Types of Period Pain (Dysmenorrhea): What are Different Type of Menstrual Cramps?
Do you keep a hot water bag handy as your 'that time of the month' begins? If so, you must be accustomed to period pain. It's quite normal and common to experience this type of pain during your menstrual cycle. Scientifically referred to as dysmenorrhea, this period pain is a sign that your body has started its healthy menstrual cycle.
However, sometimes you might experience mild to severe period pain which would feel like sharp stabs. As there are different types of period pain experienced by different women, ways on how to deal with period pain also vary. Thus, to know more about painful periods, we've enlisted each type of period pain in detail along with what causes period pain and how you can deal with painful periods easily.
What Is Period Pain?
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is discomfort caused before or during your menstrual cycle.
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is discomfort caused before or during your menstrual cycle. In this condition, your body experiences pain in the lower abdomen or even in the back, hips or legs.
Sometimes, there are a few additional dysmenorrhea symptoms that can come along the way which includes:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- Constipation
What Causes Period Pain?
As per researchers, period pain is caused due to a chemical called prostaglandin. It's a hormone-like substance that triggers the uterus to contract. During periods, when your body releases this substance, there are multiple contractions that take place in your uterus. The stronger the action, the severe is the pain. This pauses the oxygen supply to the muscle tissue, thereby causing pain or cramps in your body. If you are wondering how period pain feels like, it ranges from a mild poke, dull ache to sharp stabs in your abdomen region.
Different Types Of Period Pain: Primary Vs Secondary
There are two types of period pain which includes primary and secondary. Here's what each entails:
Primary Period Pain
Primary period pain is a result of menstrual cycle alone and it isn't linked to any other condition.
Primary period pain is a result of menstrual cycle alone and it isn't linked to any other condition. It is a common type of period pain which follows a pattern. It starts just before your period and stays for 12-72 hours. This means the first two to three days of your menstrual cycle are likely to be filled with glimpses of this kind of period pain.
Where does it occur: You would experience this period pain in your lower abdomen, back and hips
Factors that contribute to this condition:
- Excessive weight gain or weight loss
- Early periods
- Stress
- Smoking
- Anxiety
- A family history of painful periods
Secondary Period Pain
Secondary period pain or secondary dysmenorrhea is a result of a disorder caused in the women's reproductive organs. This type of pain starts before your cycle and lasts longer than primary period pain.
Here are a few conditions that can cause severe secondary pain from periods:
1. Uterine growths
2. Endometriosis
3. Adenomyosis
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
5. Fibroids
6. Cervical stenosis
How To Identify Which Type Of Period Pain You Have?
Primary period pain is relatively quite common and experienced by many women. However, given that secondary period pain is much more painful and has serious health conditions linked to it, you shouldn't neglect it.
Here are a few signs that will help you understand how to identify the severity of your period pain:
1. Instead in the middle, the period pain is experienced in the right or the left side of the pelvis region.
2. If your period pain lasts longer than 72 hours
3. If you experience pain while urinating
4. If your pain cannot be tackled with over the counter medications
5. If it pains during intercourse
6. If the pain hinders your day-to-day activities
If, you witness any or all of these symptoms, you are experiencing secondary period pain and should seek medical help. Besides this, as soon as you experience unusual menstrual cramps which are sharp and occur for a longer period of time, you should contact your doctor immediately.
How To Deal With Period Pain?
If you are not dealing with severe or unbearable period pain, then the following types of period pains home reliefs can work for you:
- Heating pad
- Taking a warm bath
- Massaging your lower abdomen
- Eating nutritious food
- Stretch your body
On the other hand, if you are experiencing secondary period pains, understanding the root cause and treating it is the most viable option.
How To Prevent Period Pain?
Here are a few ways in which you can prevent period pain:
- Avoid foods that contain caffeine
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Reduce stress
- Manage underlying health conditions
- Getting enough sleep
- Keeping a balanced diet
- Being active
How To Prepare For Periods?
Painful or not, being prepared for that time of the month is quite essential. Remember to use good quality sanitary pads or tampons and keep changing them every 3-4 hours to keep up your hygiene factor. Try out the Always Sanitary Pads that offer the best period protection. Enjoy the real cottony softness in the Always Cotton Soft Pads that have flexi-channels for easy movement. Likewise, this pad has unique flexi wings that keep your pad in place.
For tampons lovers, Always TAMPAX Cardboard Tampons has got you covered. Its quick absorption channels and the cardboard applicator promises you leak-free periods! This facet is double-checked by an anti-leak skirt.
On days when you aren't menstruating, using panty liner can keep your intimate hygienic factor in check!
The Long-Short
The reality is, dealing with period pain or dysmenorrhea can seem a little tiring. Even though home care can treat mild period pains, severe ones always require medical attention. So, in case you are dealing with secondary period pain, detecting the underlying condition and getting the right treatment should be your next steps.
Read more about period symptoms and causes of irregular periods.
FAQs
1. What causes period pains?
Period pain is caused due to excessive production of prostaglandins which causes your uterus to contract during periods.2. How to deal with period pain?
Here are a few ways to deal with period pain:- Place a heating pad over affected area
- Massage your lower abdomen
- Eat nutritious food
- Exercise and stretch your body
3. What does period pain feel like?
Period pain either feels like a dull ache or a sharp twinge, depending on your flow.Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.