Dealing with period pain
I have terrible menstrual pains! Why? And how can I prevent the cramps and pain that come with my period?
Awww, poor girl.
Almost all women have discomfort that time of the month; menstrual pain is (unfortunately) normal. One in every two women has some pain and discomfort during their period for one to two days every month, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Common menstrual issues like pain and cramps are treatable.
However, some women have more intense menstrual pain that disrupts normal activity. This condition is known as dysmenorrhea. Worldwide, there are women and girls who miss school and work due to it. Thankfully, even the severe cases can be managed.
Symptoms of dysmenorrhea
Before we can talk about treatment and management of dysmenorrhea, it’s important to know the difference between normal and severe menstrual cramps. Pain in the lower stomach that is throbbing, as well as aches in the lower back and thighs, are common symptoms.
However, for some women, the pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, and dizziness. Understanding the causes of pain is essential for the right prescription.
Main causes of pain
In preparation for pregnancy, a lining of the uterus is formed. If the egg is not fertilised, the body starts shedding the lining. It does this by contracting the uterus to force it out, thus the pain and bleeding. The contractions vary from woman to woman. Some are so severe, that they constrict blood vessels feeding the uterus, which results in intense pain.
Other causes
- Sexually transmitted bacterial infections known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can result in very painful periods.
- The growth of tissue that lines the uterus elsewhere may cause severe pain. This can be in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or tissue lining the pelvis. These conditions are known as endometriosis.
- Another similar condition is adenomyosis, where uterus tissue grows in the muscular walls of the uterus.
- Another major cause especially here in Africa is fibroids; noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are a major health concern in Kenya.
- Some women have a very narrow opening of the cervix (Cervical stenosis) which hinders the menstrual flow, resulting in pressure in the uterus and pain.
- Genetics could also play a part. Women with a family history of dysmenorrhea are more likely to have the same condition than those without.
What you can do to reduce pain
- Sex and exercise are a great place to start; both activities help alleviate pain by releasing pain-killing-feel-good chemicals known as endorphins.
- Over-the-counter painkillers can relieve pain.
- Heat therapy is another option for those who don’t want to use drugs. Placing a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen or soaking in a hot bath can help with the pain.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can make cramps worse. Stress can also increase the intensity of menstrual pain.
- Some birth control methods contain hormones that stop ovulation, therefore reducing menstrual pain. This must be prescribed by a doctor, as birth control could have many unwanted side effects.
- After childbirth most women have less cramping and pain subsides.
When to see a doctor
In most cases menstrual cramps lessen with time, thus there is no need to see a gynaecologist. However, if the cramps are disrupting your day-to-day life, then you must visit your doctor. Especially for girls who enter puberty at 11 years or younger.
Also, any woman who bleeds excessively (soaks at least one pad an hour for several hours), as well as those with irregular periods need to see a professional.
If you have severe cramps for more than three days, and if you have a fever or have unusual discharge and/or foul smell you should see a doctor. The same goes for menstruation longer than a week and passing of blood clots.
What is your go-to remedy to relieve period pain? Share your wisdom below or on our Facebook pages, Love Matters Kenya and Naija. For period trouble, head to our discussion board.
Bibi yangu ako na machungu…
Bibi yangu ako na machungu sana kwa mgongo na tumbo wakati anataka kuenda kwa period
Hi Frank, have your partner…
Hi Frank, have your partner read the article above then try out the suggestions presentented here to ease the pain. We wish her well.
I feel pain during my…
I feel pain during my periods accompanied by diarrhoea, what shall i do?
Hi Stecy, Unfortunately this…
Hi Stecy, Unfortunately this is normal. You can however do a few thing to manage this. Check out this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/menstruation
Hai, I normally have a lot…
Hai, I normally have a lot of pain during that period that I can’t do any activity, I actually moved out of the examination room one time in A level due to the pain, is there any medicine that can help out
Shirah, …
Shirah,
Please do seek medical attention so that the doctor can advice you accordingly.
Hi,I normally have pain…
Hi,I normally have pain during monthly period how can I prevent it? Please help
Hello Esther, below are some…
Hello Esther, below are some of the things you can do to reduce menstrual cramps. If it is not manageable then seek medical attention.
Sex and exercise are a great place to start; both activities help alleviate pain by releasing pain-killing-feel-good chemicals known as endorphins.
