Menstruation is a physiological process characterised by cyclical/monthly shedding of the lining of the Womb.This is a physiological sign of sexual maturity and it's absolutely necessary for natural conception.



However this may sometimes come with pain which is called Menstrual pain or Menstrual cramp or Dysmenorrhea.The pain is usually located in the lower parts of the abdomen or the pelvic region

This pain ranges from mild to moderate or even severe pain, leaving several women dreading the arrival of their menstrual periods.



Now let us go through common questions and misconceptions people have about menstrual pain...

s It Natural to experience Menstrual pain?

Most women experience certain degree of abdominal discomfort during their periods.This usually coincides with the onset of Menses and usually last for 3 days.However some women experience no pains at all.



Is it True That Regular Sex Reduces Menstrual Pain?

I heard this superstition while growing up.This is usually peddled by teenage boys trying to convince their girlfriends go give up their virginity.However, there is no scientific evidence for this, so this is not true.If at all regular unprotected sex could increase the risk of infection and this could worsen menstrual pain.



Does Conception/Childbirth Reduce Menstrual pain?

In women that  experience moderate to severe menstrual pain, child-birth has been found to significantly reduce the severity of the pain.Although, it does not have effect in some individuals.
Who is Likely To Have Menstrual Pain?

People with the following risk factors have been found to experience pain

First period at an early age(Less than 11 years)
Overweight or Obese
Heavy Menses
Use of Cigarette
Use of Alcohol


What are the Preventable/Treatable Causes of Menstrual Pain?

The causes of Menstrual pain could be primary(unknown) or secondary(known).Common causes of Menstrual pain is

Pelvic Inflammatory disease - Infection in the upper genital tract
Intrauterine contraceptive devices
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Ovarian Cyst


What are the Other Symptoms Associated With Menstrual Cramp?

This typically presents with Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain.Other associated symptoms may be;

Nausea/Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headaches
Irritability
Weakness
Faintness/fainting spell

At what point does Menstrual pain require Treatment?

Not all forms of menstrual pain requires or are amenable to treatment.However, it must be treated in the following conditions

If  associated with Painful sexual intercourse
Infertility
Moderate to Severe pain affecting normal daily activities
Recurrent Vaginal discharge or evidence of genital infections
History of Pelvic infections


Are there definitive Treatments?

As earlier stated, this depends largely on the causes.If the cause could be identified, it could definitively treated.This is always the case of secondary.

However, in primary menstrual pain the focus of treatment is pain control.
What are the Medications for Menstrual pains?

The mainstay of pain control are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which has a dual effect of reducing the production of Prostaglandins that produce the pain in the womb as well as their analgesics properties it furnishes.

Hormonal contraceptive pills have also been found to be effective in reducing pain as well.



Are There Home Remedies For Menstrual Pains?

A heating pad to the pelvic area
Massage to the back and lower abdomen
Regular, especially prior to the start of a period
Thiamine (100 mg daily)
Low-fat Vegetarian diet
Calcium (1,200 mg daily)


Source:https://afonjaman.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-menstrual-pain/