What is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea is a term used to describe the complaint of painful cramps that generally occur during menstruation.
Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common menstrual-related problems complained of.
Women who experience primary dysmenorrhea have abnormal uterine contractions.
This is due to a chemical imbalance in the body. For example, the chemical prostaglandin that controls uterine contractions.
Meanwhile, secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by other medical conditions, one of which is endometriosis.
This condition occurs because endometrial tissue is implanted outside the uterus. Endometriosis can cause internal bleeding, infection, and pelvic pain.
Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea
Actually, the symptoms of dysmenorrhea can vary from woman to woman. However, in general, the most typical signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea are:
- Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen that can spread to the lower back and inner thighs.
- Menstrual pain occurs 1–2 days before menstruation or at the beginning of menstruation.
- The pain feels intense or constant.
For some women, they also experience several other symptoms that appear together before or when the menstrual cycle comes.
The following are other accompanying symptoms that women often complain about during menstruation:
Causes of Dysmenorrhea
There are two types of dysmenorrhea, including:
1. Primary Dysmenorrhea
This condition is not caused by a problem with the reproductive organs. It is usually caused by an increase in the hormone prostaglandin, which is produced in the lining of the uterus.
Increased prostaglandins trigger contractions of the uterus.
Naturally, the uterus tends to have stronger contractions during menstruation. These uterine contractions can cause pain.
In addition, uterine contractions that are too strong can press on the surrounding blood vessels and cause a lack of blood flow to the muscle tissue of the uterus.
If this muscle tissue experiences a lack of oxygen due to a lack of blood supply, pain can arise.
2. Secondary Dysmenorrhea
This condition is caused by pathology in the reproductive organs.
Various conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea complaints, namely:
- Endometriosis.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Cysts or tumors on the ovaries.
- Use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).
- Transverse vaginal septum.
- Pelvic congestion syndrome.
- Allen-Masters syndrome.
- Stenosis or blockage of the cervix.
- Adenomyosis.
- Fibroids.
- Uterine polyps.
- Adhesions on the inside of the uterus.
- Congenital malformations (bicornuate uterus, subseptate uterus, etc.).
Risk Factors for Dysmenorrhea
There are many things that can increase the risk of experiencing menstrual pain, including:
- Under 30 years of age.
- Never given birth.
- Having a history of menstrual pain in the family.
- A smoker.
- Puberty begins at age 11 or below (precocious puberty).
- Experiencing heavy or abnormal bleeding during menstruation.
- Experiencing irregular menstrual bleeding.
Diagnosis of Dysmenorrhea
To diagnose dysmenorrhea, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and perform a complete physical and pelvic exam.
The test may be:
- USG (Ultrasonography ). This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . This test uses a large magnet, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures inside the body.
- Laparoscopy. This minor procedure uses a laparoscope, a thin, lighted tube with a lens. The instrument is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to look into the pelvic and abdominal areas, the doctor can detect abnormal growths.
- Hysteroscopy. This is a visual examination of the cervical canal and the inside of the uterus. The examination uses a viewing instrument (hysteroscope) that is inserted through the vagina.
Dysmenorrhea Treatment
In primary dysmenorrhea, pain complaints often improve with the administration of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) painkillers.
For example, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, and others.
In addition, hormonal therapy can also be given, for example with hormonal contraception (for example, birth control pills).
To relieve menstrual cramps, one also needs to:
- Get enough rest.
- Avoid foods containing caffeine and salt.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Massage the lower back and abdomen.
Treatment for secondary dysmenorrhea is tailored to the disease-causing this complaint.
Therefore, it is important that the cause of secondary dysmenorrhea be evaluated.
Other natural methods that can be done to relieve pain from dysmenorrhea are:
- Yoga.
- Massage.
- Acupuncture or acupressure.
- Relaxation or breathing exercises.
Prevention of Dysmenorrhea
Women also need to exercise regularly to reduce menstrual pain. To help prevent cramps, do exercise regularly every week.
