Dysmenorrhea Consultation Specialist

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual pain. The pain may be mild and last a few days or be severe and last several days.

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to the pain that occurs before your period. This pain develops from the release of prostaglandin, which is a chemical produced by your uterus that causes the muscles and blood vessels in the uterus to contract. 

Prostaglandin levels are highest during the first day of your period and then decrease. That’s why many women experience the most pain during the first day or two of their period. 

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea is a type of pain that develops from a problem related to your reproductive organs. This type of pain worsens over time and lasts longer than primary dysmenorrhea. 

Gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may cause this type of dysmenorrhea. 

When should I schedule a dysmenorrhea consultation?

You should schedule a dysmenorrhea consultation at Comprehensive OB/GYN Healthcare, PC, if your period pain is severe and disrupts your daily life. You should also schedule a consultation if your pain lasts longer than your period or you suspect your dysmenorrhea may be due to an underlying gynecological condition.

What can I expect during a dysmenorrhea consultation?

You can expect a comprehensive, patient-focused exam when you come in for a dysmenorrhea consultation at Comprehensive OB/GYN Healthcare, PC. 

Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and your menstrual cycle. They also review your gynecological, medical, and family history and perform a physical and pelvic exam. 

The Comprehensive OB/GYN Healthcare, PC, team may also run an ultrasound test, which they do on-site, to evaluate your reproductive organs to confirm or rule out an underlying gynecological condition. 

What happens after my dysmenorrhea consultation?

After your dysmenorrhea consultation, your provider spends time talking to you about your pain, the underlying cause, and your treatment options. 

Taking a holistic approach to health, the team talks to you about lifestyle changes you can make that might ease your painful periods, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and finding healthy outlets to manage stress. 

They may also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescribe hormonal birth control, such as the birth control pill or hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), to ease pain. 

When lifestyle changes and medical interventions fail to provide significant relief from your pain, the team may talk to you about your surgical options.

If your period pain disrupts your life every month, call Comprehensive OB/GYN Healthcare, PC, or schedule a dysmenorrhea consultation online today.