Which gynaecological problems lead to painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea)? In a healthy menstrual cycle, bleeding is heavier during the first day or two of the period. During this process the pain is generally mild.
However, in some situations the pain that occurs is severe enough to limit daily activities. These situations are called “dysmenorrhoea (painful/severe menstruation)”. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, offered very useful information about the gynaecological problems that cause dysmenorrhoea.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PAINFUL MENSTRUATION (DYSMENORRHOEA)?
The menstrual cycle begins with the first day of vaginal bleeding. During the bleeding the uterus contracts strongly and this causes pain.
The increased prostaglandin level in the uterus makes the uterus contract more strongly. When the pain that occurs is in the lower part of the abdomen and cramping in nature, accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, this is a sign of painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea).
THERE ARE MANY FACTORS
Many factors can cause dysmenorrhoea. Most of them are conditions inside the uterus. Conditions such as endometriosis, which arises when the inner layer of the uterus settles outside the uterus, fibroids occurring in the uterine walls, adenomyosis, seen when the inner tissue of the uterus spreads into the muscle layer, and pelvic inflammatory disease, which occurs when the reproductive organs become infected, are among the main causes of dysmenorrhoea.
In addition, the use of an intrauterine device as a method of contraception, adhesions occurring in the reproductive organs, ovarian cysts and premenstrual syndrome can cause dysmenorrhoea. All of these are accepted as secondary dysmenorrhoea. Because at this point dysmenorrhoea arises in connection with a condition.
TREATMENT OF DYSMENORRHOEA
Dysmenorrhoea is divided into two as “primary” and “secondary”. The pain that occurs with the natural secretion of prostaglandin is called primary, and the pain that arises in connection with a condition is called “secondary”.
The treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea is generally aimed at removing the pain or bringing it under control. At this point various muscle relaxants or painkillers are preferred. In more severe situations, hormone treatment helps to bring the pain under control. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (painkillers) are used to suppress the production of prostaglandin in the uterus.
The treatment of secondary dysmenorrhoea, on the other hand, is aimed at eliminating the condition that causes the dysmenorrhoea. When the condition causing the pain is eliminated, the dysmenorrhoea also disappears.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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