Over-the-counter painkillers can relieve pain.
Heat therapy is another option for those who don’t want to use drugs. Placing a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen or soaking in a hot bath can help with the pain.
Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can make cramps worse. Stress can also increase the intensity of menstrual pain.
Some birth control methods contain hormones that stop ovulation, therefore reducing menstrual pain. This must be prescribed by a doctor, as birth control could have many unwanted side effects.
After childbirth most women have less cramping and pain subsides.
Now on playing sex ,won’t…
Now on playing sex ,won’t she get pregnant again? tell me when sex be played before ,during over after the period, answer me please thank u
Hi Odee, you see to be…
Hi Odee, you see to be referring to what is known as Safe days. First, Safe days are one of the most unreliable ways to prevent pregnancy, and we really don’t recommend it at all. When ones safe days are, really depends on the length of the person’s cycle. The first seven days before and after the period, as well as the time of the period, are relatively safe. But, if one has a shorter cycle (shorter than 28 days), or an irregular one, this will vary. Also, remember that sperm can survive for up to five days and longer inside the body which means even if one has sex on a ‘safe’ day, they can still get pregnant, because the sperm survived until the ovulation date. This is why this is very inaccurate. You can consider using the birth control methods, see the following article for some options to choose from;- https://lovematters.co.ke/birth-control/types-of-birth-control
I feel pain during my period…
I feel pain during my period n kind of blood clot n backpain ,,,dizziness,,, help me
Hello Christine, most women…
Hello Christine, most women do experience some kind of discomfort during menses, most however are manageable. You can manage the pain by using over the counter pain killers and by regularly doing exercises. If it persists you can seek medical attention.
i fill so pain when am in my…
i fill so pain when am in my monthly period’ then i see evry day a discharg in mu pantie what should i do
Hello Monicah, Check the…
Hello Monicah, Check the tips above on how to manage pain during periods. The discharge that you get is it after the periods, for how long and the colour? It is normal to have discharge throughout for women. What is important is to know when it is normal or abnormal discharge and this you can know by change of colours. Check out this article for more information:- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/vaginal-discharge-top-facts
I av lower abdominal pain bt…
I av lower abdominal pain bt nmepata hw i can deal wid it
Mary, is the pain associated…
Mary, is the pain associated with monthly periods? If not and it is persistence then you may need to seek medical attention.
Hi I normally experience…
Hi I normally experience more pain on my first day,,,wht should I do,,,its really painfull
Hi Angel, Have a look at the…
Hi Angel, Have a look at the part on “What you can do to reduce pain” in the above article.
My monthly period s stops…
My monthly period s stops three months ago I’m not pg and i have never use any constraseptive, what could be the problem
Hi Irene, there are a number…
Hi Irene, there are a number of reasons which may have have caused this including hormonal imbalance, physical issues or treatment you maybe taking. It is important you see a doctor for tests and treatment.
My wife doese not like sex 4…
My wife doese not like sex 4 days before and 2-3 days after and she has pains which lasts almost a week,how do i help her..
Hey Josto, you could begin…
Hey Josto, you could begin by sharing this article with her. If she doesn’t want to have sex during this times, you have to respect her choice. Share with her this article to see if some of the suggestion her can help. All the best.
why do i have menstrual pain…
why do i have menstrual pain and my friend dose not
Hey Jennifer, first, period…
Hey Jennifer, first, period pain is normal and as such almost all women will experience some discomfort during their period. This also means a small percentage of women will not experience this pain and/or discomfort. It appears you fall in the majority while your friend falls in the minority. All you cvan do is to try and lessen the pain or discomfort.
The text have taught me alot…
The text have taught me alot,I wil try it practically.
Hello Darshna, we are so…
Hello Darshna, we are so glad that our platform is able to teach and guide you and are so proud that you will work on yourself! Thank you for that! Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe!
hi am sixteen years old and…
hi am sixteen years old and my cramps really bad and i can’t do any activity does placing a water bottle help
Hello Barbara, so sorry to…
Hello Barbara, so sorry to hear that you go through so much pain. Considering your age, the best remedy would be over the counter painkillers, and/or using a hot water bottle while experiencing cramps. However, if you feel that the pain is extreme kindly see a medical professional for a proper and complete diagnosis as well as advice on the way forward.