That throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, legs and thighs during menstruation could be the most common pain that is experienced by almost all women in the world. As it is considered common pain, it is silently bore no matter how hard it tends to get.

Pain during menstruation or even sex is common but it doesn’t have to be normal. Consistently intense pains are abnormal and Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition that is associated with this kind of abnormal cramps. “Women that we usually treat for Dysmenorrhea are unaware of the condition. They often assume it is a common pain and silently put up with it until it becomes unbearable to perform regular activities”, says a gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri.

So what is Dysmenorrhea, and what are its causes and treatment options? Here is what a lady gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri had to say:

What is Dysmenorrhea?

In general painful periods are often termed Dysmenorrhea. This condition causes severe and frequent cramps in the pelvic area, and pain in the lower back, legs and stomach during menstruation of women. All these symptoms are commonly experienced by every woman during the period, so how is Dysmenorrhea different from common symptoms? Simple, when the pain is abnormal. And here’s when the pain is abnormal:

Dysmenorrhea Symptoms:

1. The intense pain stretches for 3 or more 3 days.
2. Pain doesn’t improve even with pain-relief medication.
3. The pain and cramps are so severe that they start to interfere with your day-to-day functions.

In addition to the above, the other symptoms of Dysmenorrhea include headaches, sickness, and digestive problems like constipation, sore breasts, and swollen abdomen.

Dysmenorrhea Causes:

There are two types of Dysmenorrhea – Primary & Secondary Dysmenorrhea each with its causes.Primary dysmenorrhea is caused due to chemical imbalance problems in the female body which causes abnormal contractions of the uterus.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea is caused by physical changes which are a result of inherent reproductive problems like endometriosis, abnormal pregnancy, uterine fibroids, tumours, infection, or even polyps in the pelvic cavity.

So who is more prone to Dysmenorrhea?

Women diagnosed with the reproductive problems listed above are prone to Dysmenorrhea. In addition to it, risk factors that increase the risk of Dysmenorrhea are smoking alcohol consumption, obesity, and early menstruation.

Treatment for Dysmenorrhea in Mumbai:

MRI, Ultrasound, Laparoscopy, & Hysteroscopy are performed to diagnose Dysmenorrhea. Upon confirmation, a treatment plan is crafted the by considering the age, severity of the symptoms, expectations and other preferences.

In the case of primary Dysmenorrhea, the treatment options include vitamin supplements, medications, oral contraceptives, hormonal treatments, abdominal massages, and regular exercise. In the case of secondary Dysmenorrhea, the appropriate cause is identified and treated to reduce the symptoms. This may include medical procedures like hysterectomy, endometrial ablation and endometrial resection.

Dysmenorrhea: When to see the doctor?

Women are requested to consult a gynaecologist when the period pain affects their ability to perform their day-to-day activities and regular treatments fail to cut down the period pain. If you are in Mumbai you can consult Gynaecologist Dr Neelima Mantri here: https://www.drneelimamantri.com/