\nPrimary dysmenorrhea usually is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are made in the lining of the uterus.<\/p>\n
When does the pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea occur during the menstrual period?
\nPain usually occurs right before menstruation starts, as the level of prostaglandins increases in the lining of the uterus. On the first day of the menstrual period, the levels are high. As menstruation continues and the lining of the uterus is shed, the levels decrease. Pain usually decreases as the levels of prostaglandins decrease.<\/p>\n
At what age does primary dysmenorrhea start?
\nOften, primary dysmenorrhea begins soon after a girl starts having menstrual periods. In many women with primary dysmenorrhea, menstruation becomes less painful as they get older. This kind of dysmenorrhea also may improve after giving birth.<\/p>\n
What is secondary dysmenorrhea?
\nSecondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a disorder in the reproductive system. It may begin later in life than primary dysmenorrhea. The pain tends to get worse, rather than better, over time.<\/p>\n
When does the pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea occur during the menstrual period?
\nThe pain of secondary dysmenorrhea often lasts longer than normal menstrual cramps. For instance, it may begin a few days before a menstrual period starts. The pain may get worse as the menstrual period continues and may not go away after it ends.<\/p>\n
What disorders can cause secondary dysmenorrhea?
\nSome of the conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include the following:<\/p>\n
1. Endometriosis\u2014In this condition, tissue from the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes, behind the uterus, and on the bladder (see the FAQ Endometriosis). Like the lining of the uterus, endometriosis tissue breaks down and bleeds in response to changes in hormones. This bleeding can cause pain, especially right around menstruation. Scar tissue called adhesions may form inside the pelvis where the bleeding occurs. Adhesions can cause organs to stick together, resulting in pain.
\n2. Adenomyosis\u2014Tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow in the muscle wall of the uterus.
\n3. Fibroids\u2014Fibroids are growths that form on the outside, on the inside, or in the walls of the uterus (see the FAQ Uterine Fibroids). Fibroids located in the wall of the uterus can cause pain.<\/p>\n
Source: ACOG<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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