Many women experience some discomfort during their menstrual cycle, but for some, periods can be extremely painful. Here are 5 common reasons why you might have painful periods, and what you can do to find relief.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
A pelvic inflammatory disease Is typically brought on by a sexually transmitted disease. The common culprits are gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Bacteria got transferred to the vagina and when left untreated, they travel up the uterus, and fallopian tubes and then reach the ovaries.
Many women often don’t know that they have pelvic inflammatory disease because the symptoms can often be mild and unnoticeable.
However, when the disease has become quite advanced, this can cause very painful periods with longer or heavier bleeding.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is categorised as an STD and if you have this infection accompanied by very painful periods, you need to immediately make a doctor’s visit. The sooner the better!
John Paul Roberts, MD, explains that cramping becomes more pronounced during your period when you have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This heightened cramping could be attributed to the pelvic or abdominal pain associated with the condition. Additionally, your body’s effort to combat the infection leads to inflammation in the uterus, contributing to the increased intensity of cramps.
The risks of a pelvic inflammatory disease can be life-threatening when left untreated. This disease could also cause an ectopic pregnancy, which can be very life-threatening for both the foetus and the mother.
- Cervical stenosis
Your period is essentially a time when your uterus lining sheds and this needs to get flushed out of your system. Smooth menstruation typically allows this to happen comfortably, or at least, with little pain.
However, when you have a condition called cervical stenosis, your cervix becomes too narrow to allow blood to pass through. Basically, the cervix has become too narrow that the passage between the uterus and the vagina becomes impeded.
This could cause extreme menstrual pain and, in some cases, a woman may not even have a period at all. Cervix stenosis that has become quite severe blocks blood from passing through at all and this build-up of blood cause extreme pain.
You can notice some visual cues if you have this condition by observing erratic spotting. This means your menstruation has become reduced in blood amount but at the same time, you are suffering from painful cramps.
- Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids may occur in women of childbearing years, which is around the age range of 16-44. Uterine fibroids are a non-cancerous growth of the smooth muscles of the uterus.
The muscle growth in this area can cause painful periods as the uterus continues to contract. Uterine fibroids are quite common in women who have already reached the age of 50.
Some symptoms that you might have uterine fibroids are when periods are so very painful and sometimes heavier and longer.
This is because the smooth muscle growth causes more lining in the uterus to build, which means more to shed as well during menstruation.
On top of painful periods, uterine fibroids can also cause abdominal pain, and sometimes also back pains. Sex could also become painful and you may even bleed between periods.
You could also suffer from anaemia due to blood loss. Left untreated, uterine fibroids could also cause infertility.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, Uterine Fibroids, also known as leiomyomata, have a significant impact on millions of women worldwide, especially those of reproductive age, with a high incidence rate of 75%. Among patients with uterine fibroids, approximately 30% experience menorrhagia, which is characterized by heavy menstrual bleeding, and more than half of them encounter symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or infertility.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis, or ‘endo’ for short, is a common health issue that affects women who are in their childbearing years, but mostly those in their 30s and 40s.
Endo happens when tissue that is similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside of the uterus itself. This tissue can typically grow in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and even rectum.
In rarer cases, the tissue might even grow in the brain, lungs, and skin. Endo is not cancerous, but the health problems and pains are very serious.
Endo causes swelling in your uterus which can be very painful, especially during a period when contractions happen a lot to shed your uterus lining.
Endo can also cause irregular bleeding, back pains, bloating, constipation and painful urination (including bowel movements).
When left untreated, endo can also cause infertility. Endo can also make your period come faster but stay longer, like more than 7 days.
- Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the endometrial tissue that should only line the uterus grows into the muscles of the uterus. As a result of that, the uterine walls become thicker and pain is often associated with this growth.
Cool Springs Obstetrics & Gynecology asserts that this condition is fairly uncommon, influencing roughly one in every 500 women worldwide. Yet, it is more frequently seen in women of advanced age. Additionally, the World Health Organization reports that adenomyosis affects one in every 10 women aged between 35 and 50.
Adenomyosis is not considered life-threatening as an ailment, but this condition does bring on a lot of pain and discomfort. Women who have adenomyosis can often suffer from chronic menstrual pains and heavy bleeding.
Blood loss can cause fatigue, dizziness, and an inability to focus. On top of that, sex and urination can also be painful.
All in all, when left untreated, adenomyosis can significantly lower a woman’s overall quality of life. When adenomyosis has become quite severe, infertility (the inability to get pregnant) may also occur.
Adenomyosis is highly linked to hormones, and it usually goes away on its own after a woman reaches menopause, which is when hormone levels drop significantly.
To put it simply, more than half female population experience painful periods and want solutions for the issue. We think understanding and reflecting upon causative agents can help ladies seek answers for their problems associated with periods.
What Is The Most Common Period Pain?
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common experience for people who menstruate. It is estimated that 84% of menstruating individuals experience some form of period pain during their lifetime. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping, and can greatly affect a person’s daily activities and quality of life. In this paper, we will discuss the most common period pain experienced by individuals and explore its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments.
The most common type of period pain is primary dysmenorrhea, which is pain that occurs without any underlying medical condition. This type of pain is caused by the normal release of prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance that helps the uterus shed its lining during menstruation. These prostaglandins can cause the muscles of the uterus to contract, leading to cramping and pain. Primary dysmenorrhea usually starts within a year or two of a person’s first period and can continue throughout their reproductive years.
The symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea can range from mild to severe and can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is cramping in the lower abdomen, which can be described as a dull ache or a sharp, throbbing pain. Some people may also experience back pain, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea during their period. These symptoms typically start a day or two before the period and last for the first few days of the menstrual cycle.
While primary dysmenorrhea is the most common form of period pain, secondary dysmenorrhea is another type that is less common but can be more severe. This type of period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. The pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea can be more intense and may last longer than primary dysmenorrhea. It often starts earlier in the menstrual cycle and may continue after the period has ended.
The most effective way to manage period pain is by understanding the cause and addressing it directly. For primary dysmenorrhea, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help alleviate cramping and discomfort. Heating pads, hot water bottles, and warm baths can also provide relief by relaxing the uterine muscles. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and a healthy diet can also help reduce the severity of period pain.
In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, treating the underlying medical condition is crucial to managing period pain. This may involve medications, hormonal birth control, or surgery, depending on the individual’s specific condition. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider if the pain is severe or if it interferes with daily activities.
In conclusion, primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type of period pain experienced by individuals who menstruate. It is caused by the normal release of prostaglandins and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, heat therapy, and lifestyle changes. Secondary dysmenorrhea, although less common, can be more severe and is caused by an underlying medical condition that requires specific treatment. It is essential to seek medical advice if the pain is severe or if it significantly affects a person’s quality of life. By understanding the causes and available treatments for period pain, individuals can find relief and improve their overall well-being.